The new documentary, John Candy: I Like Me, offers an unprecedented look into the beloved comedian’s life, as his children, Jennifer and Christopher, share their “maddening” discoveries about the fatphobia and anxiety their father secretly battled throughout his celebrated career.
The legacy of John Candy, a comedic giant known for his boundless talent and huge heart, is being re-examined in a poignant new documentary, John Candy: I Like Me. Released on Prime Video on Friday, October 10, the film delves beyond the laughter to explore the profound struggles Candy faced, particularly the pervasive fatphobia and debilitating anxiety that plagued his life until his untimely death from a heart attack at age 43 in 1994.
For his children, Jennifer Candy, 45, and Christopher Candy, 41, the process of making the documentary, directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, was a revelation. They confessed to Us Weekly that they were largely unaware of the extent of the “maddening” fatphobia their father endured.
The Maddening Reality of Relentless Fatphobia
Old interviews with John Candy unearthed for I Like Me reveal a harsh reality: journalists routinely grilled him about his weight and health. This experience was deeply upsetting for his children, who had only seen his “fun” talk show appearances growing up. Christopher recalled a story that didn’t make the final cut, detailing his father’s extreme discomfort eating in public due to paparazzi scrutiny.
“He was so uncomfortable eating in front of people because of the paparazzi, so it forced him to not eat,” Christopher shared with AOL. He would instead consume drinks or cigarettes, postponing meals until he was in the privacy of his hotel room. “We all know just from simple metabolic rate, that’s terrible for you,” Christopher noted, highlighting the detrimental impact of such forced eating patterns on his father’s health.
Jennifer echoed her brother’s sentiments, finding the rediscovered clips “hurtful” because “people know better” than to comment on someone’s weight or struggles. This public pressure was a constant shadow over his career, a fact that deeply moved his children.
The Misunderstood Party-Thrower and the Industry’s Expectations
Jennifer also revealed another aspect of her father’s character often twisted against him: his love for hosting events. While John Candy enjoyed throwing parties, ordering “a lot of food” for guests, it often led to claims that he was “eating all of it.”
“He ordered sandwiches for [everyone]. You don’t realize there’s a hotel room filled with family and friends, and we’re all having a celebration,” Jennifer explained. He might have had a sandwich, but his cautious eating in front of others was a defense against misinterpretation. Despite his efforts, the public and powers that be often “wanted him big,” perpetuating a cycle where he “stayed big.”
The documentary highlights that Candy did push back against critics, with Eugene Levy recounting how Candy removed a friend from his “Rolodex” after receiving a letter about his weight. Toward the end of his life, he made significant strides to care for himself, including time at a weight loss center, routine workouts with a trainer, and working with a nutritionist.
Battling Anxiety and Psychological Baggage
Beyond physical struggles, John Candy grappled with a myriad of mental health issues, notably panic attacks. The documentary brings these deeply personal battles to light. His son Chris discussed a character his father would sometimes adopt, “Johnny Toronto,” who would pay for extravagant nights out to avoid anxiety and conflict. “Johnny Toronto is also just like a way to avoid anxiety, a way to avoid conflict. I’ll pay for everything so you don’t need to worry about it… and maybe we don’t have to talk about it,” Chris told ABC Audio.
Jennifer and Christopher were adamant that the film not “candy-coat” their dad’s story, wanting it to be more than a “highlight reel or a Wikipedia entry.” They aimed to discuss the “trauma that he went through” and the “psychological baggage that he was beginning to work through at the end of his life,” as Christopher shared with People. They sought to understand “why” their dad was a “larger-than-life, overweight actor,” rather than just stating the obvious.
A Lasting Legacy: Influencing His Children’s Lives
The profound impact of John Candy’s health battles extended to his children. Both Jennifer and Christopher readily admit that their father’s struggles have “entirely” influenced how they live their own lives as adults. Jennifer, who had a heart condition herself when she was younger, continuously monitors her health, understanding the consequences. “You try not to want to replicate, but then you also still want to live and have a life and all that,” she told Us Weekly, reflecting on her proactive approach.
Christopher, who proudly shares in the documentary that he’s been to “treatment” thanks to his dad, was alerted at a “very young age” to take care of his health. He noticed a pattern of heart attacks among the men in their family—his paternal grandfather, uncle, and father. This observation prompted him to seek regular check-ups with a cardiologist from age 24. This proactive stance has allowed him to move forward with confidence, free from the fear of an inherited fate, realizing that behavior, not just genetics, plays a crucial role.
A Bittersweet Journey: The Making of ‘I Like Me’
Revisiting their father’s death, something they’ve dealt with in therapy for years, brought waves of emotion for Jennifer and Christopher. Yet, the overall experience of making I Like Me was positive. They were reminded of their father’s immense star power, hearing candid praise from industry titans like Tom Hanks and realizing his direct influence on comedians they admired, such as Conan O’Brien. “It’s surreal,” Jennifer noted, describing the overwhelming nature of two hours of praise for their dad.
The documentary, featuring interviews with comedy legends including Bill Murray, Steve Martin, and Catherine O’Hara, paints a comprehensive picture of John Candy, the man behind the beloved characters. It underscores his generosity and the deep impact he had on those around him, as well as on generations of comedians.
John Candy: I Like Me is now streaming on Prime Video, offering fans a unique opportunity to understand the full, complex story of a comedic icon whose struggles were as profound as his talent was undeniable.
