Home / Arts and Entertainment / Tom Hanks Recalls Costar John Candy's Boozy Night with Jack Nicholson Before Iconic Splash Scene
Tom Hanks Recalls Costar John Candy's Boozy Night with Jack Nicholson Before Iconic Splash Scene
10 Oct
Summary
- Tom Hanks reflects on filming Splash with John Candy
- Candy spent the night before drinking with Jack Nicholson
- Candy's exhaustion fueled his performance in the racquetball scene
In the upcoming documentary John Candy: I Like Me, which premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, actor Tom Hanks reflects on filming the 1984 comedy classic Splash alongside the late John Candy. Hanks explains that before shooting the movie's infamous racquetball scene, Candy had been out drinking with legendary actor Jack Nicholson the previous night.
"He was out drinking somewhere, and lo and behold, Jack Nicholson came in. Maybe they met for the first time right there, but they drank," Hanks says in the documentary. The actor notes that Candy was "coming in not only exhausted probably with maybe only an hour and a half sleep, but is also coming in fueled by an evening with Jack Nicholson" when they had to film the physical racquetball sequence.
Hanks says Candy's real-life experience and fatigue ended up benefiting his performance, as "John is utilizing his exhaustion to a degree that works" for the character. The documentary also features interviews with Candy's family members and industry collaborators, providing an in-depth look at the beloved comedian's life and career.
