John Candy’s Kids Reveal Harsh Fatphobia Their Father Faced

The world knew John Candy as a beloved comedian with a giant heart and unforgettable humor, but a new documentary, John Candy: I Like Me, exposes the harsher side of his life — the relentless fatphobia he endured. Released on Prime Video on October 10, the film directed by Colin Hanks explores Candy’s journey, both on and off screen, before his untimely death at 43 in 1994.

Jennifer, 45, and Christopher, 41, Candy’s children, admitted to Us Weekly that they were unaware of the pressures their father faced. Old interviews, now shown in the documentary, reveal how journalists constantly grilled him about his weight and health, often forcing him to make uncomfortable choices just to avoid public scrutiny.

“It was maddening to see what he put up with,” Christopher said, recalling how Candy sometimes avoided eating in public due to paparazzi, opting instead for drinks or cigarettes, and only eating privately. Jennifer added that seeing behind-the-scenes footage of her father was painful, as it exposed the cruelty hidden behind the public’s laughter.

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The documentary also clarifies misconceptions about Candy’s love for food and social gatherings. Jennifer explained that his parties often involved large amounts of food for friends and family, but public perception twisted this into false narratives about his eating habits.

Despite the challenges, Candy was conscious of his health and took steps to improve it, working with a trainer and nutritionist. Yet he often felt external pressures to “stay big,” showing the complex relationship he had with both his body and the public.

Mental health struggles, including panic attacks, were another significant aspect highlighted in the film. Jennifer and Christopher emphasized that the documentary aimed to portray their father fully, neither sugarcoating nor simplifying his life, showing both the joy he brought and the trauma he faced.

The siblings also shared that revisiting Candy’s life has influenced their own health choices. Christopher noted that awareness of their family’s history of heart conditions guided him to prioritize medical checkups and personal well-being, while Jennifer said the experience made her more conscious of living responsibly without sacrificing life’s enjoyment.

Reflecting on the documentary, both Jennifer and Christopher acknowledged the overwhelming but rewarding experience of seeing the world’s admiration for their father. From Tom Hanks’ candid recollections to Conan O’Brien’s acknowledgment of Candy’s influence, the film affirms John Candy’s enduring legacy while confronting the struggles he endured in silence.