The Enduring Legacy of the Second City Television (SCTV) Cast
John Candy, a beloved comedic actor and alumnus of The Second City, launched his career with the renowned Toronto-based improv troupe. After minor film and television roles in the early 1970s, Candy joined The Second City Toronto ensemble in 1973 at the young age of 22. This pivotal move led to his involvement in the groundbreaking television show, SCTV, in 1976.
The Second City Television quickly garnered widespread acclaim, leading to its acquisition by NBC in 1981. The show’s popularity soared, earning two Emmy Awards for writing. Candy’s memorable characters on SCTV, including Johnny LaRue, Doctor Tongue, and Yosh Shmenge, became cultural touchstones. His impersonations of celebrities were equally celebrated, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and gifted comedian.
In 1979, Candy took a brief hiatus from SCTV to pursue film roles. He appeared in Steven Spielberg’s 1941 and The Blues Brothers, alongside fellow Second City alumni John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. A pivotal role in the hit comedy Stripes, with Bill Murray and Harold Ramis, further cemented Candy’s status as a rising star.
Candy’s film career continued to flourish with roles in comedies like Going Berserk, National Lampoon’s Vacation, and Splash. These performances solidified his position as a leading comedic force in Hollywood.
Subsequent years saw Candy star in a string of iconic comedies, including Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Spaceballs, Uncle Buck, and Cool Runnings. He also demonstrated his dramatic range in Oliver Stone’s JFK.
Candy’s untimely death at age 43 was a profound loss to the entertainment world. His legacy extends beyond his comedic genius to his genuine warmth and kindness, qualities that continue to inspire comedians today. His daughter, Jennifer Candy, carries on the family’s comedic tradition as the host of Second City Hollywood’s Couch Candy series. The Second City honored Candy with a memorial service broadcast across Canada in 1994, a testament to his enduring impact on comedy.
