When Conan O’Brien Met His Comedy Hero, John Candy In 1984, a 21-year-old Harvard student named Conan O’Brien experienced a moment that would become a cherished memory. The young comedy enthusiast, then president of The Harvard Lampoon, managed to arrange a visit from one of his idols, the legendary comedian John Candy. At the time, Candy was still on the rise. Known for his work on the cult-favorite sketch show SCTV, he hadn’t yet become the household name that he’s remembered as today. For Conan, however, Candy was already a comedic giant. Determined to bring him to Harvard, Conan worked tirelessly to make it happen—and it did. During Candy’s visit, the two spent an entire day together on the Harvard campus. Conan showed him around, they shared pastries, and they bonded over their mutual love of comedy. For the young O’Brien, who would go on to become one of late-night television’s most iconic figures, it was a dream come true. The story of their meeting took on an even more poignant twist years later when Christopher Candy, John’s son, uncovered a photo while going through his father’s belongings. Among the collection of old snapshots was a picture of Conan from that very day, taken by none other than John Candy himself. Reflecting on the memory, Conan has often spoken about how much that visit meant to him. It wasn’t just about meeting a famous comedian; it was about connecting with someone who inspired his own comedic journey. For fans of both Conan O’Brien and John Candy, it’s a heartwarming reminder of how the right meeting at the right time can leave a lasting impression. - @didyoucatchthis