John Candy was one of the most beloved comedic actors of the 1980s and 1990s, which makes his final film appearance especially poignant in hindsight. After the success of 1993’s ‘Cool Runnings,’ released just months before his death, Candy reluctantly agreed to star in ‘Wagons East’ to fulfil his contract and avoid financial difficulties. Despite his hesitations, Candy’s unwavering work ethic persisted, driven by insecurities that ultimately jeopardized his health.
Tragically, with three scenes left to film, he died of a heart attack in his sleep. The film was completed without him, and ‘Wagons East’ is now considered one of the worst films ever made. Nonetheless, Candy is remembered as a comedic legend.
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The Western genre, once dominant in Hollywood thanks to stars like John Wayne and Gary Cooper, had waned by the 1990s. ‘Wagons East’, a comedy about settlers returning home, symbolizes this decline. Candy’s character, James Harlow, a grizzled wagon master with a drinking problem and a past as a Donner Party survivor, leads the group, but the film’s success hinged on its writing, which fell short.
Despite a successful run with hits like ‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles’, ‘Uncle Buck’, and ‘Cool Runnings’, Candy faced personal struggles. He invested in the financially troubled Argonauts and battled health issues. His children revealed he was ambivalent about ‘Wagons East’, but personal insecurities and a fear of unemployment drove him to accept the role. Candy’s former co-star, Malik Yoba, noted Candy’s deep-seated fears and struggles with his weight, despite his professional success.
On set, Candy overworked himself and struggled with the film’s quality, making the experience exhausting. During filming, he received devastating news about his Argonauts team being sold, which deeply affected him. The night before his death, Candy shared a rare, joyful moment with co-star Richard Lewis, but he passed away from a heart attack the following morning, shocking and devastating those around him.
The film’s production continued, using CGI and body doubles to complete Candy’s remaining scenes. The final product suffered from these changes, making an already lacklustre film even more difficult to watch.
Despite ‘Wagons East’ being remembered as one of the worst comedies, Candy’s career is celebrated for his iconic roles in classics like ‘Uncle Buck’, ‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles’, and ‘Spaceballs’. While ‘Wagons East’ was his last project, it does not overshadow the legacy of one of comedy’s greatest stars.
– Farheen Ali