John Candy & Maureen O’Hara made a memorable appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The talk show, known for its entertaining and lively conversations, welcomed the two movie stars from different generations. Maureen O’Hara, who had retired from the business 20 years prior, was persuaded by John Candy to come back for one more film, “Only the Lonely,” which had received marvelous reviews.
During the interview, Carson expressed his admiration for Maureen O’Hara, confessing his love for her for the past 50 years. She graciously accepted his compliment, attributing her decision to quit acting to marrying a wonderful man, Charlie Blair, who was a pioneer pilot. John Wayne and John Candy, both towering figures at 6 feet 4 inches tall, encouraged O’Hara to stay home and enjoy her life outside of the spotlight. O’Hara reflected on her incredible adventures, in which she flew all over the world with her husband.
Carson asked O’Hara if she ever regretted her decision to retire, to which she replied with no regrets. She expressed gratitude for the wonderful life she had with her husband, sharing that they went around the world twice in a seaplane. O’Hara’s involvement in the aviation industry allowed her to connect with the public and understand the importance of pleasing them.
The conversation then shifted to how John Candy played a vital role in O’Hara’s return to acting. The young director of “Only the Lonely,” Christopher Columbus, wrote the part of Rose specifically for O’Hara. However, without knowing she had retired, they struggled to find her. Through a series of connections, the script reached O’Hara’s brother, who convinced her to take on the role. O’Hara emphasized the instant connection and love she felt for Columbus and producer Hunt Lowry.
When it came to meeting John Candy, O’Hara jokingly remarked that Carson’s assumption of them hanging out together was insulting. But she admired Candy’s talent and, within a matter of seconds, agreed to be his mother in the film, citing his gorgeous eyes as the deciding factor.
Carson praised both Candy and O’Hara for their acting abilities. He predicted that Candy, already known for his comedic talent, would soon showcase his dramatic acting skills and take on great roles like Charles Laughton did. O’Hara supported Carson’s sentiment, mentioning how easy it was to work with Candy during auditions.
The interview concluded with a discussion about O’Hara’s prior holiday classic, “Miracle on 34th Street.” Carson wondered if it was initially as big as it has become over the years. O’Hara confirmed that the film had immediate box office success, thanks to its warmth and charm.
Overall, this engaging and entertaining interview showcased the camaraderie between John Candy and Maureen O’Hara, as well as their shared passion for acting. Their appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson left a lasting impression on viewers and highlighted their immense talent.
Originally aired on May 17, 1991
