What most people know about John Candy is that he was a beloved actor in 44 films, but many don’t know that John Candy was first and foremost a family man.
Now, 26 years after his early death, his kids are doing their best to honor their father’s incredible legacy.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Candy’s son, Chris, said, “I don’t know if he was excited to work on it or wasn’t. Richard Lewis, who worked with him on that movie, told me he was so much fun and so funny, but when he looked at my dad, he looked so tired.”
The night of Candy’s fatal heart attack, he had a brief exchange with the night watchman on the premises before going to his room for the night—his exact words: “I’m so tired. All I want to do is go home and be with my family.”
I’ll leave you with this quote , my favorite line ! “Love…is not a big enough word ~Del Griffith . “ 25 years. Wow. His legacy truly lives on thru his family, friends and fans! Thank you ❤️ Ps. I would love that #adidas dress in adult size!! @ChrisCandy4u #JohnCandy ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6AAeW861S3
— Jennifer Candy (@TheRealJenCandy) March 4, 2019
Son Chris and daughter Jen, openly speak about their father’s death and the stories leading up to it.
“I was 9. It was a Friday, and I remember talking to him the night before he passed away, and he said, ‘I love you and goodnight.’ And I will always remember that,” Chris recalled.
Jen continued, “I remember my dad the night before. I was studying for a vocabulary test. I was 14. He had just come home for my 14th birthday, which is Feb. 3. So I was talking to him on the phone, and I hate this, but I was slightly distant because I was studying. So I was like, ‘Yeah, OK, I love you. I will talk to you later. Have a great night.’ Then I hang up, and I go back to studying.”
23 years ago today and he is still on my mind. All the love to my father! pic.twitter.com/dbjZL1r8nA
— Chris Candy (@ChrisCandy4u) March 4, 2017
According to Jen and Chris, their father was just as warm and lovable as many of his onscreen personas, though no single part nails him perfectly.
“Johnny LaRue was most him, to an extent,” Jen added. “And the reason I say that is Johnny LaRue was a business guy, he was lovable, but Dad was not smarmy. You mix that with Uncle Buck and Del Griffith [from Planes, Trains, and Automobiles], and you’ve got my dad. He brought a little bit of himself to all of his characters.”
“He’s not really gone because we talk about him so much, and we’ll always open a box, and there’s a billion photos of him. So, it’s like, there he is,” Chris said.
“As much as he is gone, he is not gone,” Jen added. “He is always there.”
