John Candy’s Son Reveals His Father’s Thoughts on New Documentary
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/john-candy-people-cover-022724-4-2b41ff9a331d4d3dbf1aaf8d8e3e54cb.jpg)
John Candy’s son, Chris, recently shared insights about the new documentary centred around his late father. The exclusive interview with PEOPLE took place on October 2 during a special screening of “John Candy: I Like Me” at the Montalban Theater in Los Angeles. Chris delved into his beliefs on how his father, the renowned actor and comedian who tragically passed away from a heart attack in 1994 at just 43 years old, would have perceived the film.
Expressing his thoughts, Chris revealed, “I think he would be uncomfortable, but this is a guy that didn’t like to go to his own movie premieres.” He continued, “I would hope though, the John Candy of 2025, he would’ve worked on himself enough to be okay with himself, and then I know that he did love himself, but yeah, I think in that early phase, he probably would’ve felt a bit uncomfortable about the whole thing nowadays.”
The documentary, set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on October 10, intricately weaves together archival footage of John Candy with interviews from Hollywood heavyweights such as Tom Hanks, Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Martin Short, Mel Brooks, Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, and Dan Aykroyd. Produced by Ryan Reynolds, the film first debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 4.
Providing an intimate look into Candy’s upbringing in Toronto, his early screen roles, and his ascendancy to stardom with prominent 1980s films like “Stripes,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983), “Spaceballs” (1987), and “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987) – the latter serving as the documentary’s title – the film promises to offer viewers a poignant portrayal of the beloved entertainer.
In a reflective moment, Chris shared that he uncovered new facets of his father’s personality while participating in the documentary. He confessed, “I think the thing that stood out the most to me was the influence that his comedy had on comedians that I grew up [watching].” Chris further elaborated, “I loved Conan O’Brien, Mr. Show with Bob and David, Kids in the Hall. To hear Conan O’Brien talk about how he was such a direct influence, my dad onto him, and then for me to be such a fan of his – to kind of see the connective tissue that my dad had within the realm of comedy was really an overwhelming feeling.”
The documentary not only emphasised John Candy’s professional legacy but also shed light on the enduring personal impact he has had on his family. Chris remarked, “It was great to see the connective tissue between the two of us, and it was also really great to, I guess, see… what I’ve noticed is he’s been gone for 31 years, and there’s so much of him that I relate to.”
Chris conveyed his desire for audiences to experience a similar connection with his father, stating, “I really hope that people relate to him as, I’ve heard this many times, ‘He was my TV uncle. He was there for me,’ and he kind of had people’s backs and saw people.” He also expressed his hope that viewers grappling with anxiety or similar issues would find solace in watching his father’s story unfold, promoting openness and the importance of seeking help.
As “John Candy: I Like Me” unveils on Prime Video on October 10, audiences are poised to embark on a heartfelt journey through the life and legacy of a comedic icon. The documentary offers a unique glimpse into John Candy’s world, showcasing his impact on both the entertainment industry and his loved ones.
By honouring his memory and celebrating his contributions, the film serves as a poignant tribute to one of comedy’s most beloved figures, ensuring that John Candy’s spirit endures for generations to come.