John Candy, one of Hollywood’s most beloved funnymen, died suddenly at just 43 while filming the 1994 western comedy Wagons East in Durango, Colorado — and new revelations paint a haunting picture of his final hours.
According to a new Amazon Prime documentary, John Candy: I Like Me, friends and family recall how the actor’s larger-than-life personality masked serious personal demons — from food and alcohol addictions to crushing health struggles.
Candy had been warned by doctors to lose weight, but he refused, insisting, “I’m the funny fat guy. That’s my image. I can’t lose weight.” At the time of his death, the 6-foot-3 star reportedly weighed close to 375 pounds with a 59-inch waistline.
On set, Candy’s eating habits were notorious. Locals recall him downing six whole chickens at one sitting and five pounds of ham at another. Production even had to fly in an extra-sturdy horse to carry him during filming.
“He didn’t realize he was killing himself,” said close friend Elena de Sanchez, who spent time with the actor in Durango.
On March 3, 1994, Candy spent his final day shooting long, grueling scenes under 80-degree heat. By 10 p.m., he returned to his rented home completely drained, ate a plate of spaghetti, and took a shower before bed.
Around midnight, the night watchman spotted Candy outside in his bathrobe, catching some fresh air. “He told me, ‘I’m so tired. All I want to do is go home and be with my family,’” the man recalled.
It was the last time anyone saw him alive.
The next morning, Candy’s bodyguard, Gustavo Populus, became worried when he didn’t respond. After pounding on the door and getting no answer, he opened the bedroom to find the actor lying half in and half out of bed — already gone.
“By the way his body was positioned, it looked like he tried to get up and fell back,” said Alejandro Castillo, whose family owned the rental home.
Medical examiners later confirmed Candy had suffered a fatal heart attack. His mouth and fingertips had turned purple — a telltale sign.
Hours later, a local priest performed last rites before Candy’s body was taken away. Hollywood mourned the loss of a comedic genius, best known for classics like Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Uncle Buck.
The new documentary revisits his triumphs, struggles, and final days, shining fresh light on the private battles behind his unforgettable smile.
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