Summary
John Candy was a Canadian actor and comedian who was born on October 31, 1950, in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. He was known for his roles in several comedy films in the 1980s and early 1990s, including “Stripes,” “Splash,” “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” “Uncle Buck,” and “Cool Runnings.”
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Table of Contents
Candy began his career as a member of the Toronto branch of the Second City comedy troupe. He later joined the cast of the sketch comedy show “SCTV” and became known for his portrayals of various characters, including talk show host Johnny LaRue and the overbearing sports commentator Johnny LaRue.
In addition to his film and television work, Candy also provided the voice of Wilbur in the animated film “Charlotte’s Web” and played the lovable security guard Barf in the science-fiction comedy “Spaceballs.”
Candy’s life was cut short when he died of a heart attack on March 4, 1994, at the age of 43. He remains fondly remembered by fans and colleagues as a talented comedian who brought laughter and joy to audiences around the world.
Early life
John Candy was born on October 31, 1950, in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, to parents of Polish and Ukrainian descent. His father, Sidney James Candy, was a sales executive, and his mother, Evangeline (née Aker), was a homemaker. Candy grew up in a working-class family in East York, a suburb of Toronto.
As a child, Candy was known for his humor and ability to make people laugh. He attended Neil McNeil Catholic High School in Toronto, where he developed an interest in drama and comedy. After high school, Candy briefly attended Centennial College in Toronto, where he studied journalism. However, he dropped out after only one year to pursue a career in comedy.
Candy got his start performing with a local theater group in Toronto before joining the Second City comedy troupe in 1972. He quickly became one of the group’s most popular members, and his talent for improv and physical comedy helped him land a role on the popular sketch comedy show “SCTV” in 1976.
Career
John Candy had a prolific career in comedy, both in television and film. He was known for his likable and down-to-earth personality, as well as his ability to play a wide range of characters.
Candy got his start in show business as a member of the Second City comedy troupe in Toronto. From there, he went on to star in the sketch comedy show “SCTV,” where he played a number of popular characters, including talk show host Johnny LaRue and the boisterous sports commentator Johnny LaRue.
Candy’s film career began to take off in the early 1980s, with roles in movies such as “Stripes” and “Splash.” He quickly became known for his work in comedies, and went on to star in a number of hit films, including “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “Uncle Buck,” and “Cool Runnings.”
Candy was also a voice actor, lending his voice to a number of animated films, including “The Rescuers Down Under,” “Pocahontas,” and “Hercules.” In addition, he played the role of Barf in the science fiction comedy “Spaceballs,” a character that was widely popular with fans.
Candy was highly regarded by his peers, and was known for his generosity and kindness on and off set. He passed away in 1994 at the age of 43, leaving behind a legacy of beloved comedic performances.
Early career
John Candy’s early career was primarily focused on comedy and improvisation. After dropping out of Centennial College in Toronto, he began performing with a local theater group, and eventually joined the Second City comedy troupe in 1972.
While with Second City, Candy honed his improvisational skills and developed his talent for physical comedy. He quickly became a popular member of the group and was known for his likable personality and ability to connect with audiences.
In 1976, Candy was recruited to join the cast of “SCTV,” a sketch comedy show that aired in both Canada and the United States. On the show, he played a number of memorable characters, including the dim-witted SCTV station manager Johnny LaRue, and the flamboyant sports commentator Johnny LaRue.
Candy’s work on “SCTV” helped to establish him as a rising star in the comedy world. He quickly became known for his ability to play a wide range of characters and his talent for delivering laughs in a variety of comedic styles. By the early 1980s, he had begun to transition from television to film, and would go on to become one of the most beloved comedic actors of his generation.
Early Hollywood roles
John Candy’s early Hollywood roles began in the early 1980s, after he had already established himself as a successful comedian on television. One of his first major film roles was in the 1981 military comedy “Stripes,” in which he played the lovable recruit Dewey Oxberger.
Candy’s next big film role was in the 1984 romantic comedy “Splash,” in which he played the good-hearted, fast-talking brother of the main character, played by Tom Hanks. The film was a major success and helped to cement Candy’s status as a leading comedic actor.
Over the next several years, Candy appeared in a number of successful films, including “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983), “Brewster’s Millions” (1985), and “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987). He was often cast as the lovable and bumbling everyman, with a gift for physical comedy and a big heart.
Candy’s comedic talent was also put to good use in a number of voiceover roles. He provided the voice of the lovable albatross Wilbur in the animated film “Charlotte’s Web” (1973), and voiced the character of Flik in the Disney/Pixar film “A Bug’s Life” (1998).
Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Candy remained one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedic actors and continued to inspire laughter and affection among audiences around the world.
Rising fame
John Candy’s rising fame in the entertainment industry continued throughout the 1980s, as he appeared in a number of hit films and continued to hone his skills as a comedic actor.
One of Candy’s most successful films was the 1987 comedy “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” in which he starred opposite Steve Martin. The film was a critical and commercial success and helped to further establish Candy as a leading comedic actor.
In addition to his film work, Candy continued to make occasional appearances on television, including guest spots on shows like “The Simpsons” and “Saturday Night Live.” He also continued to lend his voice to animated films, including “The Rescuers Down Under” (1990) and “Cool Runnings” (1993).
As Candy’s fame grew, he became known for his warm and generous personality, as well as his dedication to his craft. He was widely respected by his peers in the entertainment industry and was known for his ability to improvise and ad-lib on set.
Tragically, Candy’s life and career were cut short when he passed away from a heart attack in 1994, at the age of 43. However, his legacy as one of the most beloved and talented comedic actors of his generation continues to live on through his films and performances.
Collaboration with John Hughes and beyond
John Candy had a close working relationship with the writer and director John Hughes, and appeared in a number of Hughes’ most popular films throughout the 1980s.
One of Candy’s most iconic roles was in the 1989 Hughes-directed film “Uncle Buck,” in which he played the titular character, a lovable and somewhat irresponsible uncle who comes to the aid of his sister-in-law and her family. The film was a critical and commercial success and helped to further cement Candy’s reputation as one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedic actors.
Candy also appeared in several other films directed by Hughes, including “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983) and “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987). In these films, Candy often played the affable and slightly hapless sidekick to more straight-laced lead actors, such as Chevy Chase and Steve Martin.
In addition to his work with Hughes, Candy appeared in a number of other successful films throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, including “Spaceballs” (1987), a spoof of the “Star Wars” franchise in which Candy played the character Barf, a half-man, half-dog.
Candy also continued to collaborate with other well-known directors, including Ron Howard, who cast him in the 1984 fantasy film “Splash,” and Oliver Stone, who cast him in a small role in the 1988 drama “The Accused.”
Throughout his career, Candy was known for his talent, generosity, and sense of humor, and remained one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedic actors until his untimely death in 1994.
Personal life
John Candy was known for his warmth, generosity, and sense of humor, both on and off the screen. He was married to Rosemary Margaret Hobor, whom he met while studying at Centennial College in Toronto. The couple married in 1979 and had two children together, a son named Christopher and a daughter named Jennifer.
Despite his success and fame, Candy remained deeply committed to his family and his Canadian roots, and often returned to Canada to visit his family and to work on film and television projects.
Candy was also known for his love of sports, particularly hockey, and was a dedicated fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He also participated in celebrity hockey games and other sports-related events throughout his career.
Sadly, Candy’s life was cut short when he passed away from a heart attack in 1994, at the age of 43. His death was a shock to his fans and colleagues, and he was widely mourned in both the United States and Canada. However, his legacy as one of the most talented and beloved comedic actors of his generation continues to live on through his films and performances.
Death
John Candy’s death was a shock to both his fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry. On March 4, 1994, Candy passed away from a heart attack while on location in Durango, Mexico, filming the Western comedy “Wagons East!”
Candy had been experiencing health problems prior to his death, including issues related to his weight and a family history of heart disease. However, his death still came as a surprise to those who knew him, and he was deeply mourned by his family, friends, and fans.
Following his death, there was an outpouring of tributes and memorials to Candy from across the entertainment industry. His friends and colleagues remembered him as a warm, generous, and talented performer who had a profound impact on the world of comedy.
Today, Candy’s legacy continues to live on through his films and performances, which are still beloved by audiences around the world. He is remembered as one of the most talented and influential comedic actors of his generation, and his work has had a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.
Legacy
John Candy left a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment and is remembered as one of the most beloved and talented comedic actors of his generation. His work had a profound impact on the world of comedy, and his warm and generous personality made him a beloved figure both on and off the screen.
Candy’s films and performances continue to be widely watched and celebrated today, and his influence can be seen in the work of countless actors and comedians who followed in his footsteps. He is remembered as a trailblazer and an inspiration, and his legacy has had a lasting impact on the entertainment industry as a whole.
In addition to his contributions to film and television, Candy was also known for his philanthropy and dedication to helping others. He was deeply committed to charitable causes and often donated his time and resources to support a wide range of organizations and initiatives.
Overall, John Candy’s legacy is one of kindness, generosity, and talent, and he remains a beloved figure in the world of entertainment and beyond. His impact on the world will be felt for generations to come, and his work will continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world for many years to come.
List of all John Candy Movies
John Candy was a popular Canadian actor and comedian who appeared in numerous movies during his career. Here is a list of some of his most well-known movies:
- 1941 (1979)
- The Blues Brothers (1980)
- Stripes (1981)
- National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
- Splash (1984)
- Brewster’s Millions (1985)
- Summer Rental (1985)
- Volunteers (1985)
- Armed and Dangerous (1986)
- Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
- Spaceballs (1987)
- Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
- The Great Outdoors (1988)
- Uncle Buck (1989)
- Who’s Harry Crumb? (1989)
- Home Alone (1990)
- Only the Lonely (1991)
- JFK (1991)
- Cool Runnings (1993)
- Rookie of the Year (1993)
- Wagons East! (1994)
- Canadian Bacon (1995)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Class of ’44 | Paule | Uncredited |
| 1975 | It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time | Kopek | |
| 1976 | Tunnel Vision | Cooper | |
| The Clown Murders | Ollie | ||
| Find the Lady | Kopek | ||
| 1978 | The Silent Partner | Simonsen | |
| 1979 | Lost and Found | Carpentier | |
| 1941 | Pvt. Foley | ||
| 1980 | |||
| Deadly Companion | John | ||
| The Blues Brothers | Parole Officer Burton Mercer | ||
| 1981 | Stripes | Dewey “Ox” Oxberger | |
| Heavy Metal | Den / Dan / Desk Sergeant / Robot | Voices | |
| 1982 | It Came from Hollywood | Himself | |
| 1983 | National Lampoon’s Vacation | Russ Lasky | |
| Going Berserk | John Bourgignon | ||
| 1984 | Splash | Freddie Bauer | |
| 1985 | Brewster’s Millions | Spike Nolan | |
| Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird | The Policeman | ||
| Summer Rental | Jack Chester | ||
| Volunteers | Tom Tuttle | ||
| 1986 | Armed and Dangerous | Frank Dooley | |
| Little Shop of Horrors | Wink Wilkinson | ||
| 1987 | Spaceballs | Barf | |
| Planes, Trains and Automobiles | Del Griffith | ||
| 1988 | She’s Having a Baby | Chet (from The Great Outdoors) | Uncredited |
| The Great Outdoors | Chester “Chet” Ripley | ||
| Hot to Trot | Don | Voice | |
| 1989 | Who’s Harry Crumb? | Harry Crumb | Also Executive Producer |
| Speed Zone | Charlie Cronan | ||
| Uncle Buck | Buck Russell | ||
| 1990 | Masters of Menace | Beer Truck Driver | |
| Home Alone | Gus Polinski – Polka King of the Midwest | ||
| The Rescuers Down Under | Wilbur | Voice | |
| 1991 | Nothing But Trouble | Deputy Dennis / Eldona | |
| Career Opportunities | C. D. Marsh | Uncredited | |
| Only the Lonely | Danny Muldoon | ||
| Delirious | Jack Gable | ||
| JFK | Dean Andrews Jr. | ||
| 1992 | Once Upon a Crime | Augie Morosco | |
| 1993 | Rookie of the Year | Cliff Murdoch (announcer) | Uncredited |
| Cool Runnings | Irving “Irv” Blitzer | ||
| 1994 | Wagons East | James Harlow | Released posthumously |
| 1995 | Canadian Bacon | Sheriff Bud Boomer | Filmed in 1993; released posthumously |
