Every once in a while, a documentary comes along that reminds us why we fell in love with the movies in the first place. John Candy: I Like Me is one of those films. It’s not just about a comedian it’s about a man who made millions laugh while quietly carrying the kind of heart and humility Hollywood rarely sees anymore.
John Candy died far too young, at just 43, but the legacy he left behind is one filled with laughter, warmth, and kindness. From Uncle Buck to Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Candy was that rare performer who could make you laugh and cry in the same scene. He had an everyman quality the kind of guy you could imagine sharing a beer with, who’d listen, joke, and make you feel like the most important person in the room.
Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, Candy once dreamed of playing professional football. When an injury ended that dream, fate and a college theatre group stepped in. Soon, he was drawn into the world of improv, joining SCTV (Second City Television), a comedy institution that also launched the careers of Bill Murray, Eugene Levy, and Dan Aykroyd.
His big break came when Saturday Night Live took notice, and he made his film debut in Stripes alongside Bill Murray and Harold Ramis. From there, his career took off but it wasn’t just because he was funny. Candy had something deeper. Behind the physical humor and lovable buffoonery, there was heart, soul, and vulnerability. He wasn’t just a clown he was a storyteller who understood people.
Even in supporting roles, Candy had a way of stealing the spotlight. Whether as the affable sidekick in Brewster’s Millions or Splash (opposite Richard Pryor and Tom Hanks), he brought depth and humanity that turned what could’ve been throwaway parts into unforgettable characters. And of course, in Planes, Trains and Automobiles, his portrayal of Del Griffith remains one of cinema’s most tender, funny, and heartbreaking performances.
But I Like Me doesn’t just celebrate Candy the performer it reveals Candy the person. A devoted husband and father, he was beloved by friends and colleagues alike for his warmth, generosity, and self-deprecating humor. Yet, as the documentary gently explores, he was also a man haunted by insecurity and a family history of heart disease. His father’s early death at 35 weighed heavily on him, and though he knew the risks, Candy often lived like a man racing the clock smoking, drinking, and working too hard. Tragically, he passed away from a heart attack while filming Wagons East in Mexico, a loss that still stings decades later.
What makes John Candy: I Like Me so powerful is its tenderness. It’s not just a nostalgic trip through 80s and 90s comedy, but a genuine tribute to a man who made being nice look cool. The film features a who’s-who of comedy royalty Dan Aykroyd, Catherine O’Hara, Steve Martin, and more sharing memories that are by turns funny, touching, and profound.
His family’s contributions are especially moving. Hearing his children speak about their father as both a movie star and an ordinary dad grounds the documentary in love and authenticity.
By the end, I found myself smiling through tears. My biggest takeaway? I wish I’d known John Candy in real life. There’s no higher praise than that.
So if you grew up on 80s and 90s comedy, or if you simply believe that kindness is underrated, this documentary is a must-watch. It reminds us that fame fades, but goodness endures and that sometimes, the nice guys really do win.