Beloved for his memorable performances in films such as “Cool Runnings” and “Home Alone,” John Candy passed away in 1994 while working on what would be his final film, “Wagons East.” Sadly, he died alone, far from his family.

At the time of his passing, Candy was only 43 years old. He had been struggling with his weight, reaching significant levels despite following a rigorous liquid protein diet aimed at reducing his risk of a heart attack.

Candy’s battle with obesity was a lifelong challenge, as he tipped the scales at over 375 pounds (170 kg) at times. His family history included heart attacks, which compounded his health risks.

His father had also succumbed to an early heart attack, and while Candy attempted to maintain his fitness with the help of personal trainers, he reportedly smoked a pack of cigarettes daily, consumed alcohol, and used cocaine.

Candy was discovered by his bodyguard, who entered the room after failing to reach him by phone. A doctor was called and confirmed that Candy had died in his sleep from a massive heart attack.

Candy was much loved by his Hollywood friends, including Eugene Levy, Steve Martin and Macaulay Culkin, and his funeral was a star-studded event held at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Los Angeles with a eulogy led by Dan Aykroyd.

On March 18, 1994, a special memorial service for Candy, produced by his former improvisation troupe, the Second City, was broadcast across Canada, with his Home Alone co-star Catherine O’Hara providing the eulogy and O’Hara’s sister, Mary Margaret O’Hara, singing her song “Dark, Dear Heart”.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary, son Chris and daughter Jennifer. John and Rosemary married in 1979, and they welcomed Jennifer in 1980, followed by Chris in 1984. Speaking about their parents’ relationship in 2016, Jennifer told The Hollywood Reporter: “They met on a blind date. They went out on a date and enjoyed each other, and then my dad reached out to mom asking if she could help him type out a script.”

Recalling the last conversation he had with his dad, Chris shared: “I was 9. It was a Friday. I remember talking to him the night before he passed away, and he said, ‘I love you and goodnight.’ And I will always remember that.”

On the 31st anniversary of John’s death in March 2025, Chris penned on Instagram: “All love to my father this day, 31 years after his passing. All my love.”