John Candy

Photo of John Candy

Biography

Canadian funnyman John Candy was known around Hollywood as one of the most amiable, easygoing people to work with. Onscreen, that inherent genial nature combined with his terrific comedic sense created some of most memorable movie characters of the '80s and '90s like "Uncle" Buck Russell and Del Griffith in "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" (1987). Candy first became known to millions in the late '70s as a cast member of the legendary Canadian …
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Job Title

Actor, Director, Producer, Writer, Music, Other

Born

October 31, 1950

Career Milestones

1995

Final released feature, "Canadian Bacon"

1994

Directing debut, "Hostage For A Day", a Fox TV-movie (also acted); did not air until April 1994, after Candy's death

Hosted and co-wrote "Radio Kandy", a syndicated rock-and-comedy radio show broadcast over 300 stations

Starred in Saturday morning TV series, "Camp Kandy", (appeared live and as a voice)

1989

Feature executive producing debut, "Who's Harry Crumb?" (Also starred)

1985

TV executive producing debut, "The Last Polka", an HBO comedy special (also starred)

1983

First starring role, "Going Berserk"

Worked as performer and writer, "SCTV Network 90"

TV debut as performer and writer, "Second City TV"

1973

Feature film debut, "The Class of '44"

Joined Second City Comedy Troupe in Toronto

1972

Member of Second City Comedy Troupe, Chicago (along with John Belushi, Shelley Long, Gilda Radner and Bill Murray)

1971

First met Dan Aykroyd through Toronto underground theater scene

1971

Appeared in satirical revue, "Creeps" in Toronto

First professional job, with children's theater group

Began acting while in 11th grade

Awards

1983

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing In a Variety or Music Program in SCTV Network

1982

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing In a Variety or Music Program in SCTV Network