Mike Hagerty and John Candy were both famous comedians who shared some similarities in their appearance, career, and background. They both had a mustache, a thick Chicago accent, and a knack for playing blue-collar workers. They both started their acting career with The Second City, a renowned improv group. They both appeared in popular sitcoms and movies, such as Friends, Seinfeld, Uncle Buck, and Cool Runnings. But were they related by blood or marriage? The answer is no.
Mike Hagerty’s Life and Career
Mike Hagerty was born on May 10, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois. He was of Irish Catholic descent and his father was a police officer. He attended Marist High School and the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he took acting classes. He worked at a restaurant, a gas station, and a repair shop before becoming an actor.
He joined The Second City in the early 1980s after being invited by Jim Belushi. He co-wrote and co-starred in three revues on the troupe’s mainstage: Also Available in Paperback — A Retrospective, Orwell That Ends Well, and True Midwest, or No, But I Saw the Movie. He also introduced the lyrics of “Bear Down, Chicago Bears” to the cast and had them memorize and sing the song.
He moved to Los Angeles in the mid-1980s and began appearing in films and television shows. He was known for playing comedic blue-collar workers, such as Mr. Treeger, the building superintendent on Friends, and the manager of a muffler shop on HBO’s Lucky Louie. He also had roles in The George Carlin Show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Wonder Years, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and many more.
He was married to Mary Kathryn until his death. They met at a small theater in Chicago and he proposed to her on New Year’s Eve in Ireland. He maintained ties to his hometown and appeared at community fundraisers and events. He was scheduled to film the second season of Somebody Somewhere in Naperville shortly before his death.
He died on May 5, 2022, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after suffering from a seizure. He was 67 years old.
John Candy’s Life and Career
John Candy was born on October 31, 1950, in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. He was of Polish and Ukrainian descent and his father worked at a car manufacturing plant. He attended Neil McNeil Catholic High School and Centennial College. He worked as a bank teller, a salesman, and a security guard before becoming an actor.
He joined The Second City in the late 1970s after being discovered by Dan Aykroyd. He co-wrote and co-starred in several revues on the troupe’s mainstage: Godspell (with Gilda Radner), The National Lampoon Show (with Bill Murray), Second City Television (with Eugene Levy), and The Second City Goes to War (with Martin Short). He also created memorable characters such as Johnny LaRue, Yosh Shmenge, Harry Crumb, and Uncle Buck.
He moved to Hollywood in the early 1980s and became a star in films and television shows. He was known for his warm-hearted humor and his ability to play lovable losers, such as Del Griffith in Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Barf in Spaceballs, Chet Ripley in The Great Outdoors, and Coach Irv Blitzer in Cool Runnings. He also had roles in Splash, Home Alone, JFK, Canadian Bacon, and many more.
He was married to Rosemary Hobor until his death. They had two children: Jennifer (who is also an actress) and Christopher. He was a devoted family man and a generous philanthropist. He supported several charities and causes, such as Comic Relief USA, Camp Good Times, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Special Olympics.
He died on March 4, 1994, at Hotel Camino Real in Durango City, Mexico after suffering from a heart attack. He was 43 years old.
Conclusion
Mike Hagerty and John Candy were not related by blood or marriage. They were both talented comedians who shared some common traits but had different lives and careers. They both left behind a legacy of laughter and joy for their fans and loved ones.
