John Candy

John Candy
Candy in 1993
Born
John Franklin Candy

(1950-10-31)October 31, 1950
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
DiedMarch 4, 1994(1994-03-04) (aged 43)
Burial placeHoly Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California, U.S.
Alma mater
Occupations
  • Actor
  • comedian
Years active1971–1994
TelevisionSecond City Television
Spouse
Rosemary Margaret Hobor
(m. 1979)
Children2

John Franklin Candy (October 31, 1950 – March 4, 1994)[1] was a Canadian actor and comedian who is best known for his work in Hollywood films. 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), Armed and Dangerous (1986), Spaceballs (1987), Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), The Great Outdoors (1988), Uncle Buck (1989), and Cool Runnings (1993). He also appeared in supporting roles in The Blues Brothers (1980), National Lampoon's Vacation (1983), Little Shop of Horrors (1986), Home Alone (1990) and Nothing but Trouble (1991).

In addition to his work as an actor, Candy 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. He died in 1994 at the age of 43. His final two film appearances, Wagons East (1994) and Canadian Bacon (1995), are dedicated to his memory.

  1. ^ Rist, Peter (2001). Guide to the Cinema(s) of Canada. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 29. ISBN 978-0-313-29931-5.