The late John Candy continues to inspire, even years after his passing. A new documentary, ‘John Candy: I Like Me,’ premiering on Prime Video, showcases the impact he had on fellow comedians and actors. Among those sharing their admiration is Brookline native Conan O’Brien, who credits Candy’s comedic genius with setting him on his path to late-night television stardom. This article explores how John Candy’s influence shaped a young and impressionable Conan O’Brien, ultimately leading him to pursue a career in comedy.
O’Brien’s story highlights the power of comedic inspiration and the lasting legacy of John Candy. The documentary features numerous tributes from family, friends, and colleagues, all attesting to Candy’s talent and kindness. However, O’Brien’s reflections offer a unique perspective, revealing how Candy’s work directly influenced his comedic sensibilities and career aspirations.
We will delve into O’Brien’s recollections of discovering Candy’s work, the profound impact of ‘SCTV,’ and a memorable encounter during his time at Harvard. This article will demonstrate how Candy’s influence extended beyond mere admiration, providing O’Brien with invaluable advice that shaped his approach to comedy.
The Oppenheimer Blast: Discovering John Candy
Conan O’Brien recalls being at an ‘impressionable age’ when he first encountered John Candy’s comedy. As a self-proclaimed ‘comedy freak,’ O’Brien was immediately captivated by Candy’s unique style and presence. He describes Candy’s ‘SCTV’ Yellowbelly sketch, about a cowardly soldier in the Old West, as ‘the Oppenheimer blast’ for his comedic inspirations.
“I’m at that impressionable age. I’m a comedy freak, and here comes John Candy, and I’m like, ‘Who is that guy?’” O’Brien says in the documentary, pointing to Candy’s “SCTV” Yellowbelly sketch, about a cowardly soldier in the Old West, as “the Oppenheimer blast” for his comedic inspirations. “That wiped my mind clean, that you could do a sketch where someone shoots a mother and a child in the back while a fun song plays.”
This sketch, with its dark humor and unexpected twists, challenged O’Brien’s understanding of what comedy could be. It opened his eyes to the possibilities of pushing boundaries and exploring unconventional comedic territory. Candy’s fearlessness and willingness to take risks left a lasting impression on the young O’Brien, inspiring him to embrace experimentation in his own comedic pursuits.
The impact of this early exposure to Candy’s work cannot be overstated. It provided O’Brien with a new framework for understanding comedy and a roadmap for developing his own unique voice. Candy’s influence would continue to shape O’Brien’s career as he honed his skills and eventually rose to late-night stardom.
Meeting the Legend: A Harvard Lampoon Encounter
During his senior year at Harvard, while serving as president of the Harvard Lampoon, O’Brien had the opportunity to meet John Candy in person. The Lampoon invited Candy to speak on campus, and the actor graciously accepted. This encounter proved to be a pivotal moment for O’Brien, solidifying Candy’s influence and providing invaluable advice.
“So I drive to Logan Airport. He took a commercial flight from Toronto. And I see John Candy coming down an escalator,” O’Brien recalls in the documentary. “He had a camera around his neck, like a tourist. The only way if John Candy was going to play a tourist, he’d have a big camera around his neck and he’d be like, ‘Oh wow, golly gee!’ That’s the way he was.”
O’Brien describes Candy as being ‘John Candy times 10’ during his visit, fully embracing the experience and engaging with the students. He enjoyed a montage of clips from his career that the Lampoon had assembled for him, further demonstrating his down-to-earth nature and genuine appreciation for his fans.
“He’s everything you want him to be,” O’Brien says in the documentary. This personal interaction reinforced O’Brien’s admiration for Candy, solidifying his belief that Candy was not only a comedic genius but also a genuinely kind and approachable person.
‘You Don’t Try It’: Candy’s Words of Wisdom
Perhaps the most impactful aspect of O’Brien’s encounter with John Candy was the advice he received about pursuing comedy. Candy’s words, delivered with sincerity and conviction, served as a turning point for O’Brien, shaping his approach to his career and providing the motivation he needed to fully commit to his comedic aspirations.
“I’ll never forget this, he looked me square in the eye and he said, ‘You don’t try it. You either do it or you don’t do it. You don’t try it, kid,’” O’Brien says. “And that spoke to me, like, ‘All in kid. All in or not at all.’”
This Yoda-like advice resonated deeply with O’Brien, providing him with a clear and direct message about the importance of commitment and dedication. Candy’s words emphasized that success in comedy requires unwavering belief in oneself and a willingness to fully immerse oneself in the craft.
Candy’s advice served as a catalyst for O’Brien, pushing him to abandon any reservations and fully embrace his comedic ambitions. It instilled in him a sense of urgency and a determination to pursue his dreams with unwavering passion. This advice would prove invaluable as O’Brien navigated the challenges and uncertainties of a career in comedy.
A Lasting Legacy of Laughter and Inspiration
John Candy’s influence on Conan O’Brien extends far beyond mere admiration. Candy’s comedic genius, his down-to-earth personality, and his words of wisdom shaped O’Brien’s career and provided him with the inspiration to pursue his dreams. The new documentary ‘John Candy: I Like Me’ serves as a testament to Candy’s enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on the world of comedy.
O’Brien’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of comedic role models and the lasting influence they can have on aspiring comedians. Candy’s work continues to inspire generations of performers, and his legacy as a comedic icon remains firmly intact.
The documentary offers a heartfelt tribute to Candy’s life and career, showcasing his talent, his kindness, and his unwavering commitment to making people laugh. It is a celebration of a comedic genius who left an indelible mark on the world.
Final Thoughts: The Enduring Impact of John Candy
Conan O’Brien’s reflections on John Candy reveal the profound impact that a comedic icon can have on a young and impressionable mind. Candy’s influence extended beyond mere entertainment, shaping O’Brien’s comedic sensibilities, career aspirations, and approach to his craft. The new documentary ‘John Candy: I Like Me’ provides a compelling glimpse into this relationship, highlighting the enduring legacy of a comedic genius.
Candy’s advice to O’Brien – ‘You don’t try it. You either do it or you don’t do it’ – serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of commitment and dedication in pursuing one’s dreams. This Yoda-like wisdom, combined with Candy’s comedic brilliance and down-to-earth personality, cemented his place as a role model for O’Brien and countless others.
As viewers watch ‘John Candy: I Like Me,’ they are reminded of the power of laughter, the importance of kindness, and the enduring legacy of a comedic icon who continues to inspire generations. John Candy’s influence on Conan O’Brien is just one example of the profound impact he had on the world of comedy, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate for years to come.
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