John Candy’s legacy continues to shine nearly three decades after his passing, and now his children are helping preserve his story through the new John Candy documentary, I Like Me. The project, executive-produced by Candy’s son Chris and daughter Jennifer, had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 4 and will soon stream on Prime Video.
In an essay reflecting on the journey, Chris Candy shared how uncertain he felt during the early stages of the film. As he revisited family history and gathered memories, he questioned whether the project truly captured the heart of his father. Then, while traveling with a friend in Ontario, Chris witnessed what he described as a “cosmic greeting” from John himself, a moment that reassured him he was on the right path. According to People, it was a powerful sign that the John Candy documentary had found its purpose.
Chris Candy’s Emotional Journey
Chris recalled that he and his friend had just wrapped an interview with family friends in October 2023 when the moment occurred. Driving along Highway 11, he spotted a station wagon being hauled on a flatbed truck. It wasn’t just any car—it was a near-perfect replica of the Wagon Queen Family Truckster from National Lampoon’s Vacation, a film connected to his father’s friend John Hughes. Even the license plate carried a reference to Chevy Chase’s Clark Griswold.
For Chris, who was only eight when his father died in 1994, the sighting carried deep meaning. “I knew in that moment that it was a cosmic greeting from my dad—a nod, a simple thank you to his family for helping him finish his story,” he wrote. The experience gave him a sense of connection and guidance he had longed for since childhood, cementing his faith in moving forward with the John Candy documentary.
Preserving A Legendary Life
The film, directed by Colin Hanks, weaves together memories from Candy’s family, friends, and colleagues. Jennifer Candy and her mother, Rose, also play a part in shaping the story, ensuring that John’s voice echoes throughout. Fellow comedians Catherine O’Hara and Martin Short, along with others who knew him best, share their recollections of the warmth and humor that made him so beloved.
Colin Hanks, who first met Candy as a child while his father, Tom, filmed Splash, recalled at the premiere how unique John made him feel. “He made you feel heard, and that’s a special thing for a little kid,” Hanks said. For audiences, the John Candy documentary serves as both a tribute and a rediscovery, offering glimpses of the man who starred in classics like Uncle Buck and Cool Runnings, while also showing the father, husband, and friend behind the laughter.