Colin Hanks Reflects on John Candy’s Media Treatment
Colin Hanks recently shared his thoughts on how comedian John Candy was treated by the media during interviews in his prime. On the podcast “happy sad confused,” Hanks discussed the insensitivity surrounding questions about Candy’s weight, calling it “heartbreaking,” and remarked that such inquiries are no longer acceptable.
Hanks found it especially unsettling to see how uncomfortable Candy appeared when faced with questions about his weight. “Deep down, he knew they were going to bring it up,” he noted. It really makes you think—why was it such a big deal? The way the media approached these topics was pretty shocking.
The filmmaker, who is behind the upcoming documentary “John Candy: I Like Me,” expressed a desire to delve into these aspects in the film. He described the experience as “heartbreaking,” emphasizing that it was a focal point he felt needed exploration.
In another interview, he acknowledged Candy’s remarkable composure despite the pressure, stating, “He had every right to call out those people, but he didn’t.” Hanks found this approach to be intriguing and noted that it ties into the documentary’s themes of media pressures and personal struggles.
“It was shocking, especially to see how uncomfortable John felt knowing they would ask about his weight.”
— Colin Hanks
This documentary, produced alongside Ryan Reynolds, offers an intimate look at Candy’s life, career, and untimely death at age 43 from a heart attack in 1994. It features interviews with those close to him, including Bill Murray and his children, Jennifer and Chris, who also took on production roles.
Chris Candy shared insights about their father’s sense of time running out. He reflected on how John appeared to be trying to make positive changes in his life towards the end, aiming to care more for himself. However, he pointed out how difficult that can be without ample time.
The documentary paints a picture of John’s struggles with anxiety, particularly heightened in his later years, though he often kept these feelings hidden. Chris admitted, “We knew he was dealing with it, even if he never talked about it.”
During a recent screening in New York, Chris remarked on how his father also expressed concern about his own weight and was surprised by how interviewers treated him. This pressure to conform to societal expectations led John to develop unhealthy eating habits, opting to eat secretly away from the public eye. “Hearing stories like that, I really feel for him,” Chris added, reflecting on their impact.
John Candy, known for his breakthrough role in “Splash” among others, made a significant mark on the comedy scene, particularly as a key player on ‘SCTV’ from 1976 to 1984. His enduring charm and humor continue to resonate long after his passing, leaving behind a legacy that still feels relevant today.
