How tall was John Candy

John Candy's Height

6ft 2 (188 cm)

Canadian Actor best remembered for films such as Uncle Buck, Spaceballs, Cool Runnings, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Stripes, JFK, The Great Outdoors and Brewster's Millions. A 1991 description of him mentioned "John Candy is six feet three inches tall and weighs about 275 pounds".

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Add a Comment211 comments

Average Guess (66 Votes)
6ft 2.23in (188.6cm)
Johnny Overlord said on 24/Nov/23
Add a photo for him
JordanG said on 25/Aug/23
Hey Rob, please check out Spaceballs! Bill Pullman looks like he has about 1 or 1.5 inches on John Candy throughout the movie. If Pullman is 6'1, John definitely looks 5'11 or 6'0 then. Maybe Pullman was wearing lifts in his shoes?
QM6'1.75"QM said on 25/Apr/23
One of the greatest comedian actor ever!
Gas Polinski lol, Uncle Back and "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is my favourite movies.
Incredibly soft and memorable smile, screen presence and man-child soul!

Seems to be 6'1" range because of huge body weight (probably 300+), but my guess is 6'2"!

Forever, R.I.P.
5'7 and a fraction said on 30/Dec/22
6'2 and nothing more.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 19/Dec/22
Goodman was probably the more solid 6ft2 than Candy
Wil F said on 3/Sep/22
The only movie where it’s very clear of height difference with another well known star I am aware of is “Armed and Dangerous”. He is wearing exact shoes and tuxedo at an event. More than once standing side by side. John Candy looks exactly 2.5 inches taller than Levy. Not including Levy’s big hair. Eugene’s TOP height was listed at 5’10. Eugene Levy is listed at 5’9 1/2 on this site. 5’9 1/2 for Levy I believe is accurate. I generally find this site extremely accurate. This is the only instance I think a correction should be made. I’ve seen both men in just about everything they have been in. Fan of both since Vacation!
Dan Rhys said on 28/Aug/22
Candy is definitely shorter than Judge Reinhold in "Stripes," yet he is listed as being taller here.
Matt6'4.5 said on 13/Jul/22
Who would you put taller: Peak John Candy, or Peak John Goodman?
Editor Rob
Tricky to choose, sometimes I think Candy could look within 6ft 1-2 zone more than a peak Goodman could.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 7/Jun/22
Rob, Hughes is considered the voice of a generation with his coming of age films

I think he's well worth adding :)
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 25/Apr/22
Editor Rob: He could have cleared 6ft


Really? Even though he's shorter than Steve Martin in the second photo. But then again he does look pretty similar to Anthony Michael Hall here Click Here


Is he worth adding, Rob?
Editor Rob
He's been mentioned a couple of times before, but I think sits in the pile of names that are maybe's.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 24/Apr/22
Rob, how tall do you think director John Hughes was?

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Seen 6ft1 listed but varies next to Steve Martin and Candy...
Editor Rob
He could have cleared 6ft
Kale - 186.5 said on 27/Mar/22
I think candy was around the 186-187 range at his peak.

In a skit that he and Harold Ramis did for SCTV (A Fistful Of Ugly-1977), there is a shot where they are standing directly opposite each other, both with good posture.

It's a spoof of a western, set in a bar, so it's safe to assume they are on a level floor.

Ramis eye level is at the top of Candy's forehead. Which would put him in the 188-189 range.

I feel the reason people think he was such a huge guy, was due to his large frame, short neck and high shoulders. Very similar to James Gandolfini.
Gman42 said on 22/Mar/22
While watching Splash, I was surprised that he was not that much taller than Tom Hanks - maybe 1 or 1.5 inches. I'll submit 6'1.5 as my official guess.
Smadas4192 said on 2/Mar/22
John was listed as 6'3" and 275...I'm 6'2" and 362 bigger by 87 lbs and in the pics, he looked much bigger than I do...
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 14/Dec/21
Yeah looked more 6ft1-2 range toward the end like in Wagons East, Cool Runnings and Canadian Bacon. His weight had really spiked by that point though...
Tall Sam said on 20/Nov/21
It’s so puzzling to me every time I rewatch Splash how Tom Hanks looks as tall as Candy in it, I think Candy’s slouch has something to do with it and maybe Hanks was sporting bigger shoes.
Tall In The Saddle said on 19/Nov/21
Candy was obviously a big guy who played larger than life characters. To fall in line with that I think his height was somewhat exaggerated from the start. Listed as high as 6’4”, then 6’3” etc.

He quite possibly could’ve been as low as 6’ 1 1/2” with a max. of 6’2”. I know it’s a site for discussion of height but given this man’s talents otherwise, his height almost seems irrelevant.
berta said on 16/Nov/21
i think the aveerage guess is to high. I think he looked 187-188 in hus movies. I feel if anything then he could have measured 1/4 under 6´2.
Jtm said on 28/Aug/21
Tall In The Saddle said on 15/Jun/21
@Jtm

I didn’t notice that. I don’t recall them being in any scenes that allowed for a decent comparison but it’s been a while since I saw the movie. I do remember Warren Oates performance very well however. Absolute gold. Funnier than many dedicated comedians.

it was when they arrived at fort arnold but to be fair i need to watch that scene he was apparently shorter than ramis and reinhold. i would be surprised if he was same height or shorter than reinhold because reinhold could sometimes look 6'0 himself. i doubt Candy was under 6'1.5.
Jordan87 said on 25/Aug/21
Cool Runnings is one film where he looks below 6'2 for sure. He was likely around 320 pounds in the film, may affect posture but at times he looked 6'1-6'1.5" next to Leon.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 4/Aug/21
Watching Cool Runnings (his last film), looked more like 186-187cm...don't know if he'd maybe lost a little by then as his weight increased even more
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 4/Jul/21
Rob, between Ramis and Candy peak who do you think was taller?
Editor Rob
Ramis I feel could be the taller if measured
Tall In The Saddle said on 15/Jun/21
@Jtm

I didn’t notice that. I don’t recall them being in any scenes that allowed for a decent comparison but it’s been a while since I saw the movie. I do remember Warren Oates performance very well however. Absolute gold. Funnier than many dedicated comedians.
Jtm said on 10/Jun/21
Judge reinhold was shorter than bill Murray in stripes so go figure.
Tall In The Saddle said on 8/Jun/21
Comparisons focused on Murray and Ackroyd appear to have skewed perceptions of Candy’s height. This could be due to Murray and Ackroyd’s own heights being a tad inflated.

Harold Ramis was taller than Candy and Judge Reinhold was at least equal if not holding the slightest of edges. IMO, Candy was more like 6’1” to 6’1 1/2” absolute max. Strangely for me, Candy’s size didn’t make him appear shorter than what he was. Rather, his actual, notably above average height combined with his size lent itself to some people buying into obvious exaggerations as high as 6’3” and 6’4”. Without making considerate comparisons, Candy looked like a huge guy all round in his own right. Larger than life. Similar to the impression one got from hefty Orson Welles who claimed as high as 6’4” himself but who in reality only came in at 6 feet. He looked massive in Uncle Buck, LOL, what a great film among his many.
Jordan87 said on 22/Feb/21
You hear so Many Stories on how nice this Guy was. Tiny Lister was the most recent I had heard give John Props. RIP to Lister and Candy.

Candy didn't look over 6'2, Especially next to Leon. Great actor and Great person Regardless.
QM6'1QM said on 6/Feb/21
He's one of my favourite comedian actor ever!
"Planes, Trains & Automobiles" is golden masterpiece of cinema 80's!
Big ed said on 5/Feb/21
Not a hope he was 275lbs I'm nearly 6'3 I weigh 290 he was up around 350lbs
Richie said on 26/Dec/20
Have just read his biography and it stated he was 6'1", i figure a biography would be accurate.
Editor Rob
do you know the book title?
I know there's one biography called Laughing on the outside where the author mentions "Candy had about three hundred pounds on his six-foot-three frame" and in another biography - Searching for Candy - the author mentions Art Linkletter telling John not to smoke and "6ft 3 John retorted by looking down at him saying, 'Yeah, it will really stunt my growth'."
Height_Guesser said on 11/Dec/20
He looked 3.0-3.5 inches taller than Steve Martin who was near or exactly 6’ flat. I’m guessing 6’ 3.25”.
FrankR1 said on 9/Dec/20
I think that John Candy was a solid 6'3" (peak), but that his considerable weight adversely affected his posture, causing him to involuntarily slump forward. Candy appeared stocky and therefore "shorter" due to his weight. He could have been a full 2 inches taller than Dan Akroyd (6'1")in "The Great Outdoors" (1988). While in "Uncle Buck" (1989), there are a few scenes where Candy stands straight up and looks 6'3."
Movies_guy said on 5/Dec/20
Looked 2.5-3 inches inches taller than near 6’ 0” Steve Martin in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. On of my favorite movies. Id say John Candy was 6’ 2.75”.
What's Shaken said on 1/Dec/20
I’m 6’4” and I weigh 280. I was just watching Uncle Buck. There is no way that he weighed 275. Perhaps at one point he did, but I look nothing like the guy. I loved him to death, but being around offensive linemen most of my life I would have to say he was tipping the scale at 370+.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 19/Nov/20
He could look 189cm in the Second City days but in Wagons East/Cool Runnings looked more 187-188cm.
Miss Sandy Cowell said on 31/Oct/20
John Candy was born 70 years ago today. He was only 43 when he died.

6ft2.5

RIP John Candy XX 🕯️
(31/10/1950 - 4/3/1994)
Daycringeothon said on 27/Oct/20
Very likely Candy was 188cm-189cm barefoot in the 1980's. losing some by 1991 to around his death. I'm not sure what his weight was cited during the filming of Wagon's East 390 lbs+. A true Canadian and likely one of the most recognizable actors.
Nathan Hatton said on 1/Oct/20
Strong 6'2" Prime, He could appear a bit shorter due to his weight but he did have a solid inch on 6'1" guys like Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd.
Bazza said on 1/Aug/20
188-189 i can understand those thinking 6'3 but no way was he 6'4.
Sonny Black said on 27/Apr/20
Candy’s hard to pin point imo. Sometimes he looks as tall as 6’2 but other times he can look more like 6’1 or even a tall 6ft.
Jamie said on 4/Mar/20
Hi Rob, who do you think would have the edge if John Candy and John Goodman were seen together back in the 80s?
Editor Rob
Hard to pick if either has the edge in their late 20's or early 30's.
Terry D said on 2/Mar/20
I'm a retired Customs Officer. I met John Candy and prior to recognizing him, literally stated, "WHOA! Look at the size of that guy coming towards us!". There's no doubt, he was no less than 6'4. We had a nice conversation, and he was very sweet.
Dirk P said on 18/Jan/20
I'm a haircut short from 6'2". Back in the late 80s, my friend and I met John Candy And Dan Aykroyd as they were coming out of a restaurant in Westwood, CA. We got autographs, and talked to both men in close proximity. Aykroyd was my height, maybe a tiny bit taller. Candy, on the other hand, easily had 2-3" on me. My Guess:

Akroyd - 6'2"
Candy - 6'4"
viper said on 31/Dec/19
275 in high school maybe
Christopher Aldrich said on 31/Dec/19
I'm sorry there is no way he was just 275 pounds at 6'3" I believe he was 375 pounds there was nothing skinny about him and I'm a die hard fan of his great movies like uncle buck the great outdoors, whose harry crumb etc.
Christian said on 26/Oct/19
His death certificatei says 6'3''.

Click Here
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 25/Apr/19
Taller than Aykroyd and Murray so 6ft1 is out of the question
Martin 6'2" said on 19/Feb/19
6'2"? Wow, probably because he was a large guy it made him look shorter... But thinking back now, yeah he did seem to always be the tallest in his movies. I do miss him.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 13/Feb/19
If Murray was 186cm which many are pushing for on his page then Candy looked no less than 188cm
Michael, 5'10" 178 cm said on 26/Nov/18
I just watched Planes, Trains, and Automobiles again a couple days ago and John looked 3 inches taller than Steve Martin in that movie, so I can buy 6’2” for him. He just looked like a tall, big guy.
Evan said on 19/Oct/18
John candy was 5"9 Max in cool runnings he lost alot of height by this point I've found two photos online which prove this .
Lamont Cranston said on 16/Aug/18
Saw him in Yorkville (Toronto neighborhood) a year or so before he died. We acknowledged each other waiting for the lights to change. He had absolutely terrible posture (and by then lifestyle/weight was also taking a toll) I am 5'11, and could absolutely sense he could straighten out to be taller than me, although he was around eye to eye. Again, he was a terrible sloucher at that point, and almost had "osteoporosis" of the neck like you see in older people. Head seeming to almost come out of the chest, "turkey style"...
Terry said on 7/Jul/18
What a terrific actor he was, just brilliant and probably borderline genius. He looked a tall dude in Uncle Buck. I reckon about 6'2 easily for him. Such a shame he died so young.
GARY said on 25/Dec/17
The lowest I could see for Candy was 6ft1.5, Doubt he was under 6ft1, Bill Murray is above 5ft11.75, Candy was taller than him in stripes, really heavy guys can look shorter tho
Bugs said on 18/Dec/17
Whatever their exact heights are, Aykroyd is/was noticeably shorter than Murray and in no way "definitely" over 6'1".

If Candy was a little taller than Hanks and taller than Murray or Reinhold, what does that make HANKS? 6'1" for him too???

I'd also like to see comparisons NOT based on Murray or Aykroyd. Reinhold would be fine, since to me it's much more believable that he actually WAS 6'1 or close. Any pictures around?
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 13/Dec/17
6ft1 is definitely too low since he was taller than Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Judge Reinhold (all NOT under 6ft1 peak)
fisherman said on 18/Nov/17
Most of the estimates here seem to be based on "he was this or that with Murray or Aykroyd", and I don't find that solid at all. For one thing, in my estimates (both PEAK) Murray is something like 5'11.75" flat and Aykroyd equal or a tiny bit less (both maybe .25" more, but in that range anyway). Based on THAT, Candy could quite well have been something like 6ft1.

He was a big HEAVY guy, but OVER 6'2" (the guesses)??? Other references here are really him having been "slightly taller" than Tom Hanks (who was always less than 6'). So, if Candy was always 'a little' taller than people who were at the very most 6'0.25"... then what makes sense is that he was 6ft1.
Sonny Black said on 26/Oct/17
John Candy’s a tricky one, he sometimes looked all of 6’2, and at other times looked no taller than 6’0. I’m gonna say a tall 6’1.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 23/Oct/17
Could look 189-190cm on SCTV
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 6/Oct/17
The Great Outdoors is my favourite of those three...
Faza said on 10/Aug/17
Big guy 6 2 range i think prime could look shorter with his weight enjoyed some of his movies watched summer rental last night so got me thinking about this guy what movie of candy did you like best rob?
Editor Rob
he had a good run of films, I liked Uncle Buck, The Great Outdoors and Planes, Trains, but he was in a right few good other ones!
sumdude said on 10/Aug/17
188cm no doubt. Looks about 4-5cm taller than Tom Hanks in pictures.
anon said on 3/Aug/17
Yh I think his weight can make him look shorter tho, posture can be off with heavier guys there were times where Candy could look 6'2- 6'3 solid and then other times probably a solid 6'1 range I guess.

some of the posters on here claiming John candy was just 5'9 or 5'10 are just trolling or extremely deluded, There was no chance candy was under 6'0.

Rob, Can you see how anyone could think Candy was under 6'0 even with the weight, He looked way too big to even be guessed that low imo, Look at him next to Akroyd, Murray and Ramis in Stripes
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 30/Jul/17
I'll admit he did more like 6ft1½ w/h Steve Martin, but then had an easy inch on guys like Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray.
Dan said on 18/Jul/17
He's a good 4" taller than Steve Martin (who's listed as 5'10.5" here) in PT&A, so a solid 6'2" or even 6'3" seems likely.
RichardSpain said on 18/Jul/17
I think he was more a strong 188 cm ( 6'2) than 185 cm.
Richie said on 30/Jun/17
Candy was a strong 6'1", very similar in height to Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd.
6footguy said on 16/Jun/17
In PTA he was quite a bit taller than 5'10.5 Steve Martin. John Candy peaked at 6'2.
berta said on 6/Jun/17
was he really 2 inches taller than hansk. he could have been but to me i think it was more 1,7 inch
anon said on 5/Apr/17
Haven't seen a lot of his films but have still seen a fair few with other actors of similar listed heights etc, I think people could guess him shorter because of his weight, carrying that much bulk etc,

I think 6ft2 seems fair for him overall could of been a solid one maybe 188-189cm I dont think he was 6ft1 to me he was for sure taller than Dan Akroyd in Great outdoors and I think he was a solid 6ft1guy and also Bill Murray in stipes.

I cant understand anyone who could estimate candy under 6'0 let alone thinking he is a 5'10 guy
berta said on 24/Mar/17
i think he was half inch taller than murray this listing seems fine but no taller. murray 186 and this guy was barely 188
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 19/Mar/17
He really blew up at the end...I think he may have been pushing 400lbs in those final days
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 13/Mar/17
Rob, given how heavy he was, is it possible he may have dropped a fraction by the time of his death?
Editor Rob
yes, I feel it is a good probablity, a half inch maybe.
mister_lennon said on 4/Mar/17
188-189 peak.
Danimal said on 3/Mar/17
Frank R said on 28/Feb/17
6'3" is a good estimate for John Candy's peak height. He looked close to Chevy Chase's height in 'National Lampoon's Vacation' in 1983 before either man began to shrink. Candy also looked a bit taller than the 6'1.5" Bill Pullman in 'Space Balls'(1987). He only seemed a bit shorter than the 6'4" Jeffrey Jones in 'Who's Harry Crumb?' (1989).

Chevy is in flat shoes and Candy in big workman boots in 1982 and Chevy has at least 2-3" on him and then Chevy still has a few inches on him in 1991 when Candy is in a dress and ladies shoes.
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Frank R said on 28/Feb/17
6'3" is a good estimate for John Candy's peak height. He looked close to Chevy Chase's height in 'National Lampoon's Vacation' in 1983 before either man began to shrink. Candy also looked a bit taller than the 6'1.5" Bill Pullman in 'Space Balls'(1987). He only seemed a bit shorter than the 6'4" Jeffrey Jones in 'Who's Harry Crumb?' (1989).
berta said on 28/Jan/17
barely taller than akroyd in great outdoors. i think there is more chance of him being 187 than 189 at peak. but who knows maybe bad posture because of his weight. 188 is a good listing but i think that is max what he was
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 25/Jan/17
I think he could pull off 189cm at times also.
anon said on 29/Dec/16
Not much chance He was only 6'1 I think he looked taller than Dan Akroyd in Great Outdoors and looked taller than Bill Murray in stripes, I agree with Rampage overall could look 6'1.5- 6'2.5 It can be tough with bigger guys they tend to slouch a tad but I struggle to see how candy was not over 6'1 tbh.

Rob, some guys on this page guessed Candy at 5'9 lol, That is epic trolling, from the films you have seen him, whats the lowest you would have gone for him.

For me weak 6'2 at worst
Shredder said on 29/Dec/16
He was a guy that was about 6'1.5 if standing tall , but looked barely 6'1 because of his size.
Josh Jeffords said on 28/Dec/16
His weight actually fluctuated he could look 275 and over 6 2.
He was taller than all but the tallest 80s folks.
I'd guess peak 6 3 in shoes he was not exactly an athlete..
By the 90s he was gaining weight and loosing posture.
Was a great comic miss his style.
Mr S said on 26/Dec/16
6'2" is a good listing. Any guess under 6 ft is silly. As for his weight, would guess him anywhere from 300-320 by the late 80's.
Editor Rob
in something like Splash, he could look at least an inch, but more if standing tall with a guy like Hanks...clearly not a 6ft 3 guy though.
Shredder said on 14/Dec/16
Agree , he was 300 + and about 6'1
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 14/Dec/16
He was much heavier than 275lbs in the 90's
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 2/Sep/16
Could look from 6ft1½ to 6ft2½...
jon said on 17/Aug/16
Watched a lot of John candy films, real shame this talented guy died so young, But he did look like a 6'2 guy overall to me but I think with heavier guys they can tend to look shorter to people just because of their posture etc, I agree with Rampage on that matter for sure, some of the folks on this page who are saying Candy was 5'9 and 5'10 are clearly just trolls.

rob, Did you watch a lot of his movies overall what Is the Lowest you would have guessed for John and The highest, I did see he was also listed as 6'3, What do you think?
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 10/Aug/16
Like John Goodman, he was a strong 6ft2 guy with excessive weight that may have made for a shorter impression
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 7/Jul/16
Known for Trains, Planes & Automobiles, Uncle Buck, The Great Outdoors, Wagons East, Brewsters Millions, National Lampoons Vacation, Stripes, JFK, SCTV and Nothing To Lose

Rob, could we add those and a photo?
TapeWormMeasure said on 19/Jun/16
Candy was 6'3 easily
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 23/May/16
If Candy was 5ft9, Steve Martin was sub-5ft7.
Johan said on 23/May/16
John Candy at 5'9" ? Just impossible unless you think Steve martin was 5'7" and that the cast of cool runnings were all 5'7-'5'9" wannabe pro athletes haha.
charlie said on 20/May/16
No way Candy was over 6 ft. In Brewster's Millions he was taller than many of the actors in the movie perhaps 3 inch difference but remember Richard Pryor was not a very tall man maybe 5 ft 7 and the photographer in the movie was about 5 ft 4 and the observer of the Will was about 5 ft 8 inches. John Candy was most likely 5 ft 9 flat feet and in shoes 5 ft 10 inches max 5 ft 11 inches in shoes and no more.
James B said on 15/May/16
His weight made him seem shorter
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 23/Apr/16
I wouldn't go with 6ft1 range for Candy. He was taller than Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd
Johan said on 11/Apr/16
Could have been strong 6'1" range. Outside of film he looked 2 inches taller than Steve martin.maybe a bit more. Somewhere 6'1.5"-6'2". Not more.
richie said on 10/Apr/16
Slightly taller than Tom Hanks and Steve Martin, a strong 6'1"...
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 30/Mar/16
So Rob what you're saying is that a strong 6ft2 is as arguable as a weak 6ft2?
Editor Rob
going back to something like 1941, he had a scene with big Frank mcRae, I'd have said he looked no more than 6ft 2 then.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 25/Mar/16
Rob, which one would Candy measure?

A) 190.5cm/188.5cm
B) 190cm/188cm
C) 189.5cm/187.5cm
D) 189cm/187cm
Editor Rob
at times I've thought any of A-C could have been possible
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 1/Feb/16
James, I'd say he was at least that if not more when he died. He was pushing 400lbs in Wagons East. He was enormous
James B said on 31/Jan/16
Rob do you think he was 25 stone?
Editor Rob
might not have been far off it at times.
Rampage(-_- 🍀 -_-)Clover said on 25/Aug/15
Easy 1in taller than Costner (strong 6ft1) in JFK.
MrTBlack said on 14/Mar/15
He's not under 6'2". He looked at least 1/2" if not (and more likely) a full inch taller than Letterman.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 4/Oct/14
He's slouching in all of those and in the last picture he's with Jeffrey Jones (Minimum 6ft4, if not 6ft4½ peak). Those aren't damaging at all. Proportionally his shoulders are above Hanks's and Aykroyd's.

No less than 188cm, sorry
Sam said on 1/Oct/14
The most damaging evidence to 6'2" or more is that he only looked a fraction taller than Tom Hanks, who probably was 6'0.25" at most. Click Here
Difficult for me to see him easily clearing out Aykroyd, looks similar height.
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Don't even see 2 inches over Martin here, more 1-1.5 inches although I'd admit Candy is dropping more height.
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Still near 2 inches under a somewhat hunched 6'4" Jeffrey Jones.
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I think going 6'1.5" is better than 6'2" at least.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 29/Sep/14
No way was Candy only 6ft1. He easily cleared out Aykroyd (legit 6ft1) in The Great Outdoors and I'm almost 100% he was taller than Bill Murray in Stripes. He was a few inches taller than Steve Martin In Planes, Trains & Automobiles
the shredder said on 31/May/14
Rob , he was no bigger than Pullman in spaceballs
SeanRt said on 14/Apr/14
2.5" taller than steve martin when stood straight in plains trains and automobiles
James B said on 19/Mar/14
Will you downgrade him rob?
Editor Rob
maybe I need to look at his first few films again!
James B said on 18/Mar/14
Rob I think 6ft1 is a more realistic shout for candy then 6ft2. 6ft3 is just absurd.

Here he is with 6ft1 Dan akroyd
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With 6ft Tom hanks
Click Here


Time for downgrade?
Editor Rob
6ft 1 is a mark he was described at, both 6ft 1 and 2, sometimes the 6ft 3, but it seemed a bit much.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 20/Jan/14
He was taller than Aykroyd in The Great Outdoors by a good 1in.
I wouldn't rule out 189cm for Candy. Looked like a 6ft2-6ft3
avi said on 17/Jan/14
@Rob

He was always a 6'1 guy right? I heard stories that we wasn't shorter in person.
Editor Rob
Candy has been called 6ft 1 in early 80's but then latter career he was being called 6ft 3. I think you can rule 6ft 3 out, 6ft 1 or 2? What was he like in The Great Outdoors with Dan Aykroyd?
QvO said on 16/Dec/13
I gotta put my 2 cents in here, wayyyyyyy back in 1988 when I was 17 years old I worked room service at the Santa Maria Inn, John Candy was staying there because he was playing in a charity golf tournament in Nipomo, I took a room service order to him and met him and his brother. He was HUGE, I was (am) a very broad shouldered 6'2 and he absolutely dwarfed me, I would have to put him at 6'4 maybe even 6'5. He seemed like a helluva nice guy, made it a point to shake my hand and introduce the other man with him as his brother.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 8/Oct/13
Listed 6ft2-3 in most places. Looked in that range throughout the 80s-90s. His weight might've added to the illusion of less height?

"John Candy height: 6ft 2.25in (189cm)"
Conti said on 24/Feb/13
Tom hanks isnt 6'2 or 6'3.He's now at least 5'11 now days,I would say he was the same height as tom hanks.
James said on 5/Feb/13
rob is it worth taking another look at john candys height?
Click Here

he does not look 6'2 compared too letterman at all
Editor Rob
a guy of his size maybe got poorer posture even in his 30's
Jamesy said on 1/Feb/13
Mike Starr might be 191cm though
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 20/Dec/12
Bit shorter than 192cm Mike Starr in Uncle Buck.
Somewhere between 6ft2-6ft3
James said on 15/Oct/12
Looked same height as 6'3 listed mike starr
mcfan said on 6/Aug/12
Chevy Chase was 6'4 at his peak. Keep in mind Chevy always wore small heeled shoes. Candy was 6'2. Aykroyd and Murray were 6'1. Chevy was 6'4 in NP's Vacation but the reason he looked half-inch shorter than Randy Quaid is that Randy was actually 6'4.5.
avi said on 8/Dec/11
more like 6'1-6'1.5 because Chevy Chase is strong 6'3 and Candy is almost 2 inches shorter.
Vegas said on 6/Nov/11
Danimal says on 27/Jun/11
Candy was always listed as 6'3". That's what he was.

Danimal says on 27/Jun/11
James says on 26/Jun/11
Wrong. Watch the end of National Lampoons Vacation. Chevy Chase is in Sandals standing right next to John Candy in black boots and Chevy has an easy 2" if not more on John Candy (this was 1982/1983

____________

if chase was 2 inches or more taller than candy who had a footwear advantage in sandals vs big boots and candy was 6'3 barefoot wouldn't that make chase 6'6...
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 9/Sep/11
Looks 6"2-6"3 with Tom Hanks.
TheHardTruth said on 29/Aug/11
Not perfect as well, but just for comparison:
Click Here Hanks looking much shorter here.
TheHardTruth said on 29/Aug/11
The picture is heavily tilted in Hanks' favor. You can not judge height by movies, because you don´t know what tricks are used to make an actor taller than he really is. Candy was by no means a small man and looked a solid 6´2" to me.
Sam said on 10/Aug/11
If you see Splash Hanks consistently looks the same height or a hair taller than Candy, which is strange.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 8/Aug/11
185-186cm with Hanks.

Maybe 6ft1.75 is nearer than 6ft2?
Sam said on 19/Jul/11
6'2" is very hard to believe next to Tom Hanks
Click Here
Danimal said on 27/Jun/11
mcfan says on 14/May/11
No, he was 2 inches shorter than Chase in that scene in Vacation. Candy was 6'2.

Candy was always listed as 6'3". That's what he was.
Danimal said on 27/Jun/11
James says on 26/Jun/11
I do agree with Rampage i think he did look maybe only 1 inch shorter than Chevy Chase

Wrong. Watch the end of National Lampoons Vacation. Chevy Chase is in Sandals standing right next to John Candy in black boots and Chevy has an easy 2" if not more on John Candy (this was 1982/1983).
James said on 26/Jun/11
I do agree with Rampage i think he did look maybe only 1 inch shorter than Chevy Chase.......possibly though Candy might have footware advantage cause he was wearing cop shoes.

Certainly compared to Steve Martin didn't even look 188cm let alone 189cm.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 14/Jun/11
Probably 188.6cm
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 29/May/11
He was usually described as either 6ft2 or 6ft3 and on screen he could appear either of those heights. Probably 6ft2.25 or 6ft2.5...around 189cm
mcfan said on 14/May/11
No, he was 2 inches shorter than Chase in that scene in Vacation. Candy was 6'2. This can be backed up by him being an inch taller than 6'1 Dan Aykroyd in The Great Outdoors. Also, in the mud wrestling scene you get a clear view of his height next to 6'1 Bill Murray in Stripes. Candy is barefoot and Murray is wearing plain shoes and he's still a hair taller than Bill.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 22/Apr/11
He was an inch shorter than Chevy Chase in National Lampoons Vacation, James
James said on 16/Feb/11
He was NEVER over 6'2.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 27/Jan/11
He was about 3 inches talker than Steve Martin...6"2-6"3
James said on 29/Dec/10
he wasn't 189cm. Look at him wiht Steve Martin in Trains, Plains and Automobiles he looks 6'1.5 (187cm).
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 27/Dec/10
189cm Rob?
Doug said on 28/Jun/09
Seagal was indeed 0.5-1 inch taller than Starr.
Hugh 190cm said on 24/Jun/09
Candy was 189cm, Starr was maybe 6ft4 then? Seagel had about half an inch on Starr.

Starr 192-193cm peak. Now (191cm).
Candy 188-189cm.
Seagal 194-195cm peak. Now (193cm).
Doug said on 22/Jun/09
Mike Starr is a legit 6'3" maybe 6'3.5", no more. Seagal was only an inch taller MAX than Mike Starr. Seagal was 6'4.5" at peak (194cm), Starr is about 191-192 cm and Candy maybe 187.
Anonymous said on 6/May/09
His talent was underrated and he died far too young.
Hugh 190cm said on 15/Apr/09
6ft2.5 looks to be Candy's real height. I beleive that Dan Aykroyd should be then 187cm hence why he was 1 inch shorter than Candy in The Great Outdoors.
Big King said on 21/Mar/09
Candy was at least 6'2" tall. So I think that Candy could have deserved 6'2.5" as his real height.
TheoJ said on 26/Feb/09
Just watched Splash and John Candy and Tom Hanks look exactly the same height - Candy looking sometimes half an inch taller.
Lenad said on 21/Feb/09
He looked at least half an inch taller than David Letterman.
MIKESOWELL said on 17/Jan/09
Every article I have read about Steve Martin lists him as 6 foot 1 or 6 foot 2
Danimal said on 7/Jan/09
MIKESOWELL says on 7/Jan/09
In Planes, Trains and Automobiles Candy appears every so slightly taller than Steve Martin. Martin is 6'2". Candy I believe was 6'2.5".

HAHA, no. Steve Martin was not even 6 footer (a shade under in his younger days). Candy was a legit 6'3". He edged out a young David Letterman in the early 80's.
MIKESOWELL said on 7/Jan/09
In Planes, Trains and Automobiles Candy appears every so slightly taller than Steve Martin. Martin is 6'2". Candy I believe was 6'2.5".
Joetheplummer said on 4/Dec/08
met him a little while before he died.
strong 6'2.75"
maybe a weak 6'3"
Big King said on 9/Nov/08
Hugh, you are right and Steven Seagal can only be 6'5" but that needs to be discussed on the main page of Seagal.
Hugh said on 6/Nov/08
Candy was tall. I think Starr was 1.5 inches taller than Candy. So Candy 6ft2, Starr 6ft3.5.
Big King said on 6/Nov/08
Hugh, but Mike Starr looked two inches shorter than Steven Seagal who is mostly listed as 6'4". So I think that Seagal is 6'5", Mike Star 6'3 1/2" and John Candy almost 6'2". That can only be the result. 6'3" is nonsense for Candy. Also not only because of his body size he doesn't look that tall. A man with a 6'3" height, no matter what size he has, looks a bit high.
Hugh said on 9/Oct/08
So, Mike Starr could be 6ft4 for all we know. Just because he's listed everywhere as 6ft3 doesn't mean he is 6ft3.
Big King said on 28/Sep/08
And here is the link Click Here where Candy is arguing with 6'3" Mike Starr (who is playing the drunk clown). Candy looks almost two inches shorter than Starr. And as an evidence that Mike Starr is 6'3", you can go to the google searching machine and type Mike Starr height and you will see that Starr is listed at 6'3" on every website.
Big King said on 20/Sep/08
I doubt if 6'2" was his minimal height. 6'1 1/2" sounds like another height solution for Candy.
Hugh said on 14/Sep/08
He was a big guy. At least 6ft2.
Big King said on 8/Sep/08
The 6'3" estimations for Candy are definitely a joke! He's 6'2" maximum. It wouldn't be bad to give Candy 187cm.
mcfan said on 4/Sep/08
Splash was on last night. It's strange. Candy only looked an inch taller than Hanks or the same height yet he (Candy) looked an inch taller than Aykroyd who was definitely taller than Hanks by an inch in Dragnet.
Big King said on 4/Sep/08
Hugh, I watched Uncle Buck and there he was standing in front of Mike Starr who played the drunk clown. Mike Starr is 6'3" on all of his websites and also he looked at least an inch taller than Candy. There were other films where Mike Starr was standing in front of the 6'4" Steven Seagal and Seagal looked two inches taller than Starr. I also know that 6'4" is downgraded for Seagal but if it is so that Mike Starr is really 6'3" then John Candy has to be about 6'1 1/2" tall.
Hugh said on 30/Aug/08
Looked at least 6ft2 in all his movies and more likely 6ft3 range. I think he was between 6ft2 and 6ft3. Closer to 6ft3.
King said on 29/Aug/08
Candy could be 6'2 1/2".
thekiddd said on 7/Jun/08
I think 6'2" as well as the editor, but I did find his death explanation just to show how tall it said he was.
thekiddd said on 5/Jun/08
Well anyway, here is his death explanation.
Click Here

It says 6'3" but that's probably in his shoes.
Razor said on 3/Jun/08
I'd agree if we could give him 6'2 1/2" but 6'3" is definitely overestimated. Yeah, Candy's 6'2 1/2", that's for sure!
Scott B. said on 24/May/08
John Candy was at least 6'2. No Less. Glenn looks to be 5'9 to me.
Qino said on 8/May/08
Well, John Candy stood beside Mike Starr, who played the drunk clown in Uncle Buck and Starr looked almost two inches taller than John Candy and Mike Starr is 6'3" or 6'3 1/2" at his peak. That would make John Candy look 6'2" tall.
Hugh said on 30/Mar/08
Was pushing 6ft3. And also pushing 400lbs.
glenn said on 27/Mar/08
i always read 6-3 for candy.
david Melton said on 26/Mar/08
one list i read listed him as 6'3"
Leung said on 21/Jan/08
I also agree that 375lb was closer to the truth, he was a legitimate fat man.
Danimal said on 21/Jan/08
He actually did go down to 275 pounds at one point in the early-mid 80's, but could not keep his weight down. Reminds me of John Goodman and Chris Farley. to think that Farley was 300 pounds at 5'8". Imagine if he was 6-7" taller??
D. Ray Morton said on 20/Jan/08
I believe the latter, too. 330 sounds light for John at his peak. I always thought he looked close to 400.
Danimal said on 20/Jan/08
Well over 300 pounds!! Two reportings of his death weight. Once said 330 pounds and the other 375 pounds. I believe the latter.
HHH-The Game said on 19/Jan/08
John Candy was a very big guy, around 6'3" and weighed ever 300 pounds, but he was a really nice guy. I met him once in New York when he cam down and he was allways smiling and making jokes and was really funny, he will be missed.
Anonymous said on 16/Dec/07
He looked between 2-3" taller than Steve Martin in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. If Steve Martin is 6', or a shade under, I believe John Candy is about 6'2.5"
sunnysideslim said on 3/Sep/07
i once bumped into him at a restaurant in santa monica about 1990. he appeared to be exactly my height- 190cm, but was probably twice my weight. that would make him 360lbs.- he was morbidly obese. very funny guy, very sad.
Terry said on 2/Aug/07
As a retired customs officer, I was walking down a terminal walkway with another officer, and we saw a HUGE - I mean GINORMOUS guy walking towards us. He seemed incredibly large both in width AND in height. When we got close, we saw that it was John Candy. We introduced ourselves and wished him a good night. But the thing is, he was in fact a tall man and his stature was intimidating. His personality however quickly balances it out, as he becomes very much down to earth when he talks to you - very friendly. I miss John Candy, as I'm sure tens of thousands of other Canadians and fans worldwide do.
aussie bloke said on 7/May/07
O must say, hewas no more than 3 inches taller than Eugene Levy in armed and dangerous, and Eugene is certainly no more than 5ft10, I think Candy may have struggled for 6ft2
Danimal said on 21/Apr/07
John was said to have been between 330-375 pounds at the end.
Franco said on 21/Apr/07
it is rare for a fat guy to look tall too but John Candy who was a great man and great actor looks tall.

at times he looks as short as 6'0 in UNCLE BUCK (barefoot) then at times again barefoot looks as tall as 6'3

imho he was more of a 6'2 flat and looked an easy 6'3 with shoes.

let pull out his bones and measure, he won't mind.....he was a great guy! :)
Jordan said on 22/Dec/06
I would say John was also about 350lbs toward the end, but I heard he was a real nice guy in real life.
Anthony said on 22/Nov/06
Candy was also taller than 6'1.75 Pullman in "Spaceballs". I really do think he was a legit 6'3.
Derek said on 12/Oct/06
Candy looked taller than Alan Alda in Canadian Bacon. I think he is 6'3", or at the very least, 6'2 3/4".
Glenn said on 12/Oct/06
Thanks Danimal and Anthony.sometimes I stay a full 5-8.but if you listen to some clowns here,Im 5-6.looking forward to that D.
Danimal said on 10/Oct/06
Anthony, Glenn is a cool guy. He is 5'8" in the morning and 5'7" at night if I'm not mistaken. Is that correct Glenn?
Anthony said on 9/Oct/06
Candy was definitley at least 6'2 and probably more 6'3.

And not to open a whole can of worms again, but to downgrade Glenn is somewhat rediculous. He definitely is 5'8, and in some shots even manages to look closer to 5'9.
Danimal said on 4/Oct/06
No problem G. ;). I'll let you know when I'm in the NY area. You and 2 other buddies of mines.
Danimal said on 4/Oct/06
Candy was 6'3". A little shorter than Chevy Chase (1983) and a little taller than David letterman (1982) and a little taller than Dan Akroyd (1988).
Glenn said on 3/Oct/06
I never met Candy.my friends did.they said he was real fat and really tall.weight will weigh down your height.
Glenn said on 3/Oct/06
Im 5-8 and accurate enough.I meet them.you guys dont.Sly is 5-10.Colin Farrel is 5-11.deal with it.and be a real man and use your anonymous.maybe one day,but probably not,people will realise I was right.Jimmy Page at 5-9,Paul Mccartney at 5-9.5 and Sly at 5-7 is absurd.the site is comprised of people wanting these celeb shorter than they really are for their own insecurities and stupidities.

Editor Rob
back to candy, it is possible even in his 30's that maybe his size contributed to poor posture and he slouched?
Brad said on 2/Oct/06
Im with you mcfan about glenn adding an inch to heights but where are your pictures? At least glenn has some to post even if he can't get the heights correct.Cough up some of your own.How tall are you? glenn at 5 7 is not that short.

Editor Rob
the only thing is...this isn't Brad, I don't like folk trying to back up points with other names...its like Brad Pitt being 6ft 1, *its annoying*
anonymous said on 2/Oct/06
kinda think mcfan is right glenn is bad with his heigth claims.
Glenn said on 2/Oct/06
Like I said Mcfan,YOU ARE THE WORST ON THE SITE.Frank2 was dead on compared to you.
mcfan said on 1/Oct/06
You ever notice how Glenn has the tendency to overestimate celebs by an inch or more he has taken a photo with? There are exceptions, but the majority seem to be always an inch taller than their claimed heights.(exceptions Ashlee Judd, Clapton, Charlie Sheen). This leads me to believe that Glenn is only 5'7, not 5'8 barefoot. I mean, he has Aykroyd and Murray at 6'2. Candy is 6'3. McCartney is 5'11.5. Robert Plant is 6'2. Pete Townshend is 6'2. Colin Farrell is 5'11. It seems to me there is a pattern of overestimating heights. This could only be to mask his true height... 5'7.
Regus said on 29/Sep/06
One of my all-time faves, seems to be somewhat overlooked now. 6-2 or so looks right, sure, in Summer Rental or Splash.
C said on 10/Sep/06
Click Here

In this photo, John Candy looked around 6'2'' when compared with the late Charles Rocket (eyepatch) who was 6'2''. David Rasche (in the bowtie) is about 6'1'' and so is Mariel Hemingway. Great comedian John Candy was.
ForensicNYC said on 17/Aug/06
"Glenn says on 10/Aug/06
Chevy is 6-4.Candy was 6-2.5 to 6-3."
Great observation. Here's the photo...
Click Here
mcfan said on 14/Aug/06
I only saw him as nothing more than 6'2. If he was 6'3 he would have been two inches taller than Aykroyd which he did not.
Glenn said on 11/Aug/06
One of my favorites scenes of all time.he is 6-4 though.
Danimal said on 11/Aug/06
However Chevy has claimed that he is 6'4" many times. I remember when he was referring to JAck Palance as being as tall as him and that he is 6'4" himself.
Danimal said on 10/Aug/06
In Fletch when he is dreaming of being on the court, the commentator says that Chevy is actually 6'5" and 6'9" with the Afro...lol.
Glenn said on 10/Aug/06
Chevy is 6-4.Candy was 6-2.5 to 6-3.
Danimal said on 9/Aug/06
Chevy had 1-2" on him in National Lampoon's vacation and they were both standing straight. Chevy was 6'4"-6'5".
Viper652 said on 9/Aug/06
he looked at least 6-2. Its possible he was 6-3 as he was so big to begin with its hard to tell.
mcfan said on 7/Aug/06
He was just taller than Aykroyd in the Great Outdoors and the same height as Harold Ramis in Stripes. 6'2 seems right.
morrow said on 10/Apr/06
met him in the early 80s. stood face to face with him, and i'm 6', and he was just slightly taller, between 6'0.5" to 6'1", no more.
Darkfalz said on 8/Mar/06
In Spaceballs he's the same height as Bill Pullman who is 6'1" maximum, maybe closer to 6'0" (comparing to Will Smith in Independence Day). So I'd say 6'1", maybe pushing 6'2".

RIP
Rick said on 4/Mar/06
I met him a couple of times in the early 90s. Huge man all around. At least 6'3".
Anonymous said on 26/Feb/06
I saw him in Planes Trains and Automobiles. Was quite a bit taller than Steve Martin, Martin is about 5'11 but is always listed as 6'1".
MHouillon said on 5/Jan/06
I saw "The great Outdoors" yesterday. Have you ever compared John Candy to Dan Aykroyd ??? John Candy was 6'1 MAXIMUM... (He even looked slightly shorter than 6'0.5" Aykroyd...)
Anonymous said on 5/Jan/06
He is indeed 6'2" Finally someone knows he's not 6'3"

Heights are barefeet estimates, derived from quotations, official websites, agency resumes, in person encounters with actors at conventions and pictures/films.

Other vital statistics like weight or shoe size measurements have been sourced from newspapers, books, resumes or social media.

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