John Candy

As I was crossing the Mojave Desert, the radio report of John Candy’s death was a bit overwhelming. I met him once, and he was a nice guy. The movie industry cannot afford to lose such quality comedians as the smiling Candy.

As the desert road became longer, I remembered the thank-you card I wrote to him that I never mailed.

I am a single father trying to raise four children. Entertainment is not an expense I can often afford. I often look for movies that will not offend or embarrass my family. I cannot recall one of his movies that ever made me uncomfortable about bringing my kids. He made us laugh and yet his characters sometimes made you think a little.

I never saw him use vulgarity to capture an audience. The writers, of course, play an important role. However, the actor can choose the script, and Candy always seemed to cast himself right. For those who have ever been overweight and tormented because of it, then he represented something else as well. The world needed John Candy to make us laugh and think at the same time. I guess God needed him more. Thanks, John!

JIM MADURA

San Bernardino