MovieChat Forums > Second City TV (1977) Discussion > John Candy was as good a comedian, as an...

John Candy was as good a comedian, as anyone on SNL, discuss


Candy was as good as, or perhaps better than anyone who has been on SNL.

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Absolutely. SCTV had a large canvas of sketch comedy. This format demanded that Candy be more versatile than Belushi or Farley. Watch & listen to Candy's delivery in Mayor Tommy Shanks' televised debate (the famous "Melonvote" episode) with Vic Hedges. It's brilliant and not at all what you'd expect from Candy. I wonder if he helped write that sketch. If so, he deserves even more acclaim.

I'm not saying that Belushi & Farley weren't as talented, but SNL certainly never demanded that they stretch too far beyond their comic comfort zone. More often than not, Belushi & Farley would be called upon to repeat the same characters (or character-types) over and over.

When called upon to be the silly oaf (Yosh Schmenge, William B. Williams, Mr. Messenger) or the obnoxious lout (Johnny LaRue, Dr. Tongue) John Candy fit the bill perfectly. But he proved with Mayor Shanks, Dr. William Wainwright, and Harry (the guy with the snake on his face) that he was much more than a one-trick pony.

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they were all terrific... both SCTV and SNL



Smoke me a kipper. I'll be back for breakfast

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Nothing to discuss. he was a damn good actor and an oustanding comedian. In that, he is more akin to Dan Ackroyd than most of the other members of SNL. Both are the epitome of the Second City method, though other Second City alumni appeared on SNL. The difference between Candy and Belushi is that Candy could more selflessly act in an ensemble, yet was charismatic enough to stand out in small parts. Belushi always wanted to be the center of things, though he was brilliant and had that charisma. Candy was the better character performer. There were some great character people on SNL in most seasons; but, few combined the character ability with the personality and star charisma. Really, I would say he had the best elements of both Belushi and Ackroyd.

Fortunately, Ah keep mah feathers numbered for just such an emergency!

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He was pretty good, no doubt about it. He actually was offered a spot on SNL's cast, but ended up turning it down out of loyalty to Second City.

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To this day, all you have to say is "Johnny LaRue" or "Harry (the guy with the snake on his face)" and I start laughing!

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THE ONE...THE ONLY...DEL GRIFFITH.

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