Interview: Comedian John Candy’s Daughter on New Documentary
Many of John Candy’s most beloved characters radiate a warmth that feels like he could be your own father. His daughter reflects,
“I think he kind of was recreating the relationship that he might not have had with his dad, or he wished he would have had with his dad.”
Everyone has a favorite John Candy moment. Whether it's his roles in Spaceballs, Stripes, or Uncle Buck, Candy captivated audiences with his charisma, humor, and heart.
As a child, I remember watching Home Alone (1990) for the first time and laughing hysterically at Candy’s Gus Polinski, who humorously recounts leaving his son at a funeral parlor in an awkward attempt to connect with Kate McCallister (Catherine O’Hara). Though Candy’s screen time is brief, his character shines amid the film’s Christmas chaos.
My personal favorite is his role as Del Griffith in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987). His performance is unmatched; he delivers hilarious jokes while showing vulnerability and warmth. Playing opposite Steve Martin’s uptight Neal Page, Candy, as Martin notes in a new documentary,
“annoys better than anyone.”Yet, by the film’s end, Del is deeply lovable.
The documentary John Candy: I Like Me, directed by Colin Hanks, explores Candy’s childhood, his career, and his struggles with mental health.
Author’s Summary
John Candy’s legacy endures through his memorable characters and a heartfelt documentary revealing his complex life and enduring charm.