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 as a member of the
Toronto branch of
the Second City and its related
Second City Television series, and through his appearances in such comedy films as
Stripes,
Splash,
Cool Runnings,
Summer Rental,
Home Alone,
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
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 from 1991 until his death, and the team won the
1991 Grey Cup under his ownership.
While filming the Western parody Wagons East, Candy died of a heart attack in Durango, Mexico on March 4, 1994, aged 43. His final two films, Wagons East and Canadian Bacon, are dedicated to his memory.