John Candy: I Like Me just dropped on Prime Video, and fans can’t stop talking about it. The emotional new documentary dives into the life, laughs, and legacy of one of comedy’s most beloved icons, John Candy, the man who made timeless classics like Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Uncle Buck, and Cool Runnings. Packed with rare clips and heartfelt memories, the new documentary paints Candy as more than just a funny guy; he was pure heart behind every punchline.
From comedy royalty to surprise A-listers, the lineup is stacked with familiar faces sharing their love for the late legend. So, without further ado, here’s every celebrity cameo in John Candy: I Like Me.
1. Steve Martin
Steve Martin opens up about his unforgettable friendship with John Candy, recalling their time filming Planes, Trains & Automobiles. He describes the comedian as an empathetic person, sharing how one emotional scene had him nearly in tears opposite Candy’s heartfelt performance. He said (via People),
John Candy was very sensitive and very complex and we really loved each other
Beyond the laughs, Martin highlights their natural on-screen chemistry, saying their timing and rhythm together made even improvised moments shine. It’s clear Candy wasn’t just a co-star; he was a friend whose warmth left a lasting mark.
Steve Martin remembering John Candy from their time together on PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES. pic.twitter.com/bHCQUiOQkU
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2. Martin Short
Martin Short opens up about his unforgettable bond with John Candy, going back to their Second City Television days. He recalls Candy’s generosity, humor, and heart, calling him a friend who could make anyone feel seen and valued. On set, their chemistry wasn’t just comedic; it was genuine, effortless, and full of laughter that carried off-screen, too.
In John Candy: I Like Me, Short shares personal stories that highlight Candy’s kindness and larger-than-life personality, giving fans a glimpse of the man behind the iconic roles. It’s equal parts funny, heartfelt, and a reminder of why Candy is still so deeply loved.
3. Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks spills one of the funniest behind-the-scenes stories in John Candy: I Like Me. On the set of Splash, Candy apparently showed up to film the iconic racquetball scene after a wild night out with Jack Nicholson, running on just 90 minutes of sleep! Hanks revealed in the documentary (via Entertainment Weekly),
He was out drinking somewhere, and lo and behold, Jack Nicholson came in. Maybe they met for the first time right there, but they drank. John is coming in not only exhausted probably with maybe only an hour and a half sleep, but is also coming in fueled by an evening with Jack Nicholson, and we had to do a very physical thing, you know?
But as always, Candy’s timing and physical comedy were flawless. Hanks fondly recalls their improv moments, where Candy’s energy and unpredictability turned even small bits into pure gold. It’s a perfect snapshot of their friendship and a reminder that behind every laugh, John Candy brought heart, chaos, and magic to the screen.
4. Bill Murray
Bill Murray opens John Candy: I Like Me with a wink and a chuckle, jokingly claiming he could spill the “dirt” on his late friend. But as the documentary unfolds, it’s clear Murray’s affection for Candy runs deep. He recalls their time together on Stripes (1981), where Candy’s improvisational skills and infectious energy made every scene memorable.
Murray fondly remembers Candy’s genuine warmth and the effortless camaraderie they shared, both on and off the set. He even tears up while talking about their relationship (via PEOPLE),
I can’t tell you what was right about John Candy, or what was wrong. But he was my friend. And … I don’t wanna cry, but when you see him, when you see his face….
Their friendship was a blend of humor, respect, and mutual admiration, leaving an indelible mark on Murray and the world of comedy.
5. Mel Brooks
In John Candy: I Like Me, Mel Brooks opens up about working with John Candy on Spaceballs (1987), and it’s pure nostalgia. He remembers Candy’s magnetic energy, flawless comedic timing, and the way he could light up an entire set.
Brooks also talks about Candy’s warmth and generosity, the kind that made everyone feel like family. These behind-the-scenes reflections give fans a peek at the man behind the laughs, a true comedy legend whose presence was unforgettable.
6. Catherine O’Hara
Catherine O’Hara opens up in John Candy: I Like Me about her long and beautiful friendship with John Candy, which kicked off in Toronto’s comedy scene and skyrocketed on SCTV in the 1970s. Candy’s humor, warmth, and kindness made every moment with him unforgettable, on set and off.
They reunited on Home Alone (1990), where Candy played Gus Polinski, the “Polka King of the Midwest,” giving O’Hara’s character a memorable ride home, showcasing the chemistry and fun they shared on set.
Shortly after Candy’s tragic passing on March 4, 1994, which happened to fall on O’Hara’s 40th birthday, she had a vivid dream where they were together again, joking and laughing as they always had. When she asked,
Why’d you have to die?
Candy responded with a sigh and a smile,
Why’d you have to bring that up?
It’s a bittersweet, funny, and heartfelt peek into a friendship that was as legendary as Candy himself.
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7. Conan O’Brien
Conan O’Brien has shared some unforgettable memories of John Candy, including a hilarious encounter during his Harvard days. Back when he was a student and president of the Harvard Lampoon, Conan orchestrated a visit from his comedy idol, giving Candy a full tour of the campus.
He’s recounted this story on The Howard Stern Show, sharing laughs over Candy’s effortless humor. O’Brien fondly recalls,
He was everything I wanted him to be. He was John Candy – he was over the top, funny all the time, called me kid.
Fans can now catch Conan reflecting on some of the iconic moments in John Candy: I Like Me, where he highlights how Candy’s playful energy and kindness left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.
8. Macaulay Culkin
Macaulay Culkin opens up in John Candy: I Like Me about the magic of working with John Candy, sharing how the comedy legend was more than just a funny face; he was a mentor, a guide, and a genuinely caring presence on set.
Their first collaboration was Uncle Buck (1989), where Culkin quickly felt Candy’s warmth and support, and they reunited on Home Alone (1990), creating iconic on-screen moments that fans still love.
Culkin fondly remembers Candy checking in on him, asking about his abusive father, Christopher “Kit” Culkin. He said, as reported by People,
I think [Candy] always had that really great instinct. I think he saw. Listen, even before the wave crested and the Home Alone stuff was happening, it was not hard to see how difficult my father was. It was no secret. He was already a monster
It’s a touching reminder of Candy’s genuine kindness behind the laughs. Culkin’s reflections offer a heartfelt glimpse into the kindness and mentorship Candy extended to those around him, both on and off the screen.
9. Eugene Levy
Eugene Levy opens up about his longtime friendship with John Candy, dating back to their SCTV days. He remembers Candy as effortlessly hilarious, warm, and the kind of person who could light up any room. Levy shares stories of Candy’s comedic genius and his knack for making everyone around him feel seen and valued.
In John Candy: I Like Me, Levy’s reflections are equal parts funny and heartfelt, giving fans a peek at the man behind the laughs and a reminder of why Candy’s legacy in comedy still resonates decades later.
10. Dan Aykroyd
Dan Aykroyd opens up in John Candy: I Like Me about his unforgettable friendship with John Candy, tracing back to their Second City days. He also reminisces about their on-screen magic in The Great Outdoors and Nothing But Trouble, where Candy’s energy, humor, and spontaneity stole every scene.
Having had to write a lot of eulogies, Dan Aykroyd's appreciation of John Candy at the opening of the new documentary "I Like Me" is a stunning entry:
"You have been accorded a great honor. You stand up and walk to the front of the room and, without grief or weeping, deliver… pic.twitter.com/ryEIPpM8da
Aykroyd’s stories are equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, showing just how much Candy lifted everyone around him. It’s a perfect look at their chemistry, their laughs, and the kind of friendship that makes you realize why John Candy is more than a comedy legend. Candy was pure heart in every laugh, every scene, every moment.
11. Andrew Alexander
Andrew Alexander, co-owner and executive producer of The Second City, played a massive role in John Candy’s rise to comedy stardom. In John Candy: I Like Me, Alexander looks back on their SCTV days, recalling Candy’s infectious energy, endless creativity, and his uncanny ability to light up every set he stepped on.
He also shares a revealing behind-the-scenes moment from Stripes (1981), showing Candy’s integrity and sensitivity as a performer. He said,
He was very upset about Stripes, the scene that he had in the mud.
Their time together at SCTV shaped a generation of comedians and solidified Candy’s place as a legend in both Canadian and Hollywood comedy.
12. Chris Columbus
Chris Columbus, the genius behind Home Alone (1990) and Only the Lonely (1991), spills some behind-the-scenes magic in John Candy: I Like Me. He remembers Candy absolutely owning the set as Gus Polinski, the “Polka King of the Midwest”, on Home Alone, improvising effortlessly with Catherine O’Hara and turning every scene into pure gold, even with a tight schedule. He said (via Parade),
I said it would be a dream come true to get John to do this role, and for some reason, he was only available for one day
Columbus also highlights Candy’s heartfelt performance in Only the Lonely, where he played Danny Muldoon, a 38-year-old bachelor navigating love and family, bringing depth, charm, and laugh-out-loud energy all at once.
For Columbus, Candy wasn’t just a comic genius; he was a force of nature, lighting up every room and leaving a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to work with him.
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From Steve Martin and Martin Short to Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Chris Columbus, Macaulay Culkin, Andrew Alexander, and countless others, John Candy: I Like Me brings together a star-studded lineup to celebrate the one-and-only John Candy.
His family, including his wife Rosemary Hobor and their children Jennifer and Chris Candy, also share touching memories, keeping his spirit alive alongside the celebrities who knew him best.
Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, the documentary captures why Candy wasn’t just a comedy legend; he was pure heart, warmth, and joy personified. Though he left us on March 4, 1994, on his 43rd birthday, his legacy shines brighter than ever. From the SCTV days to Hollywood classics, John Candy will forever be legendary.
John Candy: I Like Me is currently streaming on Prime Video.
