New Documentary Explores Life and Legacy of Comedic Actor John Candy
A new documentary, John Candy: I Like Me, released today, offers an intimate look at the life and career of the beloved comedic actor, revealing a nuanced portrait beyond his on-screen persona.
The film, directed by Colin Hanks, draws its title from a memorable scene in the 1987 film Planes, Trains and Automobiles, where Candy’s character, Del Griffith, famously asserts, “I like me.” Hanks noted he was struck by the “nuance” in Candy’s performances, finding echoes of that self-assuredness in many of his roles. Hanks, son of actor Tom Hanks, also shared a personal connection to Candy, having known his children, Chris and Jennifer, since childhood. He recalled being “absolutely obsessed” with Candy’s film Who’s Harry Crumb? as a child.
I Like Me features home video footage, rare interviews, and insights from fellow comedians including Steve Martin, Martin Short, Bill Murray, and Conan O’Brien, all painting a picture of a genuinely kind and gentle man. The documentary also addresses Candy’s early life loss – his father died when he was five – and his later struggles with self-image and health, while avoiding sensationalism. Chris Candy, co-executive producer of the film, emphasized the shift in celebrity documentaries away from exploitative narratives, noting a desire for a “more definitive film” about his father. The film also highlights some of Candy’s lesser-known work, such as Once Upon a Crime and Nothing But Trouble, demonstrating his willingness to take risks and embrace unconventional roles; a full list of his films can be found on IMDb.
The documentary explores a broader conversation about the pressures faced by comedic actors and the tragic loss of several performers in their prime, with Hanks pointing out that Candy’s death differed from others who succumbed to substance abuse. Officials involved with the film say they hope it will encourage a deeper appreciation for Candy’s talent and the man behind the laughter, and a renewed interest in his extensive filmography, which continues to resonate with audiences today.
