Macaulay Culkin has shared heartfelt reflections on the rare support he received from John Candy during his challenging childhood, a time marked by a difficult relationship with his father, Christopher Culkin. In a new documentary titled ‘John Candy: I Like Me,’ which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, Culkin discussed Candy’s paternal concern for his well-being, highlighting that the comedian was one of the few in Hollywood who checked in on him about his father’s abusive behavior. Culkin, whose fame skyrocketed with the success of ‘Home Alone,’ has remained distant from his father for over three decades, calling him a ‘narcissistic’ and ‘monster’ figure in his life.
Culkin’s experiences with his father, Christopher Culkin, have been a focal point of his public discussions, particularly after he revealed in a 2018 interview with Marc Maron that he had been abusive and emotionally and physically harmful. He further disclosed that his father had kept his earnings secret, leading him to cut both of his parents out of his trust in 1995 to safeguard his finances. In the documentary, Culkin explained that Candy’s acknowledgment of his father’s behavior was a testament to the comedian’s character, describing him as someone who genuinely cared for his well-being amidst the chaos of his home life.
Culkin also emphasized that while many actors in Hollywood lacked the patience or willingness to work with children, Candy, who co-starred with him in ‘Uncle Buck,’ was exceptionally kind and supportive. This was evident in the interactions with Gaby Hoffmann, who also appeared in the film. The documentary further noted Candy’s enduring legacy as a beloved comedic actor whose work in the 1980s and early 1990s, including films like ‘The Great Outdoors’ and ‘Planes, Trains & Automobiles,’ cemented his place in cinema history. Candy, who died of a heart attack in 1994 at the age of 43, was remembered for his unique comedic talent and genuine affection for young performers.
Earlier this year, Culkin reiterated his long-standing estrangement from his father, stating that he hasn’t spoken to him in over 30 years. In a recent appearance on Kate and Oliver Hudson’s ‘Sibling Revelry’ podcast, he commented on the irony of his father’s behavior, noting that he had seven children and now four grandchildren, none of whom have any connection with him. As a father himself, Culkin now reflects on his past, acknowledging the stark contrast between the father he knew and the one his children experience. His reflections in the documentary underscore the lasting impact of Candy’s empathy during a time when Culkin needed support the most.