John Candy

{{Short description|Canadian actor and comedian (1950–1994)}} {{About|the Canadian actor|the World War I flying ace|John Candy (RAF officer)}} {{Use Canadian English|date=September 2016}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}} {{infobox person | name = John Candy | image = John Candy "SCTV Network" (1982 NBC press photo).jpg | caption = Candy in 1982 | birth_name = John Franklin Candy | birth_date = {{Birth date|1950|10|31}} | birth_place = Newmarket, Ontario, Canada | death_date = {{Death date and age|1994|3|4|1950|10|31}} | death_place = Durango, Mexico | burial_place = Holy Cross Cemetery | occupation = {{hlist|Actor|comedian}} | years_active = 1971–1994 | spouse = {{marriage|Rosemary Hobor|1979}} | children = 2 }}

'''John Franklin Candy''' (October 31, 1950 – March 4, 1994) was a Canadian actor and comedian best known for his work in Hollywood comedy films.

Candy first rose to prominence in Canada during the 1970s as a member of the Toronto branch of The Second City and its sketch comedy series ''Second City Television''. He achieved international fame in the 1980s with starring roles in comedy films such as ''Stripes'' (1981), ''Splash'' (1984), ''Brewster's Millions'' (1985), ''Summer Rental'' (1985), ''Armed and Dangerous'' (1986), ''Spaceballs'' (1987), ''Planes, Trains and Automobiles'' (1987), ''The Great Outdoors'' (1988), ''Uncle Buck'' (1989), ''Who's Harry Crumb?'' (1989), and ''Cool Runnings'' (1993).

Candy also had supporting roles in comedy films such as ''The Blues Brothers'' (1980), ''National Lampoon's Vacation'' (1983), ''Little Shop of Horrors'' (1986), ''Home Alone'' (1990), ''Nothing but Trouble'' (1991), and ''Rookie of the Year'' (1993). He co-owned the CFL's Toronto Argonauts, who won the 1991 Grey Cup under his ownership. Candy died of a heart attack in 1994 at age 43 while filming ''Wagons East'' (1994); it and the already completed ''Canadian Bacon'' (1995) were released posthumously and dedicated to his memory.

== Early life == John Franklin Candy was born in Newmarket, Ontario, on October 31, 1950, the son of Evangeline Valeria (née Aker; 1916–2009) and Sidney James Candy (1920–1955). His paternal grandparents were English immigrants who had moved to Canada in 1913,<ref>{{cite web|url= https://recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/Home/Search?DataSource=Genealogy%7CCensus&ApplicationCode=121~122~123~124~26~120~2~29~16~27~28~4~137~125~3~30~146&FirstName=Sidney&LastName=Candy&ProvinceCode=AB~BC~MB~NB~NT~NS~ON~PE~QC~SK~YT~LC~UC~CE~CW~TT&|title= Candy, Sidney Genealogy / Census|website= Government of Canada|date= November 25, 2016|access-date= 31 October 2023|archive-date= December 4, 2024|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20241204173311/https://recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/Home/Search?DataSource=Genealogy%7CCensus&ApplicationCode=121~122~123~124~26~120~2~29~16~27~28~4~137~125~3~30~146&FirstName=Sidney&LastName=Candy&ProvinceCode=AB~BC~MB~NB~NT~NS~ON~PE~QC~SK~YT~LC~UC~CE~CW~TT&|url-status= live}}</ref> while his mother had Polish and Ukrainian ancestry.{{r|Knelman|p=19}} Candy was raised in a working-class Catholic family<ref>{{cite news |title=John Candy: The legacy of a cinematic legend |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/john-candy-legacy-cinema-legend/ |access-date=December 23, 2021 |work=Far Out magazine |archive-date=December 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224053157/https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/john-candy-legacy-cinema-legend/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in Toronto,<ref>{{cite web |title=John Candy |url=https://www.biography.com/actor/john-candy |website=Biography |date=May 7, 2021 |access-date=April 2, 2022 |language=en-us}}</ref> where his childhood home was at 217 Woodville Avenue.<ref>{{cite magazine| first=Karen S.| last=Schneider| url=http://people.com/archive/cover-story-exit-laughing-vol-41-no-10/| title=Exit Laughing| magazine=People| date=March 21, 1994| access-date=September 22, 2017}}</ref> On October 31, 1955{{emdash}}Candy's fifth birthday{{emdash}}his father died from complications of heart disease at age 35.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Tragic Death of John Candy's Father|url=https://www.grunge.com/413417/the-tragic-death-of-john-candys-father/|access-date=November 9, 2022 |work=Grunge magazine}}</ref>

Candy attended Neil McNeil Catholic High School, where he was the treasurer of the student council, a star offensive tackle on the football team, and a member of the drama club. Before considering acting, Candy dreamed of becoming a professional football player, which he was forced to abandon after a career ending knee injury in high school.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Sport John Candy Tried to Play Professionally|url=https://www.grunge.com/288460/the-sport-john-candy-tried-to-play-professionally/|access-date=December 21, 2022|website=www.Grunge.com|date=December 3, 2020|archive-date=December 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221173604/https://www.grunge.com/288460/the-sport-john-candy-tried-to-play-professionally/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Knelman |first1=Martin |title=Laughing on the Outside |date=2014 |publisher=St. Martin's Publishing Group |isbn=9781466878433}}</ref> During this time, Candy also worked as a sales associate in Toronto's flagship department store Eaton's. He later studied journalism at Centennial College before joining McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.<ref>{{Cite web|title=50 things you didn't know about Centennial College, Part 1|url=https://www.centennialcollege.ca/centennial-college-blog/2016/october/05/50-things-you-didnt-know-about-centennial-college-part-1/|access-date=February 1, 2022|website=www.centennialcollege.ca|archive-date=February 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202053547/https://www.centennialcollege.ca/centennial-college-blog/2016/october/05/50-things-you-didnt-know-about-centennial-college-part-1/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=July 24, 2021|title=You've just gotta laugh at these McMaster grads|language=en|work=The Hamilton Spectator|url=https://www.thespec.com/life/local-history/spec175/2021/07/24/youve-just-gotta-laugh-at-these-mcmaster-grads.html|access-date=February 1, 2022|issn=1189-9417}}</ref> Candy started acting while in college.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}

==Career== ===1971–1978: Early career and ''SCTV'' === In 1971, Candy was cast in a small part as a Shriner in ''Creeps'' by David E. Freeman, a new Canadian play about cerebral palsy, in the inaugural season of the Tarragon Theatre in Toronto.{{r|Knelman|p=22}} Candy guest-starred on a Canadian children's television series, ''Cucumber'', and made a brief, uncredited appearance in ''Class of '44'' (1973) as his feature film debut. He had a small part in ''The ABC Afternoon Playbreak'' ("Last Bride of Salem") and had a regular role on the TV series ''Dr. Zonk and the Zunkins'' (1974–75). Candy played the role of Wally Wypyzypywchuk in the CBC children's show ''Coming Up Rosie'' (1975).

Candy became a member of Toronto's branch of The Second City in 1972.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://archive.org/details/thevarsity103/page/n659|title=Candy's Dandy, but...|publisher=The Varsity|access-date=December 9, 2021}}</ref> He gained wide North American popularity when he became a cast member on the influential Toronto-based comedy-variety show ''Second City Television'' (''SCTV''). NBC picked the show up in 1981 and it quickly became a fan favourite. The show won Emmy Awards for its writing in 1981 and 1982.<ref name=biography1>{{cite web| url=http://www.biography.com/people/john-candy-9542625| title=John Candy| website=Biography| access-date=July 23, 2020| archive-date=March 30, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330021016/https://www.biography.com/people/john-candy-9542625| url-status=live}}</ref> Among Candy's ''SCTV'' characters were unscrupulous street-beat TV personality Johnny LaRue, 3-D horror auteur Doctor Tongue, sycophantic and easily amused talk-show sidekick William B. Williams, and Melonville's corrupt Mayor Tommy Shanks.

In 1974, Candy made his TV debut when he appeared on the Canadian TV show ''Police Surgeon'', playing street gang and heist member Ramone in "Target: Ms. Blue",<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0877060/| title=Police Surgeon: Target Ms. Blue| website=IMDb| access-date=July 30, 2025}}</ref> and in a later episode the same season as Richie, an accused killer, in the episode "Web of Guilt".<ref>[http://www.tvarchive.ca/database/18160/police_surgeon/episode_guide/ Episode Guide – Police Surgeon (Series) (1971–1975)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017173027/http://www.tvarchive.ca/database/18160/police_surgeon/episode_guide/ |date=October 17, 2019 }} January 23, 1975 – "Web of Guilt" Dr. Locke intervenes when a woman judge (Nancy Olson) endangers herself by becoming too protective of her brother, who is accused of murder. Richie: John Candy. Bonnie: Helen Shaver. Scharfman: Don McGill.</ref> He was in ''It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time'' (1975), shot in Canada, as well as the children's sitcom ''Coming Up Rosie'' (1975–78) with Dan Aykroyd. Candy had a small role in ''Tunnel Vision'' (1976).

During the series's run, Candy appeared in films such as ''The Clown Murders'' (1976) and had a lead in a low-budget comedy, ''Find the Lady'' (1976) (both co-starring fellow Canadian actor Lawrence Dane). In 1976, he played a supporting role (with Rick Moranis) on Peter Gzowski's short-lived late-night television talk show ''90 Minutes Live''. Two years later, Candy had a small role as a bank employee (with Christopher Plummer and Elliott Gould) in the Canadian thriller ''The Silent Partner''. He guest starred on such shows as ''The David Steinberg Show'' and ''King of Kensington''.

===1979–1987: Hollywood breakthrough === In 1979, Candy took a brief hiatus from ''SCTV'', which moved to Edmonton for a time. He stayed in Toronto and headlined his own short-lived sketch show ''Big City Comedy''. Candy also began a more active film career, appearing in a minor role in ''Lost and Found'' (1979) and playing a U.S. Army soldier in Steven Spielberg's big-budget comedy ''1941''. He returned to Canada for roles in ''The Courage of Kavik, the Wolf Dog'' (1980) and the action thriller ''Double Negative'' (1980). Candy had a supporting role as easygoing parole officer Burton Mercer in ''The Blues Brothers'' (1980), and did an episode of ''Tales 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".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shales|first=Tom|date=1980-11-29|title=Television|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1980/11/29/television/799b637c-8637-4763-8556-906741832c9f/|access-date=2021-05-29|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=February 23, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250223061102/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1980/11/29/television/799b637c-8637-4763-8556-906741832c9f/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Candy played the lovable, mild-mannered Army recruit Dewey Oxberger in ''Stripes'' (1981), directed by Canadian Ivan Reitman, which was one of the most successful films of the year. He provided voices for multiple characters in the animated film ''Heavy Metal'' (1981), most notably as the title character in the "Den" segment, which was well-received,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?_r=1&res=9805EFDF153BF934A3575BC0A967948260&partner=Rotten%20Tomatoes |work=The New York Times |first=Janet |last=Maslin |title='Heavy Metal', Adult Cartoon |date=August 7, 1981}}</ref> including by the character's creator, Richard Corben, who singled out Candy's humorously lighthearted interpretation of the title character as excellent.<ref>{{Cite comic | writer=Corben, Richard | date=1989 | story=Letters page | title=Den | issue=5 | page=Inside front cover.}}</ref>

From 1981 to 1983, Candy returned to ''SCTV Network'' on television. Still based in Edmonton for Candy's first few episodes after returning, the show returned to Toronto in 1982. He made a cameo appearance in Harold Ramis' ''National Lampoon's Vacation'' (1983), his first collaboration with John Hughes, who wrote the script. Candy appeared on ''Saturday Night Live'' twice (hosting in 1983) while still appearing on ''SCTV''. According to writer-comedian Bob Odenkirk, Candy was reputedly the "most-burned potential host" of ''SNL'', in that he was asked to host many times, only for plans to be changed by the ''SNL'' staff at the last minute.<ref name=Shales>{{cite book| first1=Tom| last1=Shales| author2=James Andrew Miller| title=Live From New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3Qx0AwAAQBAJ&q=john+candy| date=September 9, 2014| publisher=Little Brown & Co.| page=345| isbn=978-0316295079}}</ref> Candy headlined in the Canadian film ''Going Berserk'' (1983).

Candy once again left ''SCTV'' in 1983, prior to its final season, to concentrate on his film career. Candy was approached to play the character of accountant Louis Tully in ''Ghostbusters'' (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 colleague Rick 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 for Ray Parker Jr.'s hit single for the film.

Candy played Tom Hanks's womanizing brother in the hit romantic comedy'' Splash'', generally considered his break-out role.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001006/bio| title=John Candy: Biography| website=IMDb| access-date=August 19, 2019}}</ref> After the success of the film, Candy had signed a three-picture development and producing deal with Walt Disney Pictures, and he would develop and executive produce various theatricals as planned starring vehicles for himself.<ref>{{Cite news|date=May 16, 1984|title=Candy Signed For 3 Disney Pics; Also Tapped for U's 'Millions'|page=44|work=Variety}}</ref>

Candy went back to Canada to star in ''The Last Polka'' (1985), which he also wrote with co-star Eugene Levy. Candy was Richard Pryor's best friend in ''Brewster's Millions'' (1985) and had a cameo in the ''Sesame Street'' film ''Follow That Bird'' (1985). Candy's first lead role in a Hollywood film came with ''Summer Rental'' (1985), directed by Carl Reiner.<ref name="new">{{cite news| title=A ghostly film that's no 'kiddie movie'| first=Aljean| last=Harmetz| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/08/09/movies/at-the-movies.html| newspaper=The New York Times| date=August 9, 1985| page=C16| url-access=limited| archive-date=November 25, 2017| access-date=July 24, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171125153218/http://www.nytimes.com/1985/08/09/movies/at-the-movies.html| url-status=live}}</ref> Candy was reunited with Hanks in ''Volunteers'' (1985), though the film did not do as well as ''Splash''. He had a cameo in ''The Canadian Conspiracy'' (1985) and appeared alongside Martin Short in ''Dave Thomas: The Incredible Time Travels of Henry Osgood'' (1985) in Canada. Candy's next starring role in a Hollywood film was the box office disappointment ''Armed and Dangerous'' (1986) with Levy and Meg Ryan.<ref name=latimes>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-08-28-ca-13992-story.html|title=JOHN CANDY'S READY TO TAKE CONTROL : My agent is always telling me--'it's not called show art, it's show business.' And I have to learn that . . .|website=Los Angeles Times|last=Goldstein|first=Patrick|date=August 28, 1986|access-date=March 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627135943/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-08-28-ca-13992-story.html|archive-date=June 27, 2019}}</ref> He had a cameo in ''Little Shop of Horrors'' (1986) and appeared in ''Really Weird Tales'' (1987). Candy also had a supporting role in Mel Brooks's ''Spaceballs'' (1987).

===1987–1994: John Hughes films and final roles === [[File:John Candy and Dan Aykroyd during production of The Great Outdoors.jpg|thumb|right|Candy with Dan Aykroyd in 1987]] In 1987, Candy co-starred in ''Planes, Trains & Automobiles'' with Steve Martin, written and directed by John Hughes. The film had positive reviews<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/57780|title=AFI Catalog|access-date=June 19, 2024|archive-date=December 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204074730/https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/57780|url-status=live}}</ref> and grossed $49,530,280 at the US box office.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Planes, Trains & Automobiles|website=Box Office Mojo|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3395847681/weekend}}</ref> Candy appeared in a cameo role in Hughes's ''She'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 in ''Hot 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 flop ''Speed Zone'' aka ''Cannonball Fever'' (1989), but had another hit film with Hughes as writer and director in ''Uncle Buck'' (1989). Candy also produced and starred in a Saturday-morning animated series on NBC titled ''Camp Candy'' in 1989. The show was set in a fictional summer camp run by Candy, featuring his two children in supporting roles, and also spawned a brief comic book series published by Marvel Comics' Star Comics imprint.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.comics.org/series/4015/| title=Camp Candy| website=Grand Comics Database| access-date=December 15, 2019| archive-date=July 28, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728125235/https://www.comics.org/series/4015/| url-status=live}}</ref> During this time, Candy also made the television film ''The Rocket Boy'' (1989) in Canada.

Candy also provided the voice of Wilbur the Albatross in Disney's animated film ''The Rescuers Down Under'' (1990) and had cameos in two more films written by Hughes, the blockbuster hit film ''Home Alone'' (1990) and the box office flop ''Career Opportunities'' (1991). According to Candy's biography, he was in talks to play Bette Midler's working-class husband in the 1990 film ''Stella''. However, when Candy was informed that Midler demanded he do a screen test, Candy became incredulous proclaiming "Who the (expletive) does she think she is?!" and declined.{{Citation needed|date=December 2025|reason=Need source for quote, which biography?}} John Goodman was eventually cast in the role. From 1988 to 1990, Candy hosted "Radio Kandy", a hot adult contemporary radio music countdown syndicated by Premiere Networks.

In 1991, Chris Columbus wrote and directed ''Only the Lonely'' with John Hughes serving as co-producer, and starring Candy and Maureen O'Hara; it was well reviewed but not a big hit. Candy also had a supporting role in ''Nothing But Trouble'' (1991), Dan Aykroyd's notorious box office flop. Also unsuccessful were the comedies ''Delirious'' (1991) and ''Once Upon a Crime...'' (1992). During this time, Candy played a small dramatic role as Dean Andrews Jr., a shady Southern lawyer in Oliver Stone's ''JFK'' (1991), and had a cameo in the television film ''Boris and Natasha: The Movie'' (1992). Candy starred in his first comedic hit in a number of years with ''Cool Runnings'' (1993), a story of the first Jamaican national bobsleigh team attempting to win the gold medal at the 1988 Winter Olympics. Candy also had a cameo in the successful ''Rookie of the Year'' (1993). He made his directorial debut in the 1994 comedy television film ''Hostage for a Day''. His last appearances were in ''Wagons East'' (1994) and ''Canadian Bacon'' (1995).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/60276-WAGONS-EAST?cxt=filmography|title=Wagons East!|website=AFI Catalog|access-date=June 21, 2024|archive-date=June 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621203234/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/60276-WAGONS-EAST?cxt=filmography|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Canadian Bacon|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/59844-CANADIAN-BACON?cxt=filmography|website=AFI Catalog}}</ref>

===Unfinished projects=== thumb|Candy in 1993 Candy was in talks to portray Ignatius J. Reilly in a now-shelved film adaptation of John Kennedy Toole's Pulitzer Prize–winning novel ''A Confederacy of Dunces''.<ref>{{cite magazine| last=Fretts| first=Bruce| title=''A Confederacy of Dunces'' celebrates its 20th anniversary| magazine=Entertainment Weekly| url=http://www.ew.com/article/2000/05/19/confederacy-dunces-celebrates-its-20th-anniversary| date=May 19, 2000| access-date=July 26, 2015| archive-date=August 23, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150823103902/http://www.ew.com/article/2000/05/19/confederacy-dunces-celebrates-its-20th-anniversary| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine| last=Hyman| first=Peter| title=A Conspiracy of Dunces: Will John Kennedy Toole's comic masterpiece ever reach the big screen?| date=December 14, 2006| magazine=Slate| url=http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/hollywood/2006/12/a_conspiracy_of_dunces.html| access-date=July 26, 2015| archive-date=July 7, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707030821/http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/hollywood/2006/12/a_conspiracy_of_dunces.html| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal| last=Evans| first=Bradford| title=10 Actors Who Came Close to Starring in 'A Confederacy of Dunces'| journal=Splitsider| url=http://splitsider.com/2013/03/8-actors-who-came-close-to-starring-in-a-confederacy-of-dunces/| date=March 28, 2013| access-date=July 26, 2015| archive-date=April 29, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429064237/http://splitsider.com/2013/03/8-actors-who-came-close-to-starring-in-a-confederacy-of-dunces/| url-status=dead}}</ref> He had also expressed interest in portraying Atuk in a film adaptation of Mordecai Richler's ''The Incomparable Atuk'' and Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle in a biopic based on the silent film comedian's life.<ref>{{cite news| last=Raouf| first=Neda| title=The 'Atuk' Curse| newspaper=Los Angeles Times| url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-feb-21-tm-10276-story.html| date=February 21, 1999| access-date=August 6, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| last=Bovsun| first=Mara| title=Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle, acquitted for murder of Virginia Rappe in 1922, never recovered from all the bad press| newspaper=New York Daily News| url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/justice-story/roscoe-fatty-arbuckle-acquitted-murder-virginia-rappe-1922-recovered-bad-press-article-1.1149824| date=September 1, 2012| access-date=August 12, 2015| archive-date=June 2, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602164757/https://www.nydailynews.com/news/justice-story/roscoe-fatty-arbuckle-acquitted-murder-virginia-rappe-1922-recovered-bad-press-article-1.1149824| url-status=live}}</ref> These three shelved projects have been alleged as cursed because Candy, John Belushi, Sam Kinison, and Chris Farley were each attached to all three films; they all died before they could make any of these movies.<ref name=split /><ref>{{cite news| last=Evans| first=Bradford| title=The Lost Roles of John Belushi| journal=Splitsider| url=http://splitsider.com/2011/03/the-lost-roles-of-john-belushi/| date=March 3, 2011| access-date=August 12, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517201328/http://splitsider.com/2011/03/the-lost-roles-of-john-belushi/| archive-date=May 17, 2018| url-status=dead}}</ref> Candy was originally considered to play Alec Guinness' role in the remake of the 1950 film ''Last Holiday'', with Carl Reiner directing.<ref>{{cite news| last=Siskel| first=Gene| title=Sour Movies Keep Candy Just Short Of Sweet Success| newspaper=Chicago Tribune| url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1986/03/30/sour-movies-keep-candy-just-short-of-sweet-success/| date=March 30, 1986| access-date=July 26, 2015| archive-date=July 8, 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708192701/https://www.chicagotribune.com/1986/03/30/sour-movies-keep-candy-just-short-of-sweet-success/| url-status=live}}</ref> Eventually, the role was played by Queen Latifah in a loose remake released in 2006.<ref name=split>{{cite journal|last=Evans|first=Bradford|title=The Lost Roles of John Candy| journal=Splitsider| url=http://splitsider.com/2011/06/the-lost-roles-of-john-candy/| date=June 2, 2011| access-date=July 26, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520084658/http://splitsider.com/2011/06/the-lost-roles-of-john-candy/| archive-date=May 20, 2018| url-status=dead}}</ref> Candy was also slated to collaborate with John Hughes again in a comedy opposite Sylvester Stallone, titled ''Bartholomew vs. Neff''. Candy and Stallone were to have portrayed feuding neighbors.<ref>{{cite news| title=SHORT TAKES : Stallone in Line for Comedy Role| date=July 30, 1990| newspaper=Los Angeles Times| url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-07-30-ca-997-story.html| access-date=August 19, 2018| archive-date=November 24, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124201324/http://articles.latimes.com/1990-07-30/entertainment/ca-997_1_sylvester-stallone| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| last=Carter| first=Bill| title=Him Alone| date=August 4, 1991| newspaper=The New York Times| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/08/04/magazine/him-alone.html| access-date=August 19, 2018| archive-date=June 29, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629074213/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/08/04/magazine/him-alone.html| url-status=live}}</ref> In the animated Disney film ''Pocahontas'', the role of Redfeather the Turkey was written for him, but was subsequently cut from the film after his death.<ref>{{cite journal |first=Bradford |last=Evans |url=http://www.vulture.com/2011/06/the-lost-roles-of-john-candy.html |title=The Lost Roles of John Candy |journal=Vulture |date=June 2, 2011 |access-date=June 29, 2019 |archive-date=October 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019003530/http://www.vulture.com/2011/06/the-lost-roles-of-john-candy.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Stephen King reportedly wanted Candy to portray Billy Halleck in the film adaptation of his novel ''Thinner''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Zinski|first=Dan|title=Stephen King Wanted John Candy To Play The Lead In One Of The Worst Adaptations Of His Work|website=Screen Rant|date=January 18, 2024 |url=https://screenrant.com/thinner-movie-cast-john-candy-billy-stephen-king/|access-date=January 22, 2024}}</ref>

== Other ventures == Candy, Bruce McNall, and Wayne Gretzky became co-owners of the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts in 1991.<ref>{{cite news| first=Chris| last=Schwarz| url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/tsn-special-remembers-john-candys-impact-on-the-argos/article4184225/| title=TSN special remembers John Candy's impact on the Argos| newspaper=The Globe and Mail| location=Toronto| agency=Reuters| date=November 24, 2011| access-date=December 3, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=September 11, 2021|title='I've never seen anyone party as hard': 30 years ago, John Candy put acting on hold and took Canadian football on a magical, raucous, yearlong ride|language=en|work=The Toronto Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/argos/2021/09/11/ive-never-seen-anyone-party-as-hard-30-years-ago-john-candy-put-acting-on-hold-and-took-canadian-football-on-a-magical-raucous-yearlong-ride.html|access-date=November 9, 2022|issn=1189-9417}}</ref> The celebrity ownership group attracted attention in Canada and the team spent a significant amount of money, even signing some highly touted National Football League prospects such as Raghib Ismail. The Argonauts took home the 1991 Grey Cup, beating Calgary 36–21 in the final.<ref name="never stopped caring"/> McNall's name was the only one originally etched onto the Grey Cup trophy as an owner of the team, with Candy's and Gretzky's names finally added to the trophy in 2007.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gretzky, Candy to get names etched on Grey Cup |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/gretzky-candy-to-get-names-etched-on-grey-cup-1.686330 |website=CBC News |access-date=April 27, 2019}}</ref>

==Personal life == Candy married Rosemary Hobor in 1979.<ref name="Parker2016"/> They had two children together, Jennifer and Christopher,<ref name="Parker2016"/> and lived in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles for many years.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.landarcdesigns.com/residential/detail/brentwood-residence |title=Brentwood Residence | Residential | Land Arc Designs, CA |access-date=September 14, 2024 |archive-date=September 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914154223/http://www.landarcdesigns.com/residential/detail/brentwood-residence |url-status=live }}</ref>

Candy was a Catholic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://georgiabulletin.org/commentary/2017/11/comedic-genius-faithful-catholic-john-candy-left-legacy-brilliant-classic-movies/ |title=Comedic genius, faithful Catholic, John Candy left legacy of brilliant, classic movies |work=The Georgia Bulletin |last=King |first=David A. |date=November 27, 2017 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |archive-date=December 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217191712/https://georgiabulletin.org/commentary/2017/11/comedic-genius-faithful-catholic-john-candy-left-legacy-brilliant-classic-movies/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He was open about his experiences with severe anxiety and panic attacks.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kelly|first=Laura|date=December 3, 2020|title=The Tragic Death Of John Candy|url=https://www.grunge.com/289159/the-tragic-death-of-john-candy/|access-date=August 11, 2021|website=Grunge.com|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Death == [[File:John Candy's grave.JPG|thumb|right|Candy's crypt in the mausoleum at Holy Cross Cemetery]]

On March 4, 1994, while filming ''Wagons East'' in the Mexican city of Durango, Candy suffered a fatal heart attack in his sleep and died at the age of 43.<ref name="googlebooks">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7uKs4fKOotUC&pg=PA29 |title=Guide to the Cinema(s) of Canada |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |last=Rist |first=Peter |year=2001 |page=29 |isbn=978-0-313-29931-5}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=No drugs were involved in Candy's death| agency=Reuters| newspaper=New Straits Times| location=Kuala Lumpur| date=March 6, 1994}}</ref><ref name="New York Times">{{cite news| last=Collins| first=Glenn| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/05/obituaries/john-candy-comedic-film-star-is-dead-of-a-heart-attack-at-43.html| title=John Candy, Comedic Film Star, Is Dead of a heart attack at 43| newspaper=The New York Times| date=March 5, 1994| access-date=May 21, 2020| archive-date=October 23, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023043309/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/05/obituaries/john-candy-comedic-film-star-is-dead-of-a-heart-attack-at-43.html| url-status=live}}</ref>

Candy had a number of risk factors for a heart attack: obesity, a strong family history (his father had died of a heart attack at age 35 on Candy's fifth birthday, though Candy's own children said that he was unaware of his genetic risk),<ref name="Parker2016">{{cite news |last1=Parker |first1=Ryan |title=John Candy Remembered: His Children Share New Stories About Their Late Father On the Eve of His Birthday |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/john-candy-remembered-his-children-939218 |access-date=May 21, 2020 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=October 24, 2016 |archive-date=June 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610142603/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/john-candy-remembered-his-children-939218 |url-status=live }}</ref> his habit of smoking a pack of cigarettes per day,<ref name="Sanchez2019">{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Rosa |title=Deadly Addiction: John Candy Smoked 'A Pack A Day' Before Heart Attack Death At 43 |url=https://starmagazine.com/videos/john-candy-smoked-pack-cigarettes-a-day-heart-attack-death/ |access-date=May 21, 2020 |work=Star |date=February 26, 2019 |archive-date=August 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802163858/https://starmagazine.com/videos/john-candy-smoked-pack-cigarettes-a-day-heart-attack-death/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and his abuse of alcohol and cocaine.<ref name="Sanchez2019"/> Candy had long struggled with his weight, weighing over 375 lb (170 kg) at some points in his life.<ref name="New York Times"/> He once lost 100 lb (45 kg) over a summer while preparing to film ''Planes, Trains and Automobiles''. Candy frequently dieted and exercised with personal trainers.<ref name="Parker2016"/><ref name="New York Times"/><ref name="autopsy">"Autopsy: The Last Hours of John Candy." ''Autopsy: The Last Hours of...''. Nar. Eric Meyers. Executive producers Suzy Davis and Michael Kelpie. Reelz, March 3, 2019. Television.</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Laughing on the Outside: The Life of John Candy |url=https://quillandquire.com/review/laughing-on-the-outside-the-life-of-john-candy/ |journal=Quill & Quire |last=Knelman |first=Martin |date=March 10, 2004 |archive-date=July 3, 2023 |access-date=March 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703151940/https://quillandquire.com/review/laughing-on-the-outside-the-life-of-john-candy/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Legacy== Candy's funeral was held at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Los Angeles with a eulogy by Dan Aykroyd.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-03-10-ca-32108-story.html|title=MOVIESSaying Goodby: A private funeral service|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=March 10, 1994}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1994/03/10/People/4167763275600/|title=People|website=United Press International|date=March 10, 1994}}</ref> He was entombed in the mausoleum at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City.

On March 18, 1994, a special memorial service for Candy, produced by his former improvisation troupe the Second City, was broadcast across Canada.<ref name="chtv">{{cite press release| url=http://www.canada.com/chtv/hamilton/info/history.html| title=CH Hamilton| publisher=CanWest| access-date=January 29, 2007| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060129104620/http://www.canada.com/chtv/hamilton/info/history.html| archive-date=January 29, 2006| df=mdy}}</ref> Catherine O'Hara gave the eulogy, while her sister Mary Margaret O'Hara sang her song "Dark, Dear Heart".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.good.is/catherine-ohara-john-candy-eulogy|title=Catherine O'Hara's sad but beautiful eulogy for John Candy - GOOD|first=Ryan|last=Reed|website=www.good.is}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wql7sqdgjPY&list=PLUOEd7_AxE45Y76XxgMyaIy0pyXexMfeD&index=6|title=Mary Margaret O'Hara - Dark, Dear Heart (John Candy's funeral)|date=September 8, 2013|via=YouTube}}</ref>

thumb|left|Candy's star on Canada's Walk of Fame|193x193px ''Wagons East'', completed using a stunt double and special effects, was released five months after Candy's death. His final completed film was ''Canadian Bacon'', a satirical comedy by Michael Moore released 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 film ''The Magic 7'' in 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 into Canada's Walk of Fame in 1998.<ref name="1998 Canadian Walk of Fame Inductee Profile">{{cite web| url=http://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/inductee/john-candy| title=John Candy Profile| website=Canada's Walk of Fame| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214190041/http://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/inductee/john-candy| access-date=November 25, 2019| archive-date=December 14, 2008}}</ref> In May 2006, Candy became one of the first four entertainers ever honoured by Canada Post by being featured on a postage stamp.<ref name="John Candy postage stamp">{{cite web| url=https://postagestampguide.com/stamps/17658/john-candy-2006-canada-postage-stamp-canadians-in-hollywood| title=Canadians in Hollywood: John Candy| website=Postage Stamp Guide| access-date=July 23, 2020| archive-date=August 2, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802152940/https://postagestampguide.com/stamps/17658/john-candy-2006-canada-postage-stamp-canadians-in-hollywood| url-status=live}}</ref> On October 31, 2020, Toronto Mayor John Tory proclaimed "John Candy Day" in honour of what would have been Candy's 70th birthday.

''Blues Brothers 2000'' is dedicated to three people, including Candy, who played a supporting role in the original ''Blues Brothers''. A tribute to Candy was hosted by Dan Aykroyd at the 2007 Grey Cup festivities in Toronto in November 2007.<ref name="never stopped caring">{{cite news| url=http://v1.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071121.wsptbrunt21/BNStory/STEPHEN+BRUNT/| title=Candy never stopped caring| last=Brunt| first=Stephen| date=November 21, 2007| newspaper=The Globe and Mail| access-date=October 5, 2009| location=Toronto| archive-date=July 17, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717001616/http://v1.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071121.wsptbrunt21/BNStory/STEPHEN+BRUNT/| url-status=live}}</ref>

Experimental rock band Ween's album ''Chocolate and Cheese'', released in 1994, is "dedicated in loving memory to John Candy (1950–1994)". At the time, lead singer Gene Ween remarked, "There was so much going on about Kurt Cobain, and nobody mentioned John Candy at all. I have a special little spot in my heart for him."<ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/ween-19950406| title=Q&A: Ween| first=Chuck| last=Dean| magazine=Rolling Stone| date=April 6, 1995| access-date=July 23, 2020| archive-date=September 23, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923062739/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/ween-19950406| url-status=dead}}</ref>

After his death, the John Candy Visual Arts Studio at Neil McNeil Catholic High School in 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 that the Canadian Screen Awards be given the official nickname "The Candys", both in honour of him and because the name suggests Canada.<ref>{{cite news| last=Howell| first=Peter| title=Chair of Canadian film/TV academy is sweet on calling awards 'the Candys'| url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/2016/03/14/chair-of-canadian-filmtv-academy-is-sweet-on-calling-awards-the-candys.html| newspaper=Toronto Star| date=March 15, 2016| access-date=March 15, 2016| archive-date=March 14, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314204630/http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/2016/03/14/chair-of-canadian-filmtv-academy-is-sweet-on-calling-awards-the-candys.html| url-status=live}}</ref>

American comedian Conan O'Brien met Candy while studying at Harvard University and told him, "Mr. Candy, I'm thinking I might try comedy." Candy replied very seriously, "You don't try comedy{{emdash}}you do it or you don't do it." O'Brien said this advice led to his career in comedy.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hobson |first=Nick |date=September 9, 2023 |title=40 Years Ago, a Young Conan O'Brien Was Given This Simple Advice for Achieving Success. |url=https://www.inc.com/nick-hobson/40-years-ago-a-young-conan-obrien-was-given-this-simple-advice-for-achieving-success-it-still-resonates-today.html |work=Inc. |archive-date=March 18, 2025 |access-date=March 13, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318081644/https://www.inc.com/nick-hobson/40-years-ago-a-young-conan-obrien-was-given-this-simple-advice-for-achieving-success-it-still-resonates-today.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

''John Candy: I Like Me'', a documentary film about Candy's life and career directed by Colin Hanks, premiered as the opening film of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 4.<ref>Rebecca Rubin, [https://variety.com/2025/film/news/john-candy-i-like-me-toronto-film-festival-1236417785/ "Ryan Reynolds and Colin Hanks’ Documentary ‘John Candy: I Like Me’ to Open Toronto Film Festival’s 50th Edition"]. ''Variety'', June 4, 2025.</ref> Some archival footage of Candy was also seen in the documentary film ''You Had to Be There'', which premiered at the same festival two days later.<ref>Matthew Carey, [https://deadline.com/2025/09/you-had-to-be-there-review-toronto-film-festival-1236510800/ "‘You Had To Be There’ Review: Delightful Romp Recalls 1972 Toronto ‘Godspell’ That Launched Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy & More – Toronto Film Festival"]. ''Deadline Hollywood'', September 7, 2025.</ref>

==Filmography== ===Film=== {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- | 1973 | ''Class of '44'' | Paule | Uncredited |- | 1975 | ''It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time'' | Kopek | |- | rowspan=3|1976 | ''Tunnel Vision'' | Cooper | |- | data-sort-value="Clown Murders, The" | ''The Clown Murders'' | Ollie | |- | ''Find the Lady'' | Kopek | |- | 1978 | data-sort-value="Silent Partner, The" | ''The Silent Partner'' | Simonsen | |- | rowspan=2|1979 | ''Lost and Found'' | Carpentier | |- | ''1941'' | Pvt. Foley | |- | rowspan=2|1980 | ''Deadly Companion'' | John | |- | data-sort-value="Blues Brothers, The" | ''The Blues Brothers'' | Parole Officer Burton Mercer | |- | rowspan=2|1981 | ''Stripes'' | Dewey "Ox" Oxberger | |- | ''Heavy Metal'' | Den / Dan, Desk Sergeant, Robot | Voice roles |- | 1982 | ''It Came from Hollywood'' | Himself | |- | rowspan=2|1983 | ''National Lampoon's Vacation'' | Russ Lasky | |- | ''Going Berserk'' | John Bourgignon | |- | 1984 | ''Splash'' | Freddie Bauer | |- | rowspan=4|1985 | ''Brewster's Millions'' | Spike Nolan | |- | ''Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird'' | The Policeman | |- | ''Summer Rental'' | Jack Chester | |- | ''Volunteers'' | Tom Tuttle | |- | rowspan=2|1986 | ''Armed and Dangerous'' | Frank Dooley | |- | ''Little Shop of Horrors'' | Wink Wilkinson | |- | rowspan=2|1987 | ''Spaceballs'' | Barf | |- | ''Planes, Trains and Automobiles'' | Del Griffith | |- | rowspan=3|1988 | ''She's Having a Baby'' | Chet (from ''The Great Outdoors'') | Uncredited |- | data-sort-value="Great Outdoors, The" | ''The Great Outdoors'' | Chester "Chet" Ripley | |- | ''Hot to Trot'' | Don | Voice role |- | rowspan=3|1989 | ''Who's Harry Crumb?'' | Harry Crumb | Also executive producer |- | ''Speed Zone'' | Charlie Cronan | {{aka}} ''Cannonball Fever''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/58296|title=Speed Zone (1989)|website=American Film Institute|access-date=July 30, 2023|archive-date=July 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730080827/https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/58296|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | ''Uncle Buck'' | Buck Russell | |- | rowspan=3|1990 | ''Masters of Menace'' | Beer Truck Driver | |- | ''Home Alone'' | Gus Polinski | |- | data-sort-value="Rescuers Down Under, The" | ''The Rescuers Down Under'' | Wilbur | Voice role |- | rowspan=5|1991 | ''Nothing but Trouble'' | Dennis Valkenheiser, Eldona Valkenheiser | |- | ''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 | |- | rowspan=2|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;<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.dogeatdogfilms.com/flintj.html | title = Moore Gets to 'Super Bowl' of Film Makers | publisher = The Flint Journal via Dog Eat Dog Films (Michael Moore official site) | location = Flint, Michigan | first = Ed | last = Bradley | date = April 26, 1995 | access-date = August 2, 2012 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/19981201055852/http://www.dogeatdogfilms.com/flintj.html | archive-date = 1998-12-01 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> released posthumously |- | rowspan="2" | 2025 | ''John Candy: I Like Me'' | Himself | rowspan="2" | Documentary; archival footage |- | ''You Had to Be There'' | Himself |}

=== Television === {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- | rowspan=2|1972 | ''Cucumber'' | Weatherman | Unknown episodes |- | ''Dr. Simon Locke'' | Richie Beck / Ramon | 2 episodes |- | rowspan=2|1974 | data-sort-value="ABC Afternoon Playbreak, The" | ''The ABC Afternoon Playbreak'' | 2nd son | Episode: "Last Bride of Salem" |- | ''Dr. Zonk and the Zunkins'' | | Unknown episodes |- | rowspan=2|1976 | data-sort-value="David Steinberg Show, The" | ''The David Steinberg Show'' | Spider Reichman / Spider | 6 episodes |- | ''90 Minutes Live'' | (various) | TV series |- | 1976–1977 | ''Coming Up Rosie'' | Wally Wypyzypychwk | TV series (with Rosemary Radcliffe, Dan Aykroyd and Catherine O'Hara) |- | 1976–1979 | ''Second City TV'' | Johnny LaRue / / Various | 50 episodes |- | 1977 | ''King of Kensington'' | Bandit | Episode: "The Hero" |- | rowspan="3" |1980 | data-sort-value="Courage of Kavik, the Wolf Dog, The" | ''The Courage of Kavik, the Wolf Dog'' | Pinky | Television film |- | ''Big City Comedy'' | Himself (host) / various | Television series (sketch comedy) |- |''Roadshow'' |Himself (host) / various |"Improvisational journalism" (at least 2 episodes) |- | rowspan=2|1981 | ''Tales of the Klondike'' | Hans Nelson | Miniseries 1 episode |- | ''Saturday Night Live'' | Juan Gavino | Episode: "George Kennedy/Miles Davis" (uncredited) |- | 1981–1983 | ''SCTV Network 90'' | Johnny LaRue / Zontar / Dr. Tongue / Yosh Shmenge / Various | 38 episodes |- | 1982 | data-sort-value="Billy Crystal Comedy Hour, The" | ''The Billy Crystal Comedy Hour'' | Orson Welles | 1 episode |- | rowspan=2|1983 | ''Saturday Night Live'' | Host | Episode: "John Candy/Men at Work" |- | ''SCTV Channel'' | Various | Episode: "Maudlin O' the Night" |- | 1984 | data-sort-value="New Show, The" | ''The New Show'' | Luciano Pavarotti / Orson Welles / Various | 5 episodes |- | rowspan=2|1985 | ''Martin Short: Concert for the North Americas'' | Marcel | Television film |- | data-sort-value="Last Polka, The" | ''The Last Polka'' | Yosh Shmenge, Pa Shmenge | Television film |- | rowspan="2" |1986 | ''Really Weird Tales'' | Howard Jensen | Episode: "Cursed with Charisma" |- | ''The Canadian Conspiracy'' | (various) | Television film |- | 1988 | ''Sesame Street, Special'' | Yosh Shmenge | Television film |- | rowspan="3" |1989 | data-sort-value="Rocket Boy, The" | ''The Rocket Boy'' | The Hawk | Television film |- | ''Camp Candy'' | Himself, Yosh Shmenge, Dr. Tongue, Various | 40 episodes, main voice role |- | data-sort-value="Wonderful World of Disney, The" | ''The Wonderful World of Disney'' | Himself | Episode: "Donald, the Star-Struck Duck" |- | 1990 | data-sort-value="Dave Thomas Comedy Show, The" | ''The Dave Thomas Comedy Show'' | | One episode |- | rowspan=2|1992 | ''Shelley Duvall's Bedtime Stories'' | Narrator | Episode: "Blumpoe the Grumpoe Meets Arnold the Cat/Millions of Cats" |- | ''Boris and Natasha: The Movie'' | Kalishak | Television film |- | 1994 | ''Hostage for a Day'' | Yuri Petrovich | Final television film and only directed film; Uncredited role |}

===Music videos=== {| class = "wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Song title ! Artist ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- | 1984 | "Ghostbusters" | Ray Parker Jr. | Himself | Cameo; uncredited |- | 1991 | "Wilbury Twist" | Traveling Wilburys | Himself | Cameo; uncredited |- |}

== Accolades == {| class="wikitable" !Work !Year !Accolade / Category !Results !Ref |- | rowspan="9" |''SCTV Network 90'' | rowspan="4" |1982 |Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program (episode: "Tony Bennett") |{{Nom}} | rowspan="9" |<ref>{{Cite web|title=John Candy|url=https://www.emmys.com/bios/john-candy|access-date=September 29, 2020|website=Television Academy|language=en|archive-date=March 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303170230/https://www.emmys.com/bios/john-candy|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program (episode: "Christmas Show") |{{Nom}} |- |Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program (episode: "Cycle Two, Show Two") |{{Nom}} |- |Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program (episode: "Moral Majority Show") |{{Won}} |- | rowspan="5" |1983 |Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program (episode: "Towering Inferno") |{{Nom}} |- |Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program (episode: "Joe Walsh") |{{Nom}} |- |Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program (episode: "Robin Williams, America") |{{Nom}} |- |Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program (episode: "The Christmas Show") |{{Nom}} |- |Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program (episode: "The Energy Ball" + "Sweeps Week") |{{Won}} |- | rowspan="2" |''The Last Polka'' | rowspan="3" |1985 |CableACE Award for Performance in a Comedy Special |{{Nom}} | |- |CableACE Award for Comedy Special (shared with Eugene Levy & Jamie Paul Rock) |{{Nom}} | |- |''Splash'' |Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor |{{Nom}} | |- |''Planes, Trains and Automobiles'' |1988 |American Comedy Award for Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture (Leading Role) |{{Nom}} | |- |{{N/A}} | rowspan="2" |1992 |Banff Television Festival for Sir Peter Ustinov Award |{{Won}} | |- |''Nothing But Trouble'' |Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actress (playing in drag) |{{Nom}} | |- |''Cool Runnings'' |1994 |Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actor |{{Nom}} | |- |{{N/A}} |1995 |Earle Grey Award (shared with Eugene Levy, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, Dave Thomas, Catherine O'Hara, Joe Flaherty, Andrea Martin & Martin Short) |{{Won}} | |}

== References == <references>

<ref name="Knelman">{{cite book |last1=Knelman |first1=Martin |title=Laughing on the Outside: The Life of John Candy |date=August 19, 2014 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G2f2AwAAQBAJ |publisher=St. Martin's |isbn=978-1466878433}}</ref>

</references>

== Further reading == * {{cite book|first=Paul|last=Myers|authorlink=Paul Myers (musician)|title=John Candy: A Life in Comedy|publisher=House of Anansi Press|year=2025|isbn=978-1487009533}}

== External links == {{Commons category}}  * [http://www.johncandy.com/ JohnCandy.com – The home of everything John Candy] * {{IMDb name}} * {{TCMDb name}} * [https://www.comicsbeat.com/john-candy-camp-candy-scott-shaw/ Scott Shaw! looks back at the untold stories of CAMP CANDY]

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