John Candy’s Kids Talk Watching Dad Struggle With Fatphobia, Anxiety

John Candy’s kids, Jennifer and Christopher, are grappling with the “maddening” fatphobia their father confronted during his career as they embark on sharing insights from their new documentary, John Candy: I Like Me. 

Released on Prime Video on Friday, October 10, the film reflects on Candy’s journey and his enduring legacy following his untimely passing from a heart attack at 43 in 1994. Directed by Colin Hanks, the documentary features numerous top-tier celebrities—including Tom Hanks and Martin Short—who commend the late comedian’s remarkable talent and immense kindness. However, it also uncovers the less talked about struggles of Candy’s life.

Some of the most difficult moments in I Like Me include archival interviews with Candy where he often faced harsh questioning about his weight and health. Speaking with Us Weekly, Jennifer, 45, and Christopher, 41, expressed their shock at the relentless scrutiny their father endured.

“Watching those interviews was infuriating, especially knowing what we know now,” Christopher shared with Us prior to the documentary’s release. “I learned that he felt so anxious about eating in public due to paparazzi that he sometimes avoided meals altogether, opting for drinks or cigarettes instead. That’s clearly harmful to anyone’s health.”

He added, “Hearing his internal struggles and negotiations was emotionally challenging. I wish we’d been older and able to support him better, to say, ‘Forget the cameras, eat something. You deserve it.’”

Jennifer supported her brother’s perspective, indicating that growing up, they only experienced their father’s joyful on-screen persona. The sobering nature of the behind-the-scenes footage was a stark contrast to the memories they held dear.

“That was shocking,” she reflected. “It pained me because people should know better. Comments on someone’s weight or struggles are simply unacceptable. Revisiting those moments was tough.”

Jennifer also highlighted another facet of their father’s character that didn’t make the cut in the documentary—his tendency to host parties, which were often misconstrued as indulgent behavior. “He was simply trying to cater for everyone,” she explained. “There would be heaps of food ordered for guests, and people would assume he’d eaten everything himself.”

Her emphasis was on the fact that his intentions were often misjudged. “He ordered for the family and friends gathered, yet people only saw the surface—never the true nature of the celebrations.”

The film reveals that while Candy pushed back against health critiques—Eugene Levy recalls a moment Candy severed ties with a friend for addressing his weight—he was also committed to his well-being, especially towards the end of his life. Candy frequented a weight management center, trained regularly, and worked with a nutritionist prior to his passing.

Even with these efforts, he often felt that the public preferred him to maintain his size, leading him to remain “big.”

Additionally, the documentary addresses Candy’s struggles with mental health, including panic attacks. Jennifer and Christopher noted that when director Colin and producer Ryan Reynolds approached them, they prioritized showcasing their father’s challenges authentically.

“We aimed for a film that captured the complexities of his life, not just a superficial highlight reel,” Christopher stated. “We wanted to convey the trauma he experienced and the psychological hurdles he was beginning to face late in his life.”

Jennifer agreed, emphasizing the importance of portraying a well-rounded view of their father. “Adding depth is crucial for audience engagement; we wanted people to leave with new insights or emotions.”

“Yes, our dad was a beloved, larger-than-life actor, but this goes deeper—understanding the reasons behind his struggles matters,” she explained. “Everyone experiences their own battles, and it’s essential to allow those stories to unfold.”

Both Jennifer and Christopher candidly shared how their father’s health experiences have profoundly impacted their adult lives.

Jennifer mentioned her lifelong heart condition, stating, “I’m constantly seeing doctors to keep everything monitored. While you don’t want to recreate the same patterns, it’s a delicate balance of living fully while understanding the risks.”

Christopher shared that he initiated proactive health measures young, realizing the shared health struggles in their family. “After witnessing numerous heart issues among the men in our family, I made it a point to engage with a cardiologist at a young age,” he noted.

However, he reassured that genetics don’t determine fate. “As I dive deeper, I’ve come to see that many issues stem from behavior rather than just inherited traits. That perspective gives me more confidence as I age; I look forward to it, rather than dread it.”

Ultimately, they both noted that revisiting their father’s passing is a lengthy emotional process they continue to navigate in therapy. “It ebbs and flows,” Jennifer admitted, yet emphasized that working on I Like Me has been largely fulfilling.

“You tend to overlook just how monumental a star [our dad] truly was until you hear Tom Hanks speaking so warmly about SCTV,” said Christopher. “For both Jen and I, as longtime fans of Conan O’Brien, learning that our dad influenced him—and in turn, his influence on us—feels profound.”

“It’s a surreal experience,” Jennifer concurred. “While I can manage small doses, being inundated with two hours of heartfelt admiration can be overwhelming.”

John Candy: I Like Me is currently available for streaming on Prime Video.