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John Candy Biography

(Canadian Actor and Comedian Known Mainly for His Work in Hollywood Films)

Birthday: October 31, 1950 (Scorpio)

Born In: Newmarket, Canada

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John Candy, born as John Franklin Candy, was a Canadian actor known for his work in Hollywood films. He was best recognized for appearing in the television series ‘Second City’ as well as for acting in the movies ‘Stripes’, ‘Home Alone’, ‘Splash’, ‘Uncle Buck’, ‘Only the Lonely’, ‘JFK’ and ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’. The actor also did numerous television movies in his career, such as 'The Courage of Kavik, the Wolf Dog', 'The Canadian Conspiracy', 'The Last Polka', 'Hostage for a Day' and 'Really Weird Tales', to name a few. Sadly, the talented actor’s life ended tragically and he died at a relatively young age. While filming the Western parody ‘Wagons East’, he died of a heart attack, aged just 43. Candy was honored several times after his death. Ween's album ‘Chocolate and Cheese’ was dedicated to the loving memory of the late Canadian star. Besides this, his fans are demanding that the Canadian Screen Awards be assigned the certified nickname “The Candys” in his honor.

Birthday: October 31, 1950 (Scorpio)

Born In: Newmarket, Canada

254
Actors #1111
Comedians #167
Film & Theater Personalities #2682
Actors #1111
Comedians #167
Film & Theater Personalities #2682
254

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Quick Facts

Canadian Celebrities Born In October

Also Known As: John Franklin Candy

Died At Age: 43

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Rosemary Margaret Hobor (m. 1979–1994)

father: Sidney James Candy

mother: Evangeline Candy

children: Christopher Candy, Jennifer Candy

Born Country: Canada

Actors Comedians

Height: 6'2" (188 cm), 6'2" Males

Died on: March 4, 1994

place of death: Durango, Mexico

Notable Alumni: Centennial College, McMaster University

Ancestry: Polish Canadian, Scottish Canadian

Cause of Death: Heart Attack

City: Newmarket, Canada

More Facts

education: McMaster University, Centennial College

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You wanted to know

  • 1

    What were some of John Candy's most famous movies?

    Some of John Candy's most famous movies include "Planes, Trains and Automobiles," "Uncle Buck," "Cool Runnings," "Spaceballs," and "The Great Outdoors."
  • 2

    Did John Candy have any comedic influences?

    John Candy was inspired by comedians like John Belushi and Bill Murray. He also admired the work of Jackie Gleason and Jonathan Winters.
  • 3

    What was John Candy's approach to comedy?

    John Candy was known for his improvisational skills and his ability to bring warmth and humor to his characters. He often portrayed lovable, larger-than-life personalities.
  • 4

    Did John Candy have a background in improv comedy?

    Yes, John Candy honed his comedic talents at The Second City improvisational theater in Chicago before transitioning to film and television.
  • 5

    How did John Candy's comedic style influence other actors?

    John Candy's natural charm and ability to blend humor with genuine emotion have inspired many comedic actors who followed him, such as Chris Farley and Will Ferrell.

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Career
During the 1970s, John Candy appeared in a number of television and big screen projects including 'Dr. Zonk and the Zunkins', '90 Minutes Live', 'Coming Up Rosie', 'Second City TV', 'Tunnel Vision', 'The Clown Murders', 'The Silent Partner' and 'Lost and Found'. After this, in the 1980s, he was associated with the TV projects 'Big City Comedy', 'SCTV Network 90', 'The New Show', 'The Canadian Conspiracy', 'The Last Polka' and ‘Camp Candy’.
During this time, the actor also got featured in many films, such as 'The Blues Brothers', 'It Came from Hollywood', 'National Lampoon's Vacation', 'Splash', 'Summer Rental', 'Armed and Dangerous', 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' and 'Uncle Buck', to name a few. Then in the year 1990, Candy appeared in an episode of 'The Dave Thomas Comedy Show' and also acted in the movies 'Masters of Menace' and 'Home Alone'.
In 1991, he was cast in the films ‘Nothing But Trouble’, ‘Career Opportunities’, ‘Only the Lonely’, ‘Delirious’ and ‘JFK’. Soon after this, the Canadian artiste made his appearances in the movies ‘Once Upon a Crime’, ‘Boris and Natasha: The Movie’, ‘Rookie of the Year’ and ‘Cool Runnings’. In 1994, he did the TV flick ‘Hostage for a Day’. That year, his movie ‘Wagons East!’ was also released posthumously.
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Personal Life
John Candy was born as John Franklin Candy on October 31, 1950 in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada to Evangeline (Aker) Candy and Sidney James Candy. He attended Neil McNeil Catholic High School and later studied at the Centennial Community College and McMaster University.
He suffered from some health issues due to being overweight. He died suddenly on March 4, 1994 while on a trip to Mexico. He was just 43. The cause of his death was stated to be a massive heart attack.
The actor was married to Rosemary Hobor from 1979 till his death in 1994. The couple had two children: son Christopher and daughter Jennifer.
Facts About John Candy

John Candy was known for his love of amateur sports, particularly hockey.

He even co-owned a minor league hockey team, the Toronto Argonauts.

Candy was a talented voice actor and provided the voice for several animated characters, including Wilbur in "Charlotte's Web."

In addition to his comedic roles, Candy also demonstrated his dramatic acting skills in films like "JFK" and "Only the Lonely."
Candy had a reputation for being incredibly generous and kind-hearted, often going out of his way to help others in need.
One of Candy's lesser-known talents was his skill as a drummer, which he showcased in various projects throughout his career.

John Candy Movies

1. The Blues Brothers (1980)

  (Crime, Action, Comedy, Music, Musical)

2. National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)

  (Adventure, Comedy)

3. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

  (Comedy)

4. Stripes (1981)

  (War, Comedy)

5. The Silent Partner (1978)

  (Crime, Drama, Thriller)

6. Home Alone (1990)

  (Comedy, Family)

7. JFK (1991)

  (Thriller, Drama, History)

8. Uncle Buck (1989)

  (Comedy)

9. Spaceballs (1987)

  (Adventure, Sci-Fi, Comedy)

10. Cool Runnings (1993)

  (Sport, Family, Adventure, Comedy)

Awards

Primetime Emmy Awards
1983 Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program SCTV Network 90 (1981)
1982 Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program SCTV Network 90 (1981)

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- John Candy Biography
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URL
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20th Century | Celebrity Names With Letter J | 20th Century Actors | 20th Century Comedians | 20th Century Film & Theater Personalities