Ryan Reynolds Produces John Candy Mental Health Documentary Premiered TIFF

In the documentary John Candy: I Like Me, Macaulay Culkin reflects on the late comedian John Candy's protective and paternal role during their time working together on Uncle Buck, highlighting Candy's kindness amid Culkin's troubled family life. Ryan Reynolds, who produced the film, revealed that Candy struggled with anxiety and was a people-pleaser, a combination that complicated his mental health and possibly contributed to his early death. Reynolds emphasized that Candy was ahead of his time in addressing mental health issues, which were rarely discussed during his life, and shared how the film deepened his understanding of Candy's struggles. Director Colin Hanks and Reynolds both noted the challenges Candy faced balancing his public persona and private battles, with Reynolds relating personally to Candy's people-pleasing tendencies. The documentary sheds light on Candy’s enduring legacy, celebrating his affable personality and good deeds while acknowledging the pain and mental health challenges he endured. Through interviews and insights from those close to Candy, the film advocates for openness about mental health as a way to support those who silently suffer.