Chris Candy Opens Up About Father’s Weight Struggles in New Documentary

LOS ANGELES, CA — Chris Candy recently shared emotional insights about his late father, John Candy, during a promotional event for the new documentary “John Candy: I Like Me.” The film features resurfaced interviews where John faced mockery about his weight from journalists.

Chris described his feelings, stating it was “heart-wrenching” to witness the mistreatment Jon endured in past interviews. “I was kind of shocked to see how interviewers treat him,” he said. “That was just kind of heart-wrenching.”

He added that his father developed difficult eating habits over time due to pressure and scrutiny from paparazzi. “He was so nervous about eating in front of people… he would say, ‘Alright, well I’m not going to eat all day. I’m going to eat at night,’” Chris explained.

Reflecting on the toll these experiences took on his father, Chris expressed regret, saying, “When I hear stories like that I just felt so bad for him because it’s like, ‘How cornered are you?’”

The documentary, directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and began streaming on Prime Video on October 10. It features interviews with Candy’s former co-stars, including Eugene Levy and Dan Aykroyd.

Hanks noted the insensitivity of the questions asked to John during interviews, saying, “It’s tough to see how uncomfortable John was in almost every clip.” Reynolds confirmed he reached out to a journalist who had made mocking comments about Candy’s weight, emphasizing the need for such discussions to promote understanding.

“I called this journalist just to see,” Reynolds said. “We had such a thoughtful conversation about it.”

“John Candy: I Like Me” delves into the life and legacy of the beloved comedian, showcasing the challenges he faced and the impact of media scrutiny on his life.