John Candy’s Legacy Explored in New Documentary ‘I Like Me’

TORONTO, Canada — The life and struggles of comedian John Candy are the subject of a new documentary titled “I Like Me,” which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be available on Prime Video starting October 10.

Director and producer reports reveal insights from Candy’s family and friends about his journey in Hollywood. The film highlights a pivotal scene from the 1981 film “Stripes,” where Candy’s character participates in a mud-wrestling match. Many, including Candy, felt uncomfortable during the scene, particularly due to Candy’s body image. “He wore a long-sleeve T-shirt because he wouldn’t go completely bare-chested,” said actor Dave Thomas, who also appeared in the film.

Candy’s daughter, Jennifer, shared her perspective on the documentary, stating, “It shows the vulnerability of our dad and how human he was. Everyone can be self-conscious of themselves, especially when you’re put on a big screen.” Her brother, Chris, added that Candy often balanced his public image with his personal feelings about his body size.

The documentary sheds light on Candy’s life, including his challenges with fame and self-acceptance. He remained one of the most beloved comedy stars of the 1980s but struggled with his weight throughout his career. Despite this, his talents shone through in both comedic and serious roles. According to Chris, “He nodded towards wanting to do other things, but he loved acting, he loved doing animation and he loved doing voiceover.”

The documentary also discusses Candy’s role in the film “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” which both his children believe would have been Oscar-worthy. “That performance has every single nuance you would ever want,” said actor Ryan Reynolds, who appears in the documentary.

As the documentary explores Candy’s vulnerabilities, it also emphasizes his comedic genius, showing how close he was to achieving recognition for his contributions to the film industry. The film, “I Like Me,” not only pays tribute to Candy’s legacy but also serves as a reminder of the personal battles that many artists face in their careers.