Interview: Comedian John Candy’s Daughter on New Documentary About Her Father’s Legacy
Many of John Candy’s most beloved characters carry a warmth that makes viewers feel as though he’s like their own father. His daughter believes,
“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 moment with John Candy. Whether it’s in Spaceballs, Stripes, or Uncle Buck, Candy’s charisma, humor, and heart consistently stole the spotlight.
As a child, I recall watching Home Alone (1990) and laughing uncontrollably at Candy’s character, Gus Polinski, who talks about leaving his son in a funeral parlor in a desperate attempt to connect with Kate McCallister (Catherine O’Hara). Though his screen time is brief, he shines amid the film’s Christmas chaos.
Favorite Role: Del Griffith in “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles”
My favorite role of Candy’s is Del Griffith in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987). His performance stands out as unmatched; he blends hilarious jokes with genuine vulnerability and tenderness. Opposite Steve Martin’s rigid and irritable Neal Page, Candy perfectly captures what Martin calls in the documentary,
“annoying better than anyone.”Yet, Del remains an endearing character by the film’s end.
About the Documentary
The film John Candy: I Like Me, directed by Colin Hanks, explores Candy’s childhood, his career in acting, and his battles with mental health.
Author’s summary: This documentary reveals the heartfelt legacy of John Candy, showing his complex personality through family insights and memorable roles that continue to resonate.