Big John Candy fan over here. I have been a fan of the sweetness and comedic genius of John Candy since I was young. From his roles in Uncle Buck to Planes, Trains and Automobiles to the unforgettable characters in SCTV and even the animated series Camp Candy – I have been a fan.
Here is something that I noticed about the roles John played over the years – these are, mostly, unlikable. Del Griffith is NOT the guy you want to get stuck with on a cross country trek racing home for Thanksgiving. Barf is a cowardly Mog (half man-half dog) who hits things with his tail. Gus Polinski can give you a ride to Chicago…in the back of a moving truck where you have to listen to live polka music the whole time. These are characters who are more cringeworthy than lovable. But that is the thing, they ARE lovable. John found a way to make each and every character flawed, but you just can’t help but cheer them on.
Over the last few years, I have dressed up as some of my favorite John Candy characters. Enjoy my homage to the funniest Canadian of all time!
National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) – Lasky WalleyWorld Guard
Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) – Del Griffith
Uncle Buck (1989) – Buck Russell
Home Alone (1990) – Gus Polinski
Spaceballs (1987) – Barf
Additional Content by JJ Gordon:
KFGO Blog – 50 of My Favorite Saturday Night Live Sketches!
KFGO Blog – Virtual Monopoly?!?! Yes, please!
KFGO Blog – How I Learned the States and Their Capitals
KFGO Blog – The Most Embarrassing Picture From My Youth
KFGO Blog – A Tale of Two Murders
KFGO Blog – The Three R’s of Remembering My Father
(Listen to JJ Gordon every weekday from 11am to 2pm on It Takes 2 with Amy and JJ . On the Mighty 790AM KFGO or on our app!)
