Ryan Reynolds Launches John Candy Doc Tour At Ridgefield’s Prospector Theater

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield had itself a Hollywood moment Tuesday night when actor and producer Ryan Reynolds rolled into town to launch the screening tour of "John Candy: I Like Me" at The Prospector Theater.

The sold-out crowd was treated not only to the new documentary about the late comedy legend but also to a surprise guest—none other than David Letterman, who joined Reynolds and fellow producer Dan Pasternack for a post-show Q&A.

Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Reynolds, the film traces Candy’s rise as one of the most beloved comedic actors of the 1980s, with unforgettable roles in Stripes, "Splash," "Planes, Trains and Automobiles," "Uncle Buck," and "Spaceballs," among others. Candy died in 1994 at just 43, leaving a legacy of humor and heart.

A Big-Name Kickoff In A Small Town

Tuesday’s screening was the very first stop of a North American tour that will also hit Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Boston. Ridgefield audiences got the premiere—a point of pride for The Prospector, a nonprofit cinema dedicated to creating meaningful jobs for people with disabilities.

“A huge thank you to Ryan Reynolds and the team at Maximum Effort for choosing The Prospector to launch the tour,” the theater shared on Facebook. “What better way to honor John Candy—a man who led with heart, kindness, and inclusion—than to celebrate in a space built on those very same values?”

This wasn't Reynolds first Ridgefield rodeo. Locals may recall spotting him last summer when he caught "Despicable Me 4" there with his children.

Ridgefield Shines

The theater’s mission struck a fitting chord with Candy’s legacy. “John Candy made people feel seen. That’s what we do every day at The Prospector,” the nonprofit wrote.

For one night, Ridgefield got to be the center of the film world—welcoming a movie star, a comedy icon, and a packed house that laughed, remembered, and celebrated together.