John Candy Day in Toronto

Mayor John Tory proclaims October 31 as John Candy Day

TORONTO, ON., Oct. 31, 2020 — Mayor John Tory is proclaiming October 31 as John Candy Day in Toronto. This day marks what would have been John’s 70th birthday as he was born on October 31, 1950. John Candy’s contributions to the Canadian entertainment industry have made him one of Canada’s greatest and funniest character actors. Mr. Candy has deep roots in Toronto, and played a big role in elevating the comedy and acting scene in the city.

“John Candy is a Canadian treasure who brought great joy to so many through his humour, acting and contributions to the entertainment industry and beyond,” said Mayor John Tory. “I had a chance to get to know him when he was an Argo owner. He was a decent humble man in the fashion of many famous Canadians and it is my privilege to honor his humour, his legacy and the pride he brought to our city on what would have been his 70th birthday.”

With a career spanning more than two decades, Candy rose to fame as a member of Toronto’s Second City sketch troupe and then as a cast member of the Toronto-based television series SCTV, where he was known for creating hilarious characters like Johnny LaRue. John Candy’s star grew brighter in Hollywood where he often played charming and memorable characters. He starred in movies such as “Splash,” “The Great Outdoors,” “Cool Runnings,” “Home Alone,” “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” “Uncle Buck,” “Canadian Bacon” and countless other films.

John Candy’s roots are in Toronto, living in East York as a child and attending Neil McNeil Catholic High School in Scarborough where the John Candy Visual Arts Studio is now dedicated in his honour. He was also co-owner of the Toronto Argonauts from 1991 until his death in 1994. The Argos won the 1991 Grey Cup while he was part owner.

John Candy would have turned 70 tomorrow. His sudden death at age 43 was felt deeply in Toronto and around the world. His legacy lives on through his family, his iconic performances, and his many accolades including his induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame and the East York Hall of Fame.

The proclamation is below:

John Candy Day Proclamation

WHEREAS John Candy was a beloved actor and comedian born on October 31, 1950. He rose to fame as a member of the Toronto branch of The Second City and the Toronto-based television series SCTV, where he was known for his creatively crafted characters and his humour.

John Candy’s career grew in Hollywood where he often played loveable characters. His breakout role came in the movie Splash playing Tom Hanks’ brother. He also starred in the movies The Great Outdoors, Summer Rental, Cool Runnings, Home Alone, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Uncle Buck, and countless other films.

Today, on what would have been his 70th birthday, we remember that he had proud roots in Toronto, living in East York as a child, attending high school in Scarborough and becoming co-owner of the Toronto Argonauts from 1991 until his death in 1994. The Argos won the 1991 Grey Cup while he was part owner.

His sudden death was felt deeply in our city and around the world. His legacy lives on through his family, his iconic performances and his induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame and the East York Hall of Fame.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor John Tory, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim October 31, 2020 as “John Candy Day” in the City of Toronto.

lead photo John Candy playing the role of Jamaican bobsled coach in Walt Disney’s Cool Runnings, YouTube screengrab

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