A new documentary, “John Candy: I Like me,” offers an intimate look at the life and career of the beloved comedian, revealing a man who balanced a public persona of hilarity with private vulnerability. The film, featuring interviews with Candy’s siblings, Chris and Gail Candy-Sullivan, explores the actor’s dedication to his craft and the complexities of his personality.
The documentary arrives as a new generation discovers Candy’s work and existing fans revisit his iconic roles. It aims to present a “real and honest” portrayal of the star, moving beyond the comedic image to showcase the thoughtful and often self-deprecating man behind the laughter. For the Candy family, the film is a cathartic experiance, allowing them to share memories and reflect on a legacy that continues to resonate decades after his death.
Candy-Sullivan recalled a childhood memory of John candy displaying pictures from “stripes” in thier basement in Canada, including the infamous stripe-painting scene. She pondered how he could simultaneously be embarrassed by reliving the moment and proud enough of the film to showcase it prominently.”It’s that kind of weird conundrum,” she said.Following john Candy’s death, his siblings found it tough to watch his films, particularly posthumous releases like “Canadian Bacon” and “Wagons East.” Candy-Sullivan admitted she “couldn’t get myself to watch” “Wagons East” for years, as it required completion after his passing. “But as time went on, his roles where so strong and the love was felt so much in those characters that when you watch them, it was cathartic. It felt really nice to see him back, walking and talking.”
chris Candy considers “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” his father’s “masterclass of comedy.” His sister, Candy-Sullivan, often wavers in her favorite choice, though currently favors “Summer Rental” for it’s depiction of “the frustration and the love and the absurdity” of family vacations, and “the way that he talks to his kids and interacts with people and fights for justice.” She added, “I like watching that movie because I see a lot of him in it.” While acknowledging her father’s dramatic turn in “JFK” (“he’s so different”), she finds “Summer Rental” particularly revealing of his character.
