Here’s a bold statement: John Candy wasn’t just a comedy legend—he was, according to Colin Hanks, the nicest guy in Hollywood. But here’s where it gets controversial: Could it be that Candy’s unparalleled kindness was rooted in his own awareness of life’s fragility? Let’s dive in.
In the heartfelt documentary John Candy: I Like Me, now streaming on Prime Video, director Colin Hanks paints a vivid portrait of a man whose humor and humanity left an indelible mark on everyone he met. The film opens with a powerful excerpt from Candy’s 1994 funeral, where Saturday Night Live alum Dan Aykroyd delivers a eulogy that captures the essence of Candy’s spirit. “This is no meager life we reflect on today,” Aykroyd says. “He was a grand man—a titan of gentleness, a golden soul.” And this is the part most people miss: Candy’s ability to infuse even the most absurd, slapstick roles with genuine emotion is what made him an icon.
From his memorable turns in Stripes, The Blues Brothers, and National Lampoon’s Vacation to his leading roles in John Hughes classics like Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Uncle Buck, Candy’s unique blend of humor and heart stole the show. Hanks assembles an all-star cast of Candy’s colleagues for the documentary, including Steve Martin, Bill Murray, and comedy legends from Toronto’s Second City theater like Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, and Martin Short. Each shares stories that highlight Candy’s authenticity and warmth.
In an interview with Morning Edition host A Martínez, Hanks reflects on what made Candy so special: “There was always something human behind his performances, even in the most absurd moments. That’s why we still talk about him today.” But here’s a thought-provoking question: Did Candy’s kindness stem from his own mortality? Born in Ontario, Canada, in 1950, Candy lost his father at just five years old. Hanks suggests that this early trauma shaped Candy’s coping mechanisms—eating, drinking, smoking—but also his desire to entertain and seek approval. “He was under the impression he was living on borrowed time,” Hanks notes, adding a layer of poignancy to Candy’s story.
One of the most touching anecdotes comes from Macaulay Culkin, who co-starred with Candy in Uncle Buck at just eight years old. At a time when Culkin’s own father was overbearing and difficult, Candy stepped in as a paternal figure, offering support and checking in on Culkin’s well-being. “That’s the kind of man he was,” Culkin recalls. Colin Hanks echoes this sentiment, sharing how Candy made him feel important and heard as a child on the set of Splash. “People call my dad the nicest guy in Hollywood,” Hanks quips, “but they clearly never met John Candy.”
John Candy: I Like Me is more than a documentary—it’s a celebration of a man whose legacy extends far beyond his on-screen roles. Here’s a question for you: Do you think Candy’s kindness was a response to his own struggles, or was it simply who he was? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going. (Note: Amazon, the distributor of this documentary, is a financial supporter of NPR.)
