Macaulay Culkin Remembers John Candy

Macaulay Culkin has spoken fondly of his relationship with the late John Candy. Candy, who passed away from a heart attack in 1994 at just 43, co-starred with Culkin in the 1989 film “Uncle Buck.”

In a recent documentary, “John Candy: I Like Me,” which premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, Culkin shared insights into their time together on set while filming John Hughes’ comedy.

Steve Martin, who acted alongside Candy in “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” mentioned that Hughes encouraged him to write “Uncle Buck” specifically for Candy due to his remarkable talent.

Culkin reflected on the fact that Candy was slightly older than him during their collaboration. He spoke about playing Candy’s nephew and expressed how much he admired Candy’s performance. “That’s why I think it’s one of my favorite performances. He really put himself into it,” Culkin noted. He recalled how difficult it can be for actors to work with children, stating that many tend to avoid it. However, he appreciated how kind and supportive Candy was, particularly towards him and his on-screen sister, Gabby Hoffman.

“He treated us with respect,” Culkin recalled. “At eight years old, you don’t often feel respected by adults.” He recognized that Candy made a point to connect with them on a personal level.

When discussing his relationship with Candy, Culkin described feeling a “paternal” connection, especially when reflecting on his challenging relationship with his father, Christopher “Kit” Culkin. “John had this instinctive understanding of my situation. Even before I became famous, it was clear my father was difficult,” Culkin said. He recounted how, as fame and success emerged, his father’s behavior worsened, and Candy was one of the few to check in on him.

Culkin remarked that genuine care from an adult was rare for him, sharing that it was an important reminder amidst the complexities of Hollywood. Candy became a comedic icon throughout the ’80s, starring in numerous hits like “Splash,” “Brewster’s Millions,” and “Spaceballs.”

The documentary also features reflections from Candy’s former co-stars and his children, Chris and Jennifer, who serve as co-executive producers.

At the premiere, Ryan Reynolds mingled with Candy’s family, including his widow, Rosemary. Culkin, in past conversations, hasn’t shied away from expressing his feelings regarding the troubled relationship with his father.

Recalling a childhood memory, Culkin shared, “I often thought about how I would never behave that way with my kids.” Now as a father himself, to two young sons, he finds himself reflecting on those formative experiences.

Culkin mentioned, “It’s hard to believe my father was like that, especially since he had such a beautiful family.” He confirmed that he has not spoken to his father in almost 30 years. “He’s a man with seven children and now four grandchildren, yet none want anything to do with him,” Culkin stated.

Kit, who previously worked as a Broadway actor, has six children from his various relationships, including the late Dakota. Culkin described his father as “narcissistic” and “abusive,” particularly during their custody battle in the ’90s. “He was the worst,” he concluded, summing up his feelings about that part of his life.