The Toronto International Film Festival is turning 50 this year, and it’s marking the milestone with a celebration of one of Canada’s most beloved comedy legends.
TIFF will open its anniversary edition on September 4 at Roy Thomson Hall with the world premiere of John Candy: I Like Me, a new documentary directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds.
The film promises to capture both the heart and humour that made Candy a household name, offering audiences a chance to laugh, reflect, and remember the man behind classics like Uncle Buck, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Cool Runnings.
The Film: John Candy: I Like Me
Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, John Candy: I Like Me offers a heartfelt look at the late comedian’s life and career. The documentary weaves together rare archival footage, clips from his most memorable roles, and interviews with those who knew him best. Friends, family, and collaborators, including Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, and Eugene Levy, share their memories of Candy’s warmth, humour, and generosity both on and off screen.
The film takes its title from a line in John Hughes’ classic Planes, Trains and Automobiles and explores not just Candy’s comedic genius, but also the personal struggles he carried throughout his career. In doing so, it creates a portrait that is both celebratory and deeply human.
Candy’s Legacy in Comedy and Film
Few actors have left a mark on comedy quite like John Candy. From his early days on SCTV, where he created a gallery of unforgettable characters, to his breakout roles in Hollywood, Candy became a true everyman on screen. His performances in Uncle Buck, Cool Runnings, Spaceballs, Home Alone, and Planes, Trains and Automobiles remain timeless examples of how he blended humour with heart.
Whether playing a bumbling uncle, a determined coach, or a well-meaning travel companion, he brought warmth and relatability to every role. Three decades after his passing in 1994, his films continue to resonate with audiences around the world, reminding us why he remains one of Canada’s most cherished performers.
A Rare TIFF Documentary Opener
Choosing John Candy: I Like Me as the Opening Night Gala marks a special moment for TIFF. While the festival often kicks off with narrative features, only a handful of documentaries have had this honour. Davis Guggenheim’s U2 film From the Sky Down opened the festival in 2011, Daniel Roher’s Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band did so in 2019, and Spike Lee’s American Utopia set the tone for TIFF’s first hybrid edition in 2020 COVID-era.
By selecting Colin Hanks’ portrait of John Candy for its milestone 50th year, TIFF is not only celebrating a Canadian legend but also highlighting the emotional and cultural impact that documentaries can deliver.
Notable Voices in the Film
What makes John Candy: I Like Me especially moving is the chorus of voices sharing their memories of Candy. The film begins with a eulogy from his Great Outdoors co-star Dan Aykroyd and closes with words from fellow Torontonian and SCTV alum Catherine O’Hara. Along the way, audiences hear from some of Hollywood’s biggest names who recall Candy’s kindness to him as a young actor on the set of Uncle Buck.
These testimonies highlight not only Candy’s immense talent as an actor and improviser but also the compassion and humility he carried throughout his life. Together, they create a portrait of a man who was as beloved off-screen as he was on it.
Themes Beyond Comedy
While John Candy: I Like Me is packed with laughter and nostalgia, it doesn’t shy away from the more personal sides of Candy’s story. The documentary explores the pressures he faced in Hollywood, including struggles with fatphobia and anxiety disorder, issues that shadowed his career even as his star continued to rise.
By addressing these challenges alongside his professional triumphs, the film adds depth to Candy’s legacy. It reminds audiences that behind the lovable characters was a man navigating the same vulnerabilities and insecurities many people experience. This balance of joy and honesty makes the documentary not just a tribute to Candy’s humour, but also a celebration of his humanity.
Toronto and Candy’s Roots
For TIFF, premiering John Candy: I Like Me in Toronto carries special meaning. Candy’s career began in this city, where he became a breakout star on SCTV before making his way to Hollywood. His connection to Toronto and its comedy scene helped shape the performer the world came to know and love.
Bringing his story back to his hometown for the festival’s 50th anniversary feels like a full-circle moment. It’s both a celebration of Canadian talent on the global stage and a reminder of how Toronto has long been a launching pad for some of the country’s most influential entertainers.
Release and Availability
John Candy: I Like Me will officially open TIFF on September 4 at Roy Thomson Hall as part of the festival’s prestigious Galas program. After its world premiere in Toronto, the documentary will reach a wider audience later this year when it begins streaming on Prime Video, thanks to Amazon-MGM.
This dual release ensures that while Candy’s hometown gets the first look, fans across the globe will soon be able to join in celebrating his life and legacy.
About John Candy
John Franklin Candy (October 31, 1950 – March 4, 1994) first gained recognition in the 1970s as a member of Toronto’s Second City and its acclaimed sketch comedy series, SCTV. He rose to international fame in the 1980s with memorable performances in films like Stripes, Splash, Brewster’s Millions, Spaceballs, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, The Great Outdoors, Uncle Buck, and Cool Runnings. He also appeared in supporting roles in The Blues Brothers, National Lampoon’s Vacation, Little Shop of Horrors, Home Alone, and Rookie of the Year.
Born in Newmarket, Ontario, and raised in Toronto, Candy initially dreamed of becoming a professional football player before turning to acting. He studied journalism at Centennial College and later attended McMaster University, where he began performing. Candy was known not only for his comedic talent but also for his warmth, generosity, and everyman appeal.
Off-screen, he co-owned the Toronto Argonauts, helping the team win the 1991 Grey Cup. Candy openly discussed his struggles with anxiety and faced health challenges, including obesity and a family history of heart disease, before passing away from a heart attack at age 43. His legacy endures through his films, his influence on comedy, and posthumous honours, including induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame and commemorative stamps.
Wrapping Up
Thirty years after his passing, John Candy’s warmth, humour, and humanity continue to shine through his work and the stories told about him. With John Candy: I Like Me, TIFF’s 50th anniversary opening night becomes more than just a festival kickoff; it’s a heartfelt tribute to a Canadian icon whose legacy still resonates worldwide.
By revisiting his most memorable roles and uncovering the man behind the laughter, the documentary reminds us why John Candy remains one of the most beloved figures in comedy. For audiences in Toronto and beyond, this film is both a celebration and a chance to say, once again, how much we like John Candy.