Macaulay Culkin is remembering the man who felt like family both on and off screen. The actor, now 45, reflected on his bond with the late John Candy, who played his uncle in the 1989 John Hughes classic “Uncle Buck.”
In Colin Hanks’ new documentary “John Candy: I Like Me,” which premiered Thursday, September 4, at the Toronto International Film Festival, Culkin opened up about the kindness and paternal care Candy showed him during their time together.
“I think he always had that really great instinct,” Culkin says in the film.
Candy Offered Quiet Support Amid Family Struggles
(Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)The “Home Alone” actor recalled how Candy quietly supported him while he was dealing with struggles at home with his father, Kit Culkin.
“Even before the wave crested and the Home Alone stuff was happening, it was not hard to see how difficult my father was. It was no secret. He was already a monster,” Culkin admits, as reported by People.
He continued, “All of a sudden, the fame and the money came, and he became an infamous monster. I think John was looking a little side-eyed, like, ‘Is everything alright over there? You doing good? Good day? Everything’s alright? Everything good at home? Alright.’”
Culkin described Candy’s care as “a testament to the kind of man he was,” saying the late actor “was just looking out” for him when few others did.
A Rare Paternal Presence on Set
(Photo by TriStar/Getty Images)Culkin recalled how rare it was to receive that kind of support as a child actor. “It doesn’t happen that often. It actually happened less as time went on. I wish I got more of that in my life,” he shared. “It’s important that I remember that. I remember John caring when not a lot of people did.”
The actor called Candy’s presence “paternal,” noting that he stood out as someone who genuinely cared for his young co-stars, including Gaby Hoffman, who played his on-screen sister.
Why ‘Uncle Buck’ Remains a Favorite
Reflecting on Candy’s performance in “Uncle Buck,” Culkin praised the late actor’s ability to connect with children. “I think that’s why that’s one of my favorite performances, because I think he put a lot of himself into it,” Culkin said.
“Some actors don’t know how or don’t like to work with kids because they’re tricky to work with, but John was always really kind, and really good with us.”
“John Candy: I Like Me” begins streaming on Prime Video on October 10, bringing audiences a closer look at the beloved comedian’s life and legacy.
