For Daryl Hannah, working alongside the late, great John Candy on the iconic 1984 film Splash wasn’t just another job—it was an experience that left an indelible mark on her life. This film, directed by the legendary Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks and Eugene Levy, became a cherished chapter in her career.
“What a remarkable man,” Daryl fondly recalled in an interview with People on March 15. “He had this incredible presence that lit up every room he walked into. He was just so kind, so warm, and so genuinely funny. It was impossible not to be drawn to him.”
Behind-the-Scenes: The Magic of Filming ‘Splash’
When you think of Splash, it’s hard not to picture Daryl Hannah as Madison, the enchanting mermaid who captivated audiences worldwide. At 63, Daryl looks back at her role with pride, but she’ll tell you that what made the experience unforgettable were the people she worked with, especially John Candy.
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During filming, Daryl faced a unique challenge: the mermaid tail limited her mobility, making even simple tasks a bit tricky. That’s where John stepped in, bringing his signature charm and humor to set. “He’d come over and feed me little french fries,” she laughs, recalling the sweet gesture. “It was his way of making me feel less awkward and more comfortable in my role.”
John wasn’t just a co-star; he was a mentor and a friend. “He was such a radiant force of warmth, humor, and humanity,” Daryl says. “He had this incredible ability to make everyone around him feel seen and valued. I adored him, and I’ll always remember him as one of the most special people I’ve ever met.”
Plans for a New Project
Daryl’s admiration for John went beyond their work on Splash. The two had another project in the works, a romantic comedy written by the talented duo of Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel. “It was going to be a love story,” she shares, her voice filled with nostalgia. “And John was going to be my romantic lead. I can’t even imagine how amazing that would’ve been.”
Tragically, John passed away on March 4, 1994, at the age of 43 after suffering a heart attack. But even years after his passing, Daryl hasn’t forgotten the joy and laughter he brought to her life.
Remembering John: A Heartwarming Tribute
In a 2016 interview with Empire, Daryl opened up about her deep affection for John. “I absolutely adored him,” she says, her words brimming with emotion. “He was so full of heart and soul, and his humor was absolutely unmatched. It was the kind of humor that made you cry with laughter and pee your pants.”
One of her fondest memories of John was their playful interactions on set. “I used to sit on his lap all the time, and he would talk for me while I mimed what he was saying like a ventriloquist doll,” she recalls fondly. “He even answered questions for me during interviews. It was one of the most fun and memorable experiences of my career.”
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John Candy: A Legacy of Love and Laughter
This year marks the 30th anniversary of John Candy’s untimely passing, and his family, friends, and co-stars have been reflecting on his incredible legacy. “He was the best dad,” says John’s daughter, Jennifer Candy-Sullivan, in an interview with Today.com. “He always told me, ‘Don’t worry about what people think of you. Just be your authentic self.’”
Jennifer also shared insights into her father’s priorities. “The thing about my dad is that he was the ultimate family guy,” she says. “That’s why he turned down opportunities like Saturday Night Live. He knew the lifestyle wouldn’t have been healthy for him. He was smart in that way.”
John was also a loving father to his son, Chris Candy, whom he had with his wife Rosemary Margaret Hobor. On the 30th anniversary of his father’s death, Chris paid tribute on his Instagram account, writing, “All my love to my father today. #johncandy.”
