Chris Candy, son of the beloved comedian John Candy, expressed his emotional response to resurfaced interviews featured in the new documentary, “John Candy: I Like Me.” During a promotional event, he described feeling “heart-wrenching” upon viewing how interviewers mocked his father’s weight. Chris remarked on the blatant insensitivity of the interviewers, stating, “I was kind of shocked to see how interviewers treat him.”
Documentary Insights
The documentary, directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, reveals troubling moments from John Candy’s career. Chris explained that his father’s anxiety about public perception significantly affected his eating habits. He noted, “He developed a poor eating habit where he’d be like, ‘Alright, well I’m not going to eat all day. I’m going to eat at night.’”
Impact of Public Scrutiny
Chris expressed deep concern about the pressures his father faced as a public figure. He shared, “When I hear stories like that, I just felt so bad for him because it’s like, ‘How cornered are you?’” He wished he could have reassured John, encouraging him to disregard negative opinions and enjoy life more fully.
Revelations from the Premiere
Reflecting on Media Responsibility
During the TIFF Q&A session, producer Ryan Reynolds revealed that he reached out to a journalist who had insulted Candy in an archival interview. Although the exchange was excluded from the documentary, Reynolds sought to engage the journalist in a thoughtful discussion regarding their past comments. “I wasn’t trying to shame him or teach him a lesson,” Reynolds stated, emphasizing the importance of reflection.
Interviews with Co-Stars
“John Candy: I Like Me” features insights from numerous co-stars of the late comedian, including Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Dan Aykroyd, and Catherine O’Hara. The documentary paints a deeper picture of John Candy beyond his on-screen persona, shedding light on the personal struggles he faced due to public scrutiny.
The documentary is now available for streaming on Prime Video, offering fans a chance to appreciate John Candy’s legacy while reflecting on the challenges he navigated throughout his career.
