A Canadian icon who defined a generation of comedy, John Candy’s presence still looms large in the hearts of fans decades after his tragically early death. Following in his footsteps, director Colin Hanks balances laughs with genuine emotional depth and warmth while revisiting Candy’s life and career. Letting Candy’s star presence speak for itself, this documentary highlights his roles on SCTV and in movies like Uncle Buck and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, with clips awash in nostalgia and brimming with comedic genius. But even as the world fell in love with John Candy, he struggled to accept himself, suffering from debilitating anxiety attacks and insecurities.
Alongside intimate recollections and reflections from his friends and family, an endless roster of actors and comedians share their stories about Candy, from Bill Murray to Catherine O’Hara to Macaulay Culkin, shaping a portrait of the actor as not only a family man, but a man who treated the world like his family. A hilarious, heartwarming celebration of Candy’s generous spirit and singular talent.
Media Partner
Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Catherine O’Hara
USA
2025
English
Indigenous & Community Access
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Credits & Director
Executive Producer
Ashley Fox, Patrick Gooing
Producer
Colin Hanks, Sean Stuart, Glen Zipper, Ryan Reynolds, George Dewey, Johnny Pariseau, Shane Reid
Cinematography
Justin Kane
Editor
Shane Reid, Darrin Roberts
Colin Hanks
Colin Hanks is a versatile actor and filmmaker whose thoughtful approach has led to a successful, wide-ranging career across genres and mediums. His directorial debut, All Things Must Pass: The Rise and Fall of Tower Records, premiered at SXSW in 2015, followed by Eagles of Death Metal: Nos Amis (Our Friends), which aired on HBO in 2017 and received Critics’ Choice Documentary Award nominations. He also directed the animated short The Amazing Adventures of Wally and the Worm, which premiered at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival. His newest work, John Candy: I Like Me, opened TIFF 2025.
Filmography: All Things Must Pass (2015); Eagles of Death Metal: Nos Amis (Our Friends) (2017)
Photo by Sam Jones
Portraits
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