John Candy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Candy
John Candy at Ivor Wynne Stadium in 1993
Born	John Franklin Candy (1950-10-31)October 31, 1950 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Died	March 4, 1994(1994-03-04) (aged 43) Durango City, Mexico
Burial place	Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California, U.S.
Alma mater	Centennial College McMaster University
Occupation	Actor comedian
Years active	1969–1994
Television	Second City Television
Spouse(s)	Rosemary Margaret Hobor ​ (m. 1979)​
Children	2

John Franklin Candy (October 31, 1950 – March 4, 1994) was a Canadian actor and comedian who is best known for his work in Hollywood films.

In addition to his work as an actor, he was a co-owner of the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL), and the team won the 1991 Grey Cup under his ownership. Candy died in 1994 at the age of 43. His final two film appearances, Wagons East and Canadian Bacon, are dedicated to his memory.

Early life and education

Candy was born on October 31, 1950, in Toronto and grew up in Newmarket, Ontario. The son of Sidney James Candy and Evangeline Candy, he was brought up in a working-class Catholic family. His childhood home was at 217 Woodville Ave in East York, Ontario. John Candy's mother was of Polish descent. His father died of complications of heart disease at age 35 in 1955 when John was five years old.

Candy attended Neil McNeil Catholic High School where he played offensive tackle on the school’s football team and participated in drama club. Long before considering acting, Candy aspired to become a professional football player, but a knee injury during his high school football career prevented him from fulfilling his dream. He later enrolled in Centennial College to study journalism, and then went to McMaster University. He started acting while at college.

Career

Candy first rose to national prominence in the 1970s as a member of the Toronto branch of the Second City and its SCTV sketch comedy series. He rose to international fame in the 1980s with his roles in comedic films such as Stripes (1981), Splash (1984), Brewster's Millions (1985), Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Spaceballs (both 1987), The Great Outdoors (1988), Uncle Buck (1989), and Cool Runnings (1993). He was also known for his supporting roles in The Blues Brothers (1980), National Lampoon's Vacation (1983), Little Shop of Horrors (1986), and Home Alone (1990); and had dramatic roles in Only the Lonely and JFK (both 1991).

Candy with Dan Aykroyd on the set of The Great Outdoors (1988)

Candy also provided the voice of Wilbur the Albatross in Disney's animated film The Rescuers Down Under (1990) and had a cameo in two more films written by Hughes, the blockbuster hit film Home Alone (1990) and the box office flop Career Opportunities (1991).

In 1991, Chris Columbus wrote and directed Only the Lonely with John Hughes serving as co-producer, and starring Candy and Maureen O'Hara; it was well reviewed but not a big hit. He made his directorial debut in the 1994 comedy television film Hostage for a Day. His last appearances were in Wagons East (1994) and Canadian Bacon (1995) .

Personal life

Candy and his wife Rosemary Hobor had two children, Christopher Michael and Jennifer Anne.

Candy publicly admitted that he suffered from severe anxiety and panic attacks.

Sports

In 1991, Bruce McNall, Wayne Gretzky, and Candy became owners of the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts. The celebrity ownership group attracted attention in Canada, and the team spent a significant amount of money, even signing some highly touted National Football League prospects such as wide receiver Raghib Ismail. Under Candy's co-ownership, the Argonauts took home the 1991 Grey Cup, beating Calgary 36–21 in the final. Only McNall's name was etched onto the Grey Cup trophy as an owner of the team, but the CFL corrected the error in 2007 and added Candy's and Gretzky's names as well.

Health problems and death

Candy's grave at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California

Candy died in his sleep on March 4, 1994, in Durango City, Mexico, while filming Wagons East; a spokeswoman said that his cause of death was a heart attack. He was 43 years old.

Legacy

Candy's funeral was held at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Los Angeles. Candy was entombed in the mausoleum at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City. His crypt lies just above that of a fellow actor Fred MacMurray. On March 18, 1994, a special memorial service for Candy, produced by his former improvisation troupe the Second City, was broadcast across Canada.

Candy's star on Canada's Walk of Fame

Candy was posthumously inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 1998. In May 2006, Candy became one of the first four entertainers ever honored by Canada Post by being featured on a postage stamp. On October 31, 2020, Toronto Mayor John Tory proclaimed "John Candy Day" in honor of what would have been John Candy's 70th birthday.

After his death, the John Candy Visual Arts Studio at Neil McNeil Catholic High School in Toronto was dedicated in his honour. Candy, one of the school's most famous alumni, said during one of his annual visits to the school, "My success is simply rooted in the values and discipline and respect for others that I was taught at Neil McNeil." It has been suggested, among others, that the Canadian Screen Awards be given the official nickname "The Candys," both in honour of the actor and because the name suggests Canada.

Filmography

Film

Television

Music videos

Accolades

See also

In Spanish: John Candy para niños