John Candy

John Franklin Candy(October 31, 1950 – March 4, 1994)was a Canadian actor and comedian who is best known for his work inHollywoodfilms. Candy first rose to national prominence in the 1970s as a member of theTorontobranch ofthe Second Cityand itsSCTV sketch comedy series. He rose to international fame in the 1980s with his roles in comedy films such asStripes(1981),Splash(1984),Brewster's Millions(1985),Armed and Dangerous(1986),Spaceballs(1987),Planes, Trains and Automobiles(1987),The Great Outdoors(1988),Uncle Buck(1989), andCool Runnings(1993). He also appeared in supporting roles inThe Blues Brothers(1980),National Lampoon's Vacation(1983),Little Shop of Horrors(1986),Home Alone(1990),JFK(1991), andNothing but Trouble(1991).
In addition to his work as an actor, Candy was a co-owner of theToronto Argonautsof theCanadian Football League(CFL), and the team won the1991 Grey Cupunder his ownership. He died in 1994 at the age of 43. His final two film appearances,Wagons East(1994) andCanadian Bacon(1995), are dedicated to his memory.
John Franklin Candy was born on October 31, 1950, in Newmarket, and grew up in Toronto, Ontario.He was brought up in aworking-classCatholic family.His childhood home was at 217 Woodville Avenue inEast York, Ontario.According to the 1921 Canadian census records Candy's father Sidney James (1920–1955) was born to English parents who immigrated to Canada in 1913.John Candy's mother, Evangeline Valeria (néeAker; 1916–2009) was ofPolishdescent.His father died of complications of heart disease at age 35 in 1955 when John was four years old.
Candy attendedNeil McNeil Catholic High Schoolwhere he was the treasurer of the student council and was a staroffensive tackleon the school'sfootballteam and participated in drama club. Long before considering acting, Candy dreamed of becoming a professional football player, but a knee injury during his high school football career prevented him from fulfilling his dream.He later enrolled inCentennial Collegeto study journalism, and then went toMcMaster University.He started acting while at college.
In 1971, Candy was cast in a small part as aShrinerinCreepsby David E. Freeman, a new Canadian play aboutcerebral palsy, in the inaugural season of theTarragon Theatrein Toronto.Candy guest-starred on a Canadian children's television series,Cucumber, and made a brief, uncredited appearance inClass of '44(1973) as his first ever appearance in a feature film. He had a small part inThe ABC Afternoon Playbreak("Last Bride of Salem") and had a regular role on the TV seriesDr. Zonk and the Zunkins(1974–75).
Candy became a member of Toronto's branch ofThe Second Cityin 1972.He gained wideNorth Americanpopularity when he became a cast member on the influentialEdmontonand later Toronto-based comedy-variety showSecond City Television(SCTV).NBCpicked the show up in 1981 and quickly became a fan favorite. It wonEmmy Awardsfor the show's writing in 1981 and 1982.Among Candy'sSCTVcharacters were unscrupulous street-beat TV personality Johnny LaRue, 3-D horrorauteurDoctor Tongue,sycophanticand easily amused talk-show sidekick William B. Williams, and Melonville's corrupt Mayor Tommy Shanks.
In 1975 he played Richie, an accused killer, in the episode "Web of Guilt" on theCanadianTV showPolice Surgeon.He was inIt Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time(1975), shot in Canada, as well as the children's sitcomComing Up Rosie(1975–78) withDan Aykroyd. Candy had a small role inTunnel Vision(1976).
During the series' run he appeared in films such asThe Clown Murders(1976) and had a lead in a low-budget comedy,Find the Lady(1976) (both co-starring fellow Canadian actorLawrence Dane). In 1976, Candy played a supporting role (withRick Moranis) onPeter Gzowski's short-lived late-night television talk show90 Minutes Live. In 1978, Candy had a small role as a bank employee (withChristopher PlummerandElliott Gould) in the Canadian thrillerThe Silent Partner. He guest starred on such shows asThe David Steinberg ShowandKing of Kensington.
In 1979, Candy took a briefhiatusfromSCTVand began a more active film career, appearing in a minor role inLost and Found(1979) and playing aU.S. Armysoldier inSteven Spielberg's big-budget comedy1941. He returned toCanadafor roles inThe Courage of Kavik, the Wolf Dog(1980) and the action thrillerDouble Negative(1980). He had a supporting role as easygoing parole officer Burton Mercer inThe Blues Brothers(1980), starring Aykroyd, and did an episode ofTales of the Klondike(1981) for Canadian TV.
In 1980, Candy hosted a short-lived NBC television program,Roadshow, described by The Washington Post as "improvisational journalism".Appearing as himself, Candy and a video crew traveled in a tour bus toBaton Rouge, Louisiana(home ofLouisiana State University), andCarbondale, Illinois(home ofSouthern Illinois University Carbondale), and interviewed college students amid party atmospheres such as the latter's Halloween street celebration.He also obtained backstage access to interview Midge Ure, the lead singer of theUKelectronic bandUltravox, which performed a concert on the SIU campus the evening of 10/31/80. It is unknown if more than two episodes aired.
Candy played the lovable, mild-mannered Army recruit Dewey Oxberger inStripes(1981), directed by CanadianIvan Reitman, which was one of the most successful films of the year. He provided voices for multiple characters in the animated filmHeavy Metal(1981), most notably as the title character in the "Den" segment, which was well-received,including by the character's creator,Richard Corben, who singled out Candy's humorously lighthearted interpretation of the title character as excellent.
From 1981 to 1983, Candy appeared inSCTV Networkon television. He made a cameo appearance inHarold Ramis'National Lampoon's Vacation(1983), his first collaboration withJohn Hughes, who wrote the script. Candy appeared onSaturday Night Livetwice (hosting in 1983) while still appearing onSCTV. According to writer-comedianBob Odenkirk, Candy was reputedly the "most-burned potential host" ofSNL, in that he was asked to host many times, only for plans to be changed by theSNLstaff at the last minute.Candy headlined in the Canadian filmGoing Berserk(1983). He was approached to play the character of accountant Louis Tully inGhostbusters(1984), starring Aykroyd and directed by Reitman, but ultimately did not get the role because of his conflicting ideas of how to play the character; the part went instead to SCTV colleagueRick Moranis, whose ideas were better received. However, Candy did make a contribution to the franchise, as one of the many people chanting "Ghostbusters" in the video forRay Parker Jr.'s hitsinglefor the film.
Candy playedTom Hanks's womanizing brother in the hit romantic comedySplash, generally considered his break-out role.After the success of the film, he had signed a three-picture development and producing deal withWalt Disney Pictures, and he would develop and executive produce various theatricals as planned starring vehicles for himself.
Candy went back to Canada to star inThe Last Polka(1985), which he also wrote with co-starEugene Levy. He wasRichard Pryor's best friend inBrewster's Millions(1985) and had a cameo in theSesame StreetfilmFollow That Bird(1985). Candy's first lead role in a Hollywood film came withSummer Rental(1985), directed byCarl Reiner.He was reunited with Hanks inVolunteers(1985), though the film did not do as well asSplash. He had a cameo inThe Canadian Conspiracy(1985) and appeared alongside Martin Short inDave Thomas: The Incredible Time Travels of Henry Osgood(1985) in Canada. Candy's next starring role in a Hollywood film was the box office disappointmentArmed and Dangerous(1986) with Levy andMeg Ryan.He had a cameo inLittle Shop of Horrors(1986) and appeared inReally Weird Tales(1987). He also had a supporting role inMel Brooks'sSpaceballs(1987).
In 1987, Candy co-starred inPlanes, Trains & AutomobileswithSteve Martin, written and directed byJohn Hughes. The film had positive reviews.The film grossed $49,530,280 at the US box office.He appeared in a cameo role inHughes'sShe's Having a Baby(1988) and then starred in a film written by Hughes,The Great Outdoors(1988) which co-starred Aykroyd.
Candy provided the voice for Don the Horse inHot to Trot(1988) and starred in a flop comedy, considered by some to be a cult classic,Who's Harry Crumb?(1989), which he also produced. He was also in the box office flopSpeed ZoneakaCannonball Fever(1989), however, he had another hit film with Hughes as writer and director inUncle Buck(1989). Candy also produced and starred in a Saturday-morning animated series on NBC titledCamp Candyin 1989. The show was set in a fictional summer camp run by Candy, featured his two children in supporting roles, and also spawned a brief comic book series published byMarvel Comics'Star Comicsimprint.During this time, he also made the television filmThe Rocket Boy(1989) in Canada.
Candy also provided the voice of Wilbur the Albatross in Disney's animated filmThe Rescuers Down Under(1990) and had a cameo in two more films written by Hughes, the blockbuster hit filmHome Alone(1990) and the box office flopCareer Opportunities(1991). According to Candy's biography, he was in talks to play Bette Midler's working-class husband in the 1990 filmStella. However, when he was informed that Midler demanded he do a screen test, Candy became incredulous proclaiming "Who the (expletive) does she think she is?!" and declined.John Goodmanwas eventually cast in the role. From 1988 to 1990, Candy hosted "Radio Kandy," ahot adult contemporaryradio music countdown syndicated byPremiere Networks.
In 1991,Chris Columbuswrote and directedOnly the Lonelywith John Hughes serving as co-producer, and starring Candy andMaureen O'Hara; it was well reviewed but not a big hit. Candy also had a supporting role inNothing But Trouble(1991), Dan Aykroyd's notorious box office flop. Also unsuccessful were the comediesDelirious(1991) andOnce Upon a Crime...(1992).  During this time, Candy played a small dramatic role asDean Andrews Jr., a shady Southern lawyer inOliver Stone'sJFK(1991), and had a cameo in the television filmBoris and Natasha: The Movie(1992). Candy starred in his first comedic hit in a number of years withCool Runnings(1993), a story of the firstJamaican national bobsleigh teamattempting to make it to the1988 Winter Olympics. He also had a cameo in the successfulRookie of the Year(1993). He made his directorial debut in the 1994 comedy television filmHostage for a Day. His last appearances were inWagons East(1994) andCanadian Bacon(1995).
Candy was in talks to portray Ignatius J. Reilly in a now-shelved film adaptation ofJohn Kennedy Toole'sPulitzer Prize–winning novelA Confederacy of Dunces.He had also expressed interest in portrayingAtukin a film adaptation ofMordecai Richler'sThe Incomparable AtukandRoscoe "Fatty" Arbucklein a biopic based on thesilent filmcomedian's life.These three shelved projects have been alleged as cursed because Candy,John Belushi,Sam Kinison, andChris Farleywere each attached to all three roles; they all died before they could make any of these films.Candy was originally considered to playAlec Guinness's role in theremakeof the 1950 filmLast Holiday, withCarl Reinerdirecting.Eventually the role was played byQueen Latifahin aloose remakereleased in 2006.Candy was also slated to collaborate with John Hughes again in a comedy oppositeSylvester Stallone, titledBartholomew vs. Neff. Candy and Stallone were to have portrayed feuding neighbors.In the animatedDisneyfilmPocahontas, the role of Redfeather the Turkey was written for him, but was subsequently cut from the film after his death.Stephen Kingreportedly wanted Candy to portray Billy Halleck in thefilm adaptationof his novelThinner.
Candy and his wife Rosemary Hobor had two children, Christopher Michael and Jennifer Anne.He was aRoman Catholic.
Candy was a longtime resident ofBrentwood, Los Angeles.
In 1991,Bruce McNall,Wayne Gretzky, and Candy became owners of theCanadian Football League'sToronto Argonauts.The celebrity ownership group attracted attention in Canada, and the team spent a significant amount of money, even signing some highly toutedNational Football Leagueprospects such as wide receiverRaghib Ismail. The Argonauts took home the1991 Grey Cup, beating Calgary 36–21 in the final.Only McNall's name was originally etched onto theGrey Cuptrophy as an owner of the team, but in 2007, Candy's and Gretzky's names were added as well.
Candy publicly shared his experiences of living with severeanxietyandpanic attacks.
Candy died in his sleep at the age of 43, on March 4, 1994, inDurango City, Mexico, while filmingWagons East; a spokeswoman said that Candy's cause of death was a heart attack.He tended tobinge eatin response to professional strugglesand weighed more than 275 pounds (125 kg) at some points in his life.Candy had a number ofrisk factors for heart attack, including strong family history (his father had died prematurely of a heart attack, although his children say he was unaware of his genetic risk),smoking a pack ofcigarettesa day,obesity,alcohol abuse, andcocaineuse.However, Candy was concerned about his weight. He once lost 100 pounds (45 kg) over a summer while preparing to filmPlanes, Trains and Automobiles. He frequently dieted and exercised with trainers because of his family history.
Candy's funeral was held atSt. Martin of Tours Catholic ChurchinLos Angeles. Candy was entombed in the mausoleum atHoly Cross CemeteryinCulver City. His crypt lies just above that of a fellow actor,Fred MacMurray. On March 18, 1994, a special memorial service for Candy, produced by his former improvisation troupe the Second City, was broadcast across Canada.
Wagons Eastwas completed using a stunt double and special effects and released five months after Candy's death. His final completed film wasCanadian Bacon, a satirical comedy byMichael Moorereleased a year after Candy's death. Candy played American sheriff Bud Boomer, who led an "invasion" of Canada. Candy recorded a voice for the TV filmThe Magic 7in the early 1990s. The film remained in production for years owing to animation difficulties and production delays, and it was eventually shelved.
Candy was posthumously inducted intoCanada's Walk of Famein 1998.In May 2006, Candy became one of the first four entertainers ever honored byCanada Postby being featured on a postage stamp.On October 31, 2020, Toronto MayorJohn Toryproclaimed "John Candy Day" in honor of what would have been John Candy's 70th birthday.
Blues Brothers 2000is dedicated to three people, including Candy, who played a supporting role in the originalBlues Brothers. A tribute to Candy was hosted byDan Aykroydat the2007 Grey Cupfestivities in Toronto in November 2007.
Experimental rockbandWeen's albumChocolate and Cheese, released in 1994, is "dedicated in loving memory to John Candy (1950–1994)". At the time lead singerGene Weenremarked, "There was so much going on about [thesuicideof]Kurt Cobain, and nobody mentioned John Candy at all. I have a special little spot in my heart for him."
After his death, the John Candy Visual Arts Studio atNeil McNeil Catholic High Schoolin Toronto was dedicated in his honour. Candy, one of the school's most famous alumni, said during one of his annual visits to the school, "My success is simply rooted in the values and discipline and respect for others that I was taught at Neil McNeil." It has been suggested, among others, that theCanadian Screen Awardsbe given the official nickname "The Candys," both in honour of the actor and because the name suggests Canada.