John Candy

John Franklin Candy (October 31, 1950 – March 4, 1994) was a Canadian actor and comedian known mainly for his work in Hollywood films. Candy rose to fame in the 1970s as a member of the Toronto branch of the Second City and its Second City Television (SCTV) series, and through his appearances in comedy films, including Stripes, Splash, Cool Runnings, Summer Rental, The Great Outdoors, Spaceballs, and Uncle Buck, as well as more dramatic roles in Only the Lonely and JFK. One of his most renowned onscreen performances was as Del Griffith, the talkative shower-curtain ring salesman in the John Hughes comedy film Planes, Trains and Automobiles.In addition to his work as an actor, Candy was a co-owner of the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL), and the team won the 1991 Grey Cup under his ownership. Candy died in 1994 at the age of 43. His final two film appearances, Wagons East and Canadian Bacon, are dedicated to his memory.

Candy and his wife, Rosemary Hobor, had two children, Christopher Michael and Jennifer Anne.Candy admitted that he suffered from severe anxiety and panic attacks.

Candy was born on October 31, 1950, in Newmarket, Ontario. The son of Sidney James Candy (1920-1955) and Evangeline (née Aker) (1916-2009) Candy, he was brought up in a working-class Catholic family. His childhood home was 217 Woodville Ave in East York, Ontario. Candy's mother was of Polish descent.: 19 His father died of complications of heart disease at age 35 in 1955 when John was five years old.Candy studied at Neil McNeil Catholic High School in Toronto. He wanted to become a football player long before acting was a consideration, but a knee injury prevented him from playing. He later enrolled in Centennial College to study journalism, and then went to McMaster University. He started acting while at college.