A new documentary produced by Ryan Reynolds and directed by Colin Hanks tells the story of John Candy’s life and celebrates the comedian’s remarkable talent.
“John Candy: I Like Me“, premiering this week on streaming platforms, follows Candy’s journey from his early career in an improvisational comedy group in Toronto, Canada, in the 1970s to his rise to stardom in the 1980s with films like “Uncle Buck” and “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”. 
In an interview with USA Today, Reynolds spoke about the documentary and revealed that his admiration for Candy grew even stronger after producing the project.
“I now have an even greater appreciation for him as an artist — for his ability to convey things in such a simple, genuine, real, and honest way,” said Reynolds about his fellow Canadian.
Reynolds was a fan of the Canadian comedy show “SCTV”, which launched the careers of many stars, including Candy, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, and Martin Short. “Those were the people I studied. I watched those guys just an inch away from the TV,” said the actor, who has always had a special fondness for Candy and his unique way of performing.
“He would find that part of himself — the father or the lost soul who feels insecure and just wants to belong,” Reynolds said.
“I Like Me” also explores Candy’s personal struggles — the anxiety he faced throughout his life after losing his father at the age of five, and his battle with obesity in an industry obsessed with appearance. The documentary also features interviews with former co-stars such as Bill Murray, Steve Martin, and Macaulay Culkin.
John Candy passed away on March 4, 1994, from a sudden heart attack during the filming of “Wagons East” in Durango, Mexico. He was only 43 years old.
Images: Prime Time reproduction. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
