From his early breakout role in Uncle Buck to his global fame in Home Alone, Macaulay Culkin's face defined a generation of cinema. Yet beneath the bright lights of Hollywood lay a deeply troubled childhood, marked by a difficult relationship with his father and the immense pressure of fame. Now, years later, Culkin is sharing a poignant memory that sheds light on one of the few positive figures from that time, none other than John Candy.

The late actor's kindness on set stands in sharp contrast to a difficult home life.

In a new documentary, John Candy: I Like Me, Macaulay Culkin reveals his profound gratitude for the late John Candy. He recalls that Candy had a "really great instinct" and was one of the first people to notice how "difficult" and "a monster" his father was. Culkin shared these powerful memories during the world-premiere screening of Colin Hanks' new documentary, John Candy: I Like Me, at TIFF.

Macaulay Culkin felt that John Candy's attitude was a testament to the kind of man he was, explaining that the actor was simply looking out for him on set. He described Candy's presence as "paternal," a type of support he felt was rare during his childhood. Culkin noted, "I wish I got more of that in my life," adding that it is important to remember Candy's kindness. This compassionate attitude provided a much-needed contrast to the difficulties Culkin faced at home. On the set of Uncle Buck, Candy offered a genuine friendship that left a lasting, positive impact on the young actor.  

Ryan Reynolds Teases Upcoming Documentary ‘I Like Me’ With Exciting John Candy Easter Eggs in Latest Post

That same sense of compassion is now being celebrated in a new film about his life.

John Candy: I Like Me is a 2025 American documentary film directed by Colin Hanks that offers a portrait of the beloved Canadian actor. The film traces Candy’s career, from his early days on Second City Television to his tragic death in 1994, using a wealth of rare archive footage, outtakes, private home videos, and interviews with friends and family. A co-production between Amazon, MGM Studios, and Maximum Effort, the film premiered on September 4 as the opening film of the Toronto International Film Festival before its Amazon Prime Video debut on October 10.

The film provides a deeper understanding of John Candy's personal qualities, highlighting the compassion that shaped his interactions with others, like Macaulay Culkin. Given Culkin's famously tumultuous home life and eventual emancipation from his parents, Candy's kind and nurturing presence provided a rare moment of stability and care during a difficult period in the young actor's life.

Ryan Reynolds Produced TIFF’s Opening Film, but It’s the Other Star Who’ll Break Your Heart

What do you think about the new documentary? Let us know in the comments section.