BREAKING: Toronto declares October 31 ‘John Candy Day’

"This marks what would have been John's 70th birthday as he was born on October 31, 1950. Mr. Candy's contributions to the Canadian entertainment industry have made him one of Canada's greatest and funniest character actors," a news release reads.

Candy's career spanned for more than two decades, with much of that time being spent at Toronto's Second City as a member of the sketch group who would go on to make SCTV.

"Candy's star grew brighter in Hollywood where he often played charming and memorable characters," the release continues.

Candy starred in movies such as "Splash," "The Great Outdoors," "Cool Runnings," "Home Alone," "Planes, Trains and Automobiles," "Uncle Buck," "Canadian Bacon," and countless other films.

"John Candy is a Canadian treasure who brought great joy to so many through his humour, acting and contributions to the entertainment industry and beyond," wrote Mayor Tory in a statement. "I got a chance to get to know him when he was an Argo owner. He was a decent, humble man in the fashion of many famous Canadians and it is my privilege to honor his humour, his legacy, and the pride he brought to our city on what would have been his 70th birthday," Tory concluded.

Candy grew up in East York where he studied visual arts. He co-owned the Toronto Argonauts from 1991 until his death in 1994, and won the trophy while he was part owner.