Culkin Champions Candy’s “Paternal” Role at TIFF Premiere

Macaulay Culkin lauds late comedian John Candy’s support amid childhood turmoil Actor appears in new documentary “John Candy: I Like Me” at Toronto International Film Festival

Lead Macaulay Culkin praised John Candy for stepping in as a “paternal” figure during their work on Uncle Buck, speaking at the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of the documentary “John Candy: I Like Me” on September 5, 2025, where producer Ryan Reynolds revealed why Culkin agreed to participate.

Nut Graf In the documentary, aimed at honoring Candy’s legacy, Culkin details how the beloved comedian offered genuine care and concern on set, especially as the young star grappled with an allegedly abusive relationship with his father. This revelation underscores why Culkin, now 45, chose to share his personal story for the first time on camera, highlighting Candy’s enduring impact on his life.

Key Points

  • Candy’s Instinct: Culkin recounts Candy’s instinctive concern, checking in on him during filming when few others did.
  • Family Struggles: The actor describes his father as a “monster” whose behavior worsened with Culkin’s fame, making Candy’s kindness all the more vital.
  • Rare Public Appearance: Known for his privacy, Culkin made a rare public appearance to honor the man he credits with looking out for him.
  • Documentary Details: Produced by Ryan Reynolds and directed by Colin Hanks, “John Candy: I Like Me” premieres October 10 on Prime Video.

Main Part Macaulay Culkin began his reflections by recalling his first collaboration with Candy on the 1989 John Hughes film Uncle Buck, noting how the comedian intuitively noticed his discomfort. “Even before the wave crested and the Home Alone stuff was happening, it was no secret. He was already a monster,” Culkin said, referring to his father’s treatment of him as a child.

Ryan Reynolds, one of the film’s producers, explained at the TIFF screening that Candy’s significance in Culkin’s life made the actor finally ready to open up. “Honestly, I think because John Candy meant that much,” Reynolds said, emphasizing Culkin’s reluctance to share personal details until he felt the subject truly warranted it.

Culkin went on to describe Candy’s presence as quietly supportive, with the late comedian occasionally side‐eyeing the young star’s father on set and offering simple check‐ins such as, “You doing good? Everything alright?” This small act of care, Culkin said, left a lasting impression.

Following their time on Uncle Buck, Culkin reunited with Candy for Home Alone, further cementing the bond. In the documentary, he acknowledges that Candy’s warmth contrasted sharply with his father’s escalating jealousy and control over his career and finances.

“John Candy: I Like Me” weaves together interviews with friends, family and fellow actors to paint a full portrait of Candy’s life and influence. Culkin’s testimony adds a deeply personal dimension, illustrating how the comedian’s kindness provided a rare oasis of genuine compassion during the actor’s formative years. The film will be available to stream on Prime Video starting October 10.