John Candy spends the early ’80s steadily climbing the ranks—grinding out supporting roles, inching toward leading man status. He misses out on Ghostbusters, but gains something greater: a growing family with his wife Rose, and a career-defining turn in Planes, Trains and Automobiles. This episode traces Candy’s breakout moment and the beginning of a lasting creative bond with John Hughes—one that would shape the next chapter of his career.
John Candy: The Lou Gehrig of Comedy is a series that honours the timeless humour and heartfelt performances of John Candy, star of hits like Splash, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Home Alone.
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Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett
Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti
Recorded by Tyler Rauman
Additional voices by Matthew Barnett & Sean Quinlan
A Knockabout Media Production
Additional audio material:
The Bobbie Wygant Archive, Later with Bob Costas, Late Night with David Letterman, Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Columbia Pictures, Sesame Workshop, TriStar Pictures, Paramount Pictures, AppleTV+, Tribune Media, CBC
*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use*
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