The Mysterious End: How John Candy 'Predicted' His Own Tragic Death

The Tragic Tale of John Candy: A Star Cut Down in His Prime

In 1994, Hollywood was left reeling from the sudden and devastating loss of one of its brightest stars, John Candy. At just 43 years old, Candy's vibrant life and career were cruelly cut short by a massive heart attack, leaving behind a young family and a world in mourning.

But what many fans may not know is that Candy's struggles with his health were a long-standing battle he fought in private. Behind the scenes of his giddy on-screen personas, Candy was fighting an uphill struggle to overcome his genetic predisposition to heart disease, which claimed his father at just 35 years old when Candy was still a child.

A Life of Excess and Self-Doubt

Candy's early life was marred by tragedy, with the loss of his father leaving him feeling doomed from an early age. This sense of vulnerability would haunt him throughout his career, as he struggled to cope with anxiety, panic attacks, and a penchant for unhealthy habits.

As his star rose in the 1980s, Candy became notorious for his love of junk food, including pierogi dumplings, which often left him feeling like a "Damoclean sword" hung over his head. His weight struggles were a constant battle, with Candy reportedly weighing over 375lbs at his heaviest and still an alarming 350lbs at the time of his death.

But it wasn't just food that was a problem for Candy; his addiction to cigarettes was also well-documented, with some estimates suggesting he smoked up to a pack a day from as young as 17. And while he had attempted to quit several times before his death, Candy's struggles with anxiety and panic attacks often led him back to the vices that were slowly killing him.

A Star Born for Laughter

Despite these personal demons, Candy's natural comedic talent and charm won over millions of fans worldwide. From his breakout role in 1984's Splash, where he played Tom Hanks' womanizing brother with hilarious aplomb, to his iconic turn as Del Griffith in the classic comedy Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Candy was a master of making audiences laugh.

But few people knew that behind the scenes, Candy was fighting an intense battle to manage his anxiety and self-doubt. His struggles with weight and health were often at odds with his desire to be seen as funny and carefree on screen.

The Final Days

In December 1993, Candy traveled to Durango, Mexico, to film the Western comedy Wagons East, which would ultimately become his final movie. In a phone call to his Home Alone co-star Catherine O'Hara, Candy expressed an ominous feeling about traveling to Mexico, saying, "I don't want to go down there; something bad is going to happen here."

His final day on set was spent filming just two scenes before Candy wrapped up at 10pm. He then spoke with his beloved family, including his nine-year-old son Chris and 14-year-old daughter Jennifer.

"I remember talking to him the night before he passed away," Chris recalled in an interview. "He said, 'I love you and goodnight.' And I will always remember that."

The Tragic Aftermath

Candy's death sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with stars like Chevy Chase, Tom Hanks, Rick Moranis, Jim Belushi, Martin Short, George Wendt, Rhea Perlman, Bill Murray, and Ed Harris attending his funeral.

In the months following Candy's passing, Wagons East was completed using script re-writes, a stand-in, and special effects. His final completed film, Canadian Bacon, would also be dedicated to his memory.

Today, more than three decades after his death, John Candy's legacy lives on through documentaries like John Candy: I Like Me, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival this month. The film, made with the full backing of Candy's widow Rosemary and children Jennifer, 45, and Chris, 40, charts Candy's rise to fame and tragic death.

The Legacy Lives On

As we reflect on the life and career of John Candy, it's clear that his impact on Hollywood will never be forgotten. Despite his struggles with health and anxiety, Candy left behind a body of work that continues to make us laugh, cry, and remember the incredible talent he was.

So let this be a reminder: even in the face of adversity, the power of comedy and laughter can conquer all – but at what cost?