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Ryan Reynolds Celebrates John Candy in New Documentary and Talk Show Appearance

10/9/2025, 3:57:39 AM

Ryan Reynolds' Tribute to John Candy

Ryan Reynolds recently produced a documentary titled *John Candy: I Like Me*, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025. The film explores the life and career of the late Canadian comedian John Candy, who passed away in 1994 at the age of 43. During an appearance on *Live with Kelly and Mark*, Reynolds expressed that creating this documentary was a "life-long dream." He noted that Candy has significantly influenced his work, stating, “All three Deadpool movies have John Candy Easter eggs.” Reynolds highlighted his admiration for Candy, describing him as “one of those comedic actors who was as good, if not better, off-camera than he was on.”

Nearly Missing the Show

On the same day as his talk show appearance, Reynolds faced a scheduling challenge, nearly arriving late. He sent a humorous text to co-host Mark Consuelos just minutes before the show began, which Kelly Ripa described as "an alarming text to get backstage." Reynolds humorously recounted his predicament, detailing his struggle to navigate traffic while coming from upstate New York. He shared his text with the audience, which included quips about his late arrival and a playful jab at Consuelos regarding makeup.

Official Statements & Responses

Reynolds emphasized the importance of John Candy's legacy in his work, stating, “He’s somebody I’ve always looked up to.” He also expressed gratitude to Paramount for allowing him to include references to Candy in his films, despite the licensing fees. Candy's children, Christopher and Jennifer Candy, praised the documentary, noting how it captures their father's caring nature, particularly in his interactions with child star Macaulay Culkin during the filming of *Uncle Buck*.

Criticism & Opposition

While Reynolds' documentary has been well-received, some critics argue that it may not fully encapsulate the complexities of Candy's life and career. There are concerns that the film could lean too heavily on nostalgia without addressing the challenges Candy faced in Hollywood.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “I couldn’t believe six years ago when I discovered there hadn’t yet been any kind of definitive documentary on John,” — Ryan Reynolds
  • “He showed a lot of respect.” — Macaulay Culkin on John Candy

What's Next

*John Candy: I Like Me* is set to begin streaming on Prime Video on October 10, 2025. Reynolds continues to promote the documentary, highlighting Candy's enduring influence on comedy and his personal career. The film aims to provide a comprehensive look at Candy's life, featuring never-before-seen archival footage and interviews with family and friends.

In addition to his film endeavors, Reynolds remains actively involved in his co-ownership of Wrexham AFC, where he has been instrumental in raising the club's profile and engaging with the community.