One of the world’s best and most beloved comedy performers died 30 years ago today at the age of 43.
If you’re too young to remember John Candy, look him up and watch some of his movies. His best are Uncle Buck, Splash, and Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
He shined in bit parts in so many comedy classics: Home Alone, Stripes, The Blues Brothers, National Lampoon’s Vacation.
He got famous on the Emmy-winning TV show SCTV. All six seasons are on YouTube and worth watching. Before that, he was a funny performer and comedy writer with The Second City Toronto.
What made him special among so many other funny contemporaries was his stratospheric EQ. He bonded with people immediately. He loved everyone, and everyone loved him. He was a charismatic, life-of-the-party character who seemed to be the world’s best friend.
Conan O’Brien tells the story of when he was a student at Harvard and volunteered to be Candy’s official liaison when the star came to visit the campus. He blew into Cambridge like Falstaff, wowing the young comedy wannabe with his self-effacing humor, over-the-top generosity, and love of life.
Another example of the deep effect he had on people: After he died, his Planes, Trains and Automobiles co-star Steve Martin moved into his house to stay with his widow and kids to help them cope with the loss.
His magical quality transferred to the screen, too. In Splash, he plays the comic relief, a petty, opportunistic blow-hard. But as soon as he turns serious and shows real pathos, every heart in the audience melts for him.
He’s dearly missed.
I can’t believe it’s been 30 years since he left us. I read somewhere that Ryan Reynolds is making a documentary about him. He was one of the best!
A lovely piece Scott and more weight to the argument of working on EQ.