Remembering a Comedy Icon: New Documentary Celebrates John Candy
A new documentary, “John Candy I Like Me,” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) – a fitting location for the Canadian-born performer affectionately known as “Johnny Toronto.” backed by Amazon Studios, the film is the third documentary effort from Colin Hanks and offers a complete look at the life and career of beloved comedy actor John Candy.
The documentary traces Candy’s journey from his early days performing sketches on television to his rise as a central figure in 1980s and 90s Hollywood comedy. Utilizing interviews with family, colleagues, and previously unseen archival footage, the film paints a portrait of an artist who achieved immense success while remaining grounded and relatable.
Beyond celebrating his unforgettable roles and cinematic legacy – tragically cut short by a heart attack in 1994 – the documentary delves into lesser-known aspects of Candy’s personal life,revealing a more intimate and human side.
A significant element uncovered during production was the pervasive fatphobia Candy faced throughout his career. Hanks and co-producer Ryan Reynolds discovered numerous instances of weight-based commentary and jokes in archival interviews and media appearances. While much of this material was ultimately omitted, some fragments were retained to illustrate the media pressure Candy endured.
Ryan Reynolds shared in Toronto that he even reached out to a journalist who had previously made inappropriate comments, not to publicly criticize them, but to initiate a conversation about the context and implications of such remarks. Reynolds explained the intention was to spark dialog about the challenging media environment Candy navigated, and how he consistently responded with wit and a sense of humor.
Ultimately, “John Candy I Like me” aims to be more than just a career retrospective.it’s a choral portrait of a man remembered by those who knew him best – a man whose closeness and charisma extended far beyond his box office success.
“John Candy I Like Me” will premiere on Amazon Prime Video in the United States on October 10th. A release date for other countries, including Spain, is still pending.
