Ryan Reynolds Celebrates John Candy at TIFF’s Opening Night

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) began its 50th edition on Thursday night with the premiere of a new documentary called John Candy: I Like Me. The film celebrates the life and career of John Candy, the famous Canadian comedian who died in 1994 at the age of 43 from a heart attack.

This year’s opening gala focused strongly on Canadian pride. That was fitting since Candy grew up in Toronto and later became one of the most loved comedy actors of his time. He starred in many hit movies such as Stripes, Splash, Spaceballs, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Uncle Buck, and Cool Runnings.

The documentary is produced by fellow Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds, who was at the event. Reynolds shared that Candy was a big part of his childhood. He explained that today’s world often pressures kids to be perfect, but Candy was proof that having fun, taking risks, and sometimes failing can still lead to success.

Reynolds, wearing a maple leaf T-shirt, was joined on stage by the film’s director Colin Hanks (son of Tom Hanks, who once worked with Candy in Splash) and Candy’s children, Jennifer and Christopher. Hanks said he first met Candy in person before ever seeing him in a movie, but later remembered enjoying him most in Spaceballs. The documentary also features interviews with big names like Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Macaulay Culkin, and Mel Brooks.

A surprise guest, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, also appeared before the screening and received a standing ovation. He joked about Canada’s ongoing trade tensions with the U.S., saying Candy always stood up to bullies. “Don’t push a Canadian too far,” he said, making the audience laugh.

Before the movie started, Hanks asked Reynolds if he had any last thoughts to share. After a pause, Reynolds joked, “I voted for Mark Carney.”

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