- A new documentary, “John Candy: I Like Me,” and a biography are reigniting the legacy of the beloved comedian 31 years after his tragic death.
- Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, the film delves into Candy’s iconic career and the private struggles he faced behind his cheerful persona.
- The title is a direct reference to his famously vulnerable line in the classic film “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.”
- Friends and family aim to introduce the comedy legend to a new generation that may not know his work beyond “Home Alone.”
New Projects Uncover the Man Behind the Laughs
More than three decades after his untimely death at age 43, the legacy of comedy giant John Candy is being celebrated and re-examined in two major new projects. A heartfelt documentary, “John Candy: I Like Me,” directed by Colin Hanks and now streaming on Prime Video, joins a new biography, “John Candy: A Life in Comedy,” in painting a fuller picture of the man beloved by millions.
The Story Behind “I Like Me”
The documentary’s title comes from one of Candy’s most poignant and powerful moments on screen. In the 1987 film “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” his character, Del Griffith, tearfully responds to a tirade from Steve Martin’s character by saying, “I like me. My wife likes me.” This line encapsulates the authentic and lovable nature that made Candy a star, a quality explored in depth through interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.
A Deeper, More Complex Portrait
While celebrating his iconic roles in films like “Uncle Buck” and “Splash,” the new projects don’t shy away from the star’s personal battles. Both the film, produced by Ryan Reynolds, and the book explore the internalized pain Candy dealt with, including deep-seated anxiety and sensitivity about his weight, which was often the subject of insensitive questions in interviews.
“If you’re looking for darkness in the story of John Candy, a lot of it’s just internalized pain,” author Paul Myers explained. The projects reveal how Candy’s “radical niceness” was often a coping mechanism.
For a New Generation
Ryan Reynolds, a producer of the documentary, stated, “John Candy is a person that they missed desperately.” The creators hope to not only remind audiences why they fell in love with him but also to introduce his genius to a new generation who may only know him as the “polka guy” from “Home Alone.” These tributes aim to ensure that the full scope of his talent and humanity is not forgotten.
Image Referance: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2025-10-08/john-candy-i-like-me-documentary-biography