John Candy (October 31, 1950 – March 4, 1994) was a renowned Canadian actor and comedian celebrated for his Hollywood film contributions.
Rising to fame in the 1970s through Toronto’s Second City and SCTV sketch comedy series, he became an international star in the 1980s with iconic roles in movies like “Stripes” (1981), “Splash” (1984), “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” “Spaceballs” (both 1987), “Uncle Buck” (1989), and “Cool Runnings” (1993).
He played memorable supporting parts in films like “The Blues Brothers” (1980), “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983), “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986), and “Home Alone” (1990).
Candy also ventured into dramatic roles in “Only the Lonely” and “JFK” (both 1991).
Beyond acting, he co-owned the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL), guiding them to victory in the 1991 Grey Cup.
Candy passed away at 43, and his final films, “Wagons East” and “Canadian Bacon,” honor his memory.
Early life and education of John Candy
John Candy, born on October 31, 1950, in Toronto, grew up in Newmarket, Ontario.
He belonged to a working-class Catholic family, raised by Sidney James Candy and Evangeline Candy.
Their home was at 217 Woodville Avenue in East York, Ontario. Sidney, per the 1921 Canadian census, was born to English parents who immigrated to Canada in 1913.
John’s mother had Polish ancestry. Tragically, his father passed away due to heart disease when John was just five years old.
During his schooling at Neil McNeil Catholic High School, Candy actively engaged in various activities.
He held the treasurer role in the student council, played as an offensive tackle on the football team, and participated in the drama club.
Initially, he aimed to pursue a career in professional football, but a knee injury during high school prevented him from pursuing this path.
He began his educational journey at Centennial College to study journalism before transitioning to McMaster University. It was during this time at college that he discovered his passion for acting.
John Candy Careers
In 1971, John Candy secured a minor role as a Shriner in David E. Freeman’s play “Creeps,” focusing on cerebral palsy, during the opening season of Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre.
He made guest appearances on the Canadian children’s TV series “Cucumber” and had an uncredited part in “Class of ’44” (1973).
Candy also had roles in “The ABC Afternoon Playbreak” (“Last Bride of Salem”) and held a regular spot on the TV series “Dr. Zonk and the Zunkins” (1974–75).
Joining Toronto’s branch of The Second City in 1972 marked a turning point for Candy’s career.
His popularity soared across North America when he became part of the influential comedy-variety show “Second City Television” (SCTV) based in Edmonton and later Toronto.
NBC picked up the show in 1981, garnering immense viewer support and winning Emmy Awards for its writing in 1981 and 1982.
Among Candy’s notable SCTV roles were street-beat TV personality Johnny LaRue, 3-D horror filmmaker Doctor Tongue, talk-show sidekick William B. Williams, and corrupt Mayor Tommy Shanks of Melonville.
In 1975, he portrayed Richie, an accused killer, in an episode titled “Web of Guilt” on the Canadian TV series “Police Surgeon”.
Candy appeared in Canadian-shot films like “It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time” (1975) and the children’s sitcom “Coming Up Rosie” (1975–78) alongside Dan Aykroyd.
He had minor roles in “Tunnel Vision” (1976) and “The Clown Murders” (1976) during this time.
His ventures continued with lead roles in the low-budget comedy “Find the Lady” (1976). Candy also appeared alongside Rick Moranis on Peter Gzowski’s short-lived late-night talk show “90 Minutes Live” in 1976.
Additionally, he had smaller parts in the Canadian thriller “The Silent Partner” (1978) alongside Christopher Plummer and Elliott Gould and made guest appearances on shows like “The David Steinberg Show” and “King of Kensington.”
Who Was John Candy?
Comedic actor John Candy’s career took off when he was invited to join the Second City comedy group during the 1970s.
His breakout in the movie world happened in 1984 when he starred alongside Tom Hanks in “Splash,” marking his ascent to stardom.
Adored by audiences for his jovial persona and witty comedy style, Candy appeared in over 40 films. Unfortunately, he passed away from a heart attack while filming a movie in Mexico in 1994.
What was John Candy’s Net Worth?
At the time of his passing in 1994, John Candy, a Canadian actor and comedian, had a net worth of $15 million.
He tragically passed away from a heart attack at the age of 43 while filming “Wagons East!” in Durango, Mexico.
Candy is renowned for his roles in several well-known films like “Stripes,” “Cool Runnings,” “Splash,” “Summer Rental,” “Spaceballs,” “The Great Outdoors,” and “Uncle Buck.”
His diverse filmography also includes appearances in “JFK,” “Only the Lonely,” “Home Alone,” “Who’s Harry Crumb?,” “Planes, Trains, & Automobiles,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Armed and Dangerous,” “Sesame Street Presents: Follow that Bird,” “Vacation,” and “The Blues Brothers.”
Recognized for his talent, Candy received two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program for SCTV Network 90 in 1982 and 1983.
Additionally, he was honored with a spot on Canada’s Walk of Fame and featured on a Canadian postage stamp.
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