John Candy | Mental Health & Personality | Life & Death 

I met John Candy at a Hamilton Tiger Cats football game. He was one of the owners and was doing a meet and greet with Paralympic athletes who were invited. I was there with my husband who was a track athlete. I couldn’t believe what’s gentle and nice man he was!! A mountain of a man who exuded so much kindness. I’ll never forget meeting such a nice man ❤️ Rest In Peace John Candy

He seemed like one of the few entertainers who was genuinely likable in real life. A gracious man who is dearly missed

His funeral was televised here in Canada and I balled my eyes out when Catherine O’Hara gave a eulogy. It was such a beautiful tribute; touching, funny and honest. He was definitely underrated and was a massive talent. His humbleness, love for his family, kindness towards animals, and his talent was incredibly endearing.

I see John Candy as one of the most successful humans that I was aware of. Lovable and kind, a real decent human being. I wish there were more like him. Talented and modest.

Literally one of the nicest people that I ever met. I was 18 and I'm still moved by his genuine kindness. Gentle and strikingly unassuming. Thank you John Candy for being so nice to a regular kid. Thank you so much.

Remember the sad, sweet ending of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles? Such a great actor and warm human being

I thought he was a brilliant comedic actor…but my fave role of his was Uncle Buck. Combining humour with heart gets me every time ❤️

I was a friend of John's. I worked at a fast food restaurant in Toronto at Eglington and Duplex. John was just an upcoming star with Second City at that time which was approximately 1979. He usually came in for a large double meatball submarine sandwich and a chocolate milkshake. He would come in very late sometimes at 1 or 2 AM. I would lock the door so he could eat without being disturbed in a private booth. He would always leave me a very generous tip. Infact once he gave me a $50.00 dollar bill which I still have. I remember saying good bye when he left and I'd always ask him to say "Blowed him up real good" I have found memories of him and once he invited me to come to a private party at a place in Toronto in Younge Street called FUN LAND which was an arcade with pinball, air hockey, space invaders and other games. The entire crew of SCTV was there and I played Air Hockey with Catherine O'Hare and Martin Short. I had no idea that I was among hugh future movie Stars. I'll never forget this special time. What an amazing guy he was and always had me rolling from laughter. RIP: My dear friend John Candy.

I really miss the days of John Candy. Now he is a memory that many younger people will never get to see. His movies live on in our hearts. Stand up guy all the way

John Candy's death still gets to me. He just seemed like one of the sweetest, most honest and sensitive people in the world, especially in Hollywood. Cool Runnings was a great film, and he was fabulous in it. I Loved him in Home Alone, as well. I always wanted to see him in more diverse roles. He was one of the only celebrities I wanted to meet. Maybe one day I will. Thank you for your tender and respectful handling of his story.

He is still sorely missed in this world. He was an incredible actor. He had a kind heart. May he eternally rest in the arms of Jesus.

He threw himself into the smallest roles, too. As the probation officer in Blues Brothers, he was absolutely adorable. I always thought that role showed a great deal of what he must have been in real life.

That sad that John Candy was made fun of because of his weight. People can be so unkind. Great video Dr Grande!!

He just seemed like such a good man in a nasty world.

John Candy looked like a genuinely nice guy. Never heard anything negative about him. He was the guy everyone would like as neighbor. He was criminally underrated as a comedian.

I’ve literally never heard a bad word about JC and for good reason. He was a good man who didn’t deserve any ridicule on his physical appearance at all. It’s sad to hear all of the things he has to go through. But it also makes me hopeful that he was still as friendly and productive as he was. Very good analysis.

I looooooved John Candy as a kid. I remember watching Uncle Buck and wishing I had an uncle like that. Rest in love Uncle Buck

I’ve always considered John Candy every Canadians Uncle. He was a treasure and underrated. I remember when John candy talked about his struggles I was only a kid but knowing someone like him could have anxiety made me feel less weird. RIP John you’ll never truly know how loved you’ll always be.

John Candy outshone his contemporaries. Nobody exuded such warmth and drew in the viewers emotions quite like he did, beautiful guy who is missed each and every day, the absolute epitome of a big-hearted guy.

Thank you for mentioning his love for animals! That was one of his finest traits💙 I wish we could see each other's souls and stop judging the outer shell. The shell changes so much throughout a lifetime, the soul is the hidden pearl. Wonderful analysis as usual Doc!🙌👏👏👏💜🌈💜

Ahhhhhh so glad you're talking about John Candy. He's the only celebrity who, when he died, I cried over. After all, we don't really know them. But somehow JC made ppl feel like they knew him. I was 20 when he died and I'll never forget him or that day. It was like the sun didn't shine quite as bright anymore. Thank you heaps, Dr.G!

Relentless teasing of people because of their weight is never, ever called for. I can say so because I was teased a great deal about my weight as a child and it hurt like hell.

John Candy exuded kindness and a great sense of humor despite his low self-esteem. “Candy” was a very fitting last name for such a sweet man. His “I like me” speech in Planes, Trains, & Automobiles has and will always resonate with me.

Thank for your kind and sensitive treatment in discussing John Candy and his problems. My granddaughter and I have watched some of his movies together and I don't think either one of us ever considered his weight to be a problem. Just like some people are short or tall, he was just John Candy. It's nice to know, from people's comments that he was truly the sweet, kind, lovable person that he so often portrayed on screen. One of my favorite movies of his was Only the Lonely. For some reason, I found that character to be especially touching. Some of his other roles were also more touching than comedic. He was a much better actor than he realized. RIP John💕

When he filmed Only the Lonely with the brilliant Maureen O'Hara the producer wanted to put her in a tiny trailer because they wanted to put the money on the screen and not into her trailer. John was insensed and gave her his spacious trailer because dammit, she had worked with the Duke and he had nothing but respect for her.

No mention of Uncle Buck? John Candy had the leading role in that movie, and it was hilarious! RIP John Candy, gone from this world far too soon.

Very sad that people could be so cruel to such a nice man .

I was a best man in a wedding last weekend. Ever since I was asked I stressed about the speech and was a wreck the night before/the night of the wedding. I hadn’t spoke in front of a crowd of people since high school presentations. After I gave it, I had around 30-40+ people come up to me and tell me how great of a speech it was. The wedding planner and the photographer both said I should be a stand up comedian and they had been to many weddings and my speech was by far the best they’d have ever heard. It made me feel great, but regardless of how many people told me how good it was I couldn’t help but feel like I didn’t do it to the best of my capability. I had missed a few of my bullet points, I hadn’t talked enough about my friends new wife in comparison to how much I had to say about him, I slipped in an F bomb on accident & my voice trembled a few times from the anxiety of it all. Self criticism really is a hurdle that I’ve never been able to jump over. I hope someday I’ll be able to. I keep thinking about what the photographer and planner said about becoming a comedian, but at the same time I feel like I would just constantly beat my self up over my routines.

As long as you can savor the humorous aspect of misery and misfortune, you can overcome anything. - John Candy

"Planes, Trains & Automobiles," "Uncle Buck," and "Only the Lonely" are my favorite John Candy flicks. This guy made me both laugh and cry.

He gave something in his acting that had a way of making me feel happy to be a human. Thanks for remembering John Candy reminding us success is a varied kind of thing. 🌲 ✨ 🌳 ✨ 🌲

I loved John Candy and as a kid growing up in the 70s, after staying up past SNL and watching SCTV, the latter would instantly become my favorite show. I laughed the hardest whenever John Candy introduced a character, such as the mad scientists on "Dr. Tongue's 3D House of Stewardesses" or the idiot on a game show hosted by an exasperated Eugene Levy who, when asked what an Italian meal served with pasta and meatballs was called, Candy stared frozen in wide-eyed terror, unblinking, then swallows painfully and says, "Spareribs?" I laughed so hard I cried. I was just a little kid, but I instantly recognized his genius at interpreting neurotic or sleazy people. When he died, it devastated me far worse than the death of John Belushi because of Candy's vulnerability that always came through. You're right. He could have went on to be a mega star, but he was one to me regardless of his Hollywood status.

It was all in the eyes with him. So expressive and filled with warmth.

His daughter is the splitting image of him! She accepted an award on his behalf recently and it's beautiful and sad, you see so much of him in her face 💚

Dr. Grande's support and appreciation for comedians and their work is remarkable. I think he could have a "second career" in stand-up! We get the benefits here, however. Great episode.

Love this quote and, in my experience, can be a good judge of character in a person. “He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” ― Emmanuel Kant

Uncle Buck and The Great Outdoors were two of the most iconic movies ever.

I never knew how much he struggled. I have such great memories, love and respect for him. I have and love his movies and still watch them. It breaks my heart 💔💔💔 that he was so unhappy and criticized about his weight. I am a big person myself, so I understand his frustration. He should never have been treated bad for it. RIP John ❤❤❤

Such a great guy. I remember I was in second grade when he passed, and my dad telling me about it. It was like losing my own Uncle Buck.

John Candy was an amazing actor, I loved him. He seemed like a good man. I was shocked when he died. So young. Thank you Dr. Grande. Your analysis are always great.

I love John Candy, he's my childhood. I wish he was still here.

You can tell John Candy had a heart of gold. Thanks for analyzing him!!

I had such a crush on him as a little girl, STILL hurts he's gone. What an amazing human. Thanks for choosing him as a topic!

I used to travel every week for my job. I often reflected on John's performance on the movie "Planes Trains, and Automobiles". Whenever I'd get stymied in my efforts to get home by inclement weather, missed connections, broken planes, I would say what would John do. Next thing you'd know I be in a rental car driving across Nebraska in a snowstorm with three strangers on our quest to get home. John's kindness, humor, and vulnerability made him a role model for me. I'm a better person from enjoying his performances. Rest in peace John Candy.

I loved this one. In my life, John Candy always brought light when there was darkness. I still miss him dearly. Thanks for a wonderful analysis.

Rest In Peace to America’s Uncle. I grew up with all his films. He was an amazing actor, incredibly funny, and had a genuineness to him that just jumped off the screen at you. A legend!

I saw him at Simpsons (Canada's version of Sears) back in 1985 - he was shopping with his mother (I've always assumed). I thought about going up to talk to him but I decided I didn't want to bother him - but he looked like I could have and he would have been nice about it. It's possible that it was because he was so relatable that he didn't get the star treatment.

I used to be an avid movie goer and loved (still do) his movies. He’s one of my favorite actors. Through his movies, I could feel how genuine, kind, and vulnerable he was. However, I had no idea he was struggling with those issues… that makes me feel very sad for him, for his heartbreaks. I didn’t realize he rescued animals, too😪 I send him my love… Thanks for this video, Dr. Grande.

Thank you! I was hoping for this video. I'm an 80's kid. Watching John Candy's movies growing up felt like watching my 2nd Dad. He not only looks almost identical to my own father, but Candy was also born in my hometown 🇨🇦 He is sadly missed by many.

John was one of The Samky Brothers, an outstanding polka band, and who doesn't love polka? John gave us all so many laughs. He is greatly missed.

I met John Candy once in a bar in Chicago. He walked in with friends and of course, was recognized immediately. He stayed near the door for about smiling and returning greetings from people. I am an introverted person and would normally keep my distance but he was so welcoming that I walked up, shook his hand and said "hi" welcoming him to Chicago. He kept eye contact and had such a warm friendly face and beautiful smile, he just glowed with a sort of appreciative demeanor, like he didn't take people's excitement to meet him for granted. We only had a short encounter but he was so sweet and kind that it really stuck with me. In my memory he has a warm glow around his face. After around 5 minutes he walked to the back of the bar with his companions and as far as I know, he was left alone after that. He had been so gracious with people that I think it made everyone respect his space. Also, Chicagoans tend to take celebrity in stride and would normally not hound a person.

My Dad was a chiropractor on the set of cool runnings and he met John Candy and said he was such a kind, down to earth person. It’s so sad such a kind person struggled and suffered as much as John Candy did.

John Candy was a great actor. Unfortunately he had many difficulties with his personal. I think he struggled with his weight and wanted to do better. His father's death probably affected his difficulties. I watched most of his movies. Sometimes I thought maybe people were making fun of him in the films and deep down he wanted to be accepted as a talented actor. His history of depression and anxiety prevented him from realizing just how good an actor he really was. 😥😥 Thank you Dr Todd for giving us a good insight into the life of my loveable John⭐🌟 Candy❤️❤️🇨🇦

Even though John Candy passed away so long ago, he'll always be remembered for the legend he was.

He had a peaceful, comforting, cheerful presence on screen. You wanted to see more of him, you couldn't wait until he was back on screen and you wanted to be around him. He truly was a "movie star". It saddens me to hear how cruel people were to him and just how sensitive he was. He deserved better. RIP, John. I miss you. 🌹

Great analysis, Dr. Grande! I loved John Candy. He was underrated, for sure!

Uncle buck was one of my favourite films growing up. Thanks for the vid Dr grande and rip John candy. ❤️🙏

I loved John Candy when I was a kid. I never saw him as being over weight. He was simply entertaining

I watch, "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" every year! John Candy is my favorite comedian! 👏🏻

Very compassionate and respectful analysis; it’s clear you respect him as an artist and human being. I didn’t know too much about him as a person before this although I knew he was highly regarded as a comedic actor. It seems he was a genuinely nice man and quite removed from the ‘turbulent, troubled addict’ that’s often the Hollywood trope. Comments I’ve read here seem to confirm this too.

John Candy has a dear place in every Canadian's heart. I was too young to remember him, but what a guy!

I still love "The Great Outdoors"... my mom cried like a baby when John Candy died, he was one of her favorites

What a talent. I've laughed and laughed through all his movies. I miss him. I wonder if he knew how much people loved him.

John getting criticism simply for the way he looked just shows the power of words.

I absolutely LOVED John Candy! He is a sweet memory of my childhood. It’s really heartbreaking to hear about his struggles. He certainly left this world too soon. Truly, you select the best topics Dr. Grande. Thank you so very much for all that you do.❤️

I learned a lot about John Candy’s background from your analysis so thank you Dr. Grande. I miss him very much on the screen and to this day my husband and I laugh and imitate some of his very funny jokes and characterizations. R.I.P. from all of us who considered John Candy one of the best comedians ever.

Wow, I grew up watching his movies, and my dad still loves Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. We saw many of his movies at the theater, and I always thought he and Chevy Chase were great actors with natural comedic talent. Now that I’m in my 40’s, I realize how young he was to have died at 43 years of age. It’s so sad and tragic. 😔

John Candy was a great comedic actor. His performance in ‘Only the Lonely’ was so beautiful. Miss you, John!

I think his story can also be a cautionary tale about the damage that can be done by other people’s cruelty and discrimination, in this case particularly surrounding his weight. Because of it, John Candy never got the opportunities he should have gotten to really shine. And perhaps that also contributed to the anomaly of the posthumous Wagons East flop-the stigma against being “fat.” The attitude that “he did it to himself,” without much sympathy or thought as to why. He was much more talented, I think, than we ever got to find out. There was compassion, kindness, and vulnerability in his eyes that couldn’t be hidden. Much loved and much missed.

That scene in planes, trains and automobiles where John candy is lip syncing the mess around right before the car fire is still my go to for a fail safe giggle on a crap day, he was a great guy and it’s saddening he was ridiculed for his weight😕

Thanks for this one. I just realized how much I miss John Candy. Good times.

John Candy was amazing. So underrated it's almost criminal , sincerely one of the best hands down. Uncle Buck , what a classic.....Many thanks for this.

For years, it was a family tradition to watch 'Planes, Trains, & Automobiles.' I am almost ashamed to admit that someone I don't know has affected me so much, but it is hard to watch it now because I love and respect him so much as a person and talented actor and I just want to weep for his loss. 'Only the Lonely' is a fine film. If you said he was a secret serial killer, I would have thought, "Well, maybe he had a reason." I assure you, there are very few people, even amongst those I know, that I feel that way about. I don't know why I feel that way about Candy, and as you see from the comments, many others still love him. Who knows why some people affect us this way.

Wow! Doctor Grande has just broken the World record in saying: "openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism" :D

John Candy seemed to have a sweetness in his soul. Thank you for another good video Dr. Grande :)

My parents met him in the 90s. He was truly a unique talent!! I wish I could have spoken to him before he passed.❤️ He and Chris Farley understood physical comedy. I just wish they had the confidence to be themselves.

So lovely to hear of an amazing actor and such a wonderfully funny guy :) best thing he also was kind, friendly and loved animals and that kind of loving personality is something to be very proud of. Thank you Dr Grande, I was disappointed that so many people dismissed the cruelty of that rapper , so this was a much appreciated change.

Hear hear.. John Candy was a really a good comic actor and a good soul. I especially loved "Planes, Trains.. ' People can be so cruel. Rest in Peace John..

Great video, Dr. Grande. I really enjoy these. John Candy was great. I thought his best acting of all time was in JFK as a slick, fast talking New Orleans attorney who factors in the events following the JFK assassination. I've seen clips of the man he played, and it is a really accurate portrayal. It is definitely his best dramatic work. Thanks again for profiling his talent and his struggles, and your continuing level-headed and non-judgmental analysis.

John Candy refused to let Maureen O'hara stay in an inferior trailer when they were doing a movie together. He gave up his luxurious trailer to the classic film actress until she was given the same one. What a beautiful story of great manners and respect.

Oh man, this one is going to hurt. Can’t divorce John Candy from his character in Trains, Planes, and Automobiles . . . Big old loveable fella.

I am from Toronto, Canada and grew up watching SCTV. To this day, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is one of my favourite movies of all time. I can recite it 😂😂. As always Dr. Grande, thank you for your analysis .... and on one of our Canadian treasures!

This man was so hilarious and talented. I was so sad when he passed. Planes Trains and Automobiles is a classic.

Hey doctor, that was your fastest Ocean ever! In ten seconds from Openess to Neurotism. 🙂 Thank you so much for covering anxiety and eating disorders in this video! Much appreciated. 💙 Just read two books about this, one written by a girl with severe anorexia nervosa and the other one written by a celebrity (journalist) having generalized anxiety with panic attacks.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles... Martin: Where's your other hand? Candy: between two pillows. Martin: those aren't pillows!! 😁😁🤣 one of my favs. Such a great flick Candy was awesome!

Not sure about all, but it seems that Dr. Grande sincerely sad about Candy’s fate. He even doesn’t made a joke this time.

John Candy was probably my favorite comedian next to Carol Burnett. Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Uncle Buck, Stripes. I absolutely loved him and was very sad when he passed. I never knew how sad he was. He brought me so much happiness. I think he was discriminated against because of his weight pure and simple.

I loved John Candy growing up in the 1980's and 1990's! Still love him and miss him, I wish more people were like him in the world. He was an important part of my childhood.

It's very sad to lose all these awesome ppl at such young ages. Actors so often turn to drugs to cope with the pressure and then it destroys them.

John Candy was a people person . he was also the Octoberfest Parade Marshall in my hometown in Kitchener -Waterloo Ontario in 1983. both John Candy and Eugene Levy were here to celebrate Oktoberfest. Lot's of fond memories :)

Thank you , Dr. Grande for another interesting and insightful analysis. I enjoyed John Candy as an actor because I always saw a kind, yet somewhat sad character . Judging from all the comments below of people who actually met him, John Candy exuded kindness. Your examinations of your subject mater are always from a well grounded and consistent origin. Your Chauvin trial analysis of a certain undercurrent among some in the Law enforcement community was not just insightful but very well expressed. I always learn something in your videos. Best, John Wick

I love to watch everything that John Candy has done! One of the best!

If you’re covering these guys (John Candy, Chris Farley) you might also consider John Pinette. Loved Pinette’s comedy. He struggled so much with weight. He was famously “robbed” in the Seinfeld finale. Sweet guy. Sad that he’s gone.

I remember back in 1990 we went to a summer theater and watched Uncle Buck. I was six and it must have been one of the first movies that I watched in the silver screen. I loved it and then next year it was Home Alone. I miss those days and those feel good movies. John Candy was a wonderful comedian and he felt like the good uncle that would secretly give you chocolate. He will be missed. Oh, how I loved Cool Runnings. This movie makes me laugh and cry at the same time.

That was a touching analysis Dr. Grande. You have a very honest, quiet compassion. I loved John Candy. He was definitely an original - a lovable bear!

Thank you for this analysis, Dr G. I shed some tears that such a dear man had such struggles with “mental health topics”. I have many of his great films on DVD & will never part with them; it was an era of wonderful comedy, and John was a huge part of it.

Omg I clicked So fast when I saw john candy pop up hahah loved him

I was told this story years ago from a man I worked for whose friend crossed paths with Candy in the park one evening. The man immediately stoked to met Candy blurted out that John looked a lot bigger in person than he did on tv. Candy immediately shot back, "Get a bigger TV, then" in a gregarious manner. The man laughed and John briskly walked away. I didn't think this was anything but a funny story until this video. I see now it was not. But, Candy did (when possible) cover his sensitivity to any comments about his weight or height, or both with his honed craft for humour and one-liners.

John Candy was a funny cat. I was sad when I heard that he had passed so young back in the 90's. I was in my early 20s than.

I know I am late to these comments, but I have to give a standing ovation to Dr. Grande for this video. I can tell that the good Dr. has a huge amount of respect and kindness for John Candy, and in turn for those of us struggling with similar issues, which is exactly the treatment on his life deserves. A good and kind man and one who almost painfully matches my own OCEAN profile in so many ways. Rest in peace and love.