Who Is Candy Montgomery? – The True Story behind the New Series ‘Candy’ Starring Jessica Biel

Jessica Biel’s “Candy” retells Candy Montgomery and Betty Gore’s story – a crime so disturbing that it shook Texas citizens in the 1980s and is still making headlines.

Hulu, one of The Walt Disney Company streaming services, released the first episode of “Candy” on May 9, 2022. The limited series has only five episodes, with the finale airing on May 13.

The show tells Candy Montgomery’s story, how she ended up arrested for killing Betty Gore, why she committed the crime and the stunning verdict that is controversial even now.

Jessica Biel on November 1, 2018 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

WHAT IS “CANDY” ABOUT?

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Candy

” is perfect for true-crime fans as it is based on the real-life murder of school teacher Betty Gore in Texas in 1980. The killer was her best friend, Candy Montgomery. The case was so startling that it made national headlines.

Candy and Betty were parishioners of the same church. The former had kids and was married to Pat Montgomery, and the latter also had children and was married to Allan Gore. 

Melanie Lynskey in the “Candy” trailer shared on YouTube on April 13, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

When Candy betrayed Betty’s trust and slept with Allan, things took a shocking turn. Betty eventually learned about Candy and her husband’s affair and  confronted her.

The only person who knew what happened during the confrontation was Candy because Betty didn’t make it out alive. The matriarch of the Gore family was found dead in her home with several ax wounds.  

Authorities arrested Candy, who admitted to killing Betty. Candy pointed out she did it in self-defense even though the evidence and gruesome crime scene suggested otherwise. 

During her trial, Candy claimed Betty was the first one to attack her. Her version must have been convincing because she was found not guilty in October 1980. 

The show addresses […] the pressure society puts on women to achieve perfection and never complain.

JESSICA BIEL’S THOUGHTS ON HER ROLE

Jessica Biel portrays Candy Montgomery, and Melanie Lynskey plays Betty Gore in “Candy.” They were both drawn immediately to the true-crime limited series.

Biel said that Betty and Candy lived normal, suburban lives for the most part, but everything changed after the affair. The “A Kind of Murder” actress added: 

“[Candy] had to be beloved, likable, nice, kind, and someone that you can really get behind, and then after this crazy thing happens, I still want you to weirdly be behind her.”

Lynskey also felt a strong connection with her character, but embracing Betty’s depression was particularly hard because it could feel repetitive.

The “Yellowjackets” actress added that the show addressed rage, loneliness, feeling undervalued, and the pressure society puts on women to achieve perfection and never complain.

WHERE TO WATCH “CANDY”?

Jessica Biel and Melanie Lynskey’s “Candy” premiered on Hulu on May 9, 2022. The limited series has only five episodes, and the fifth will make it to the streaming platform on May 13, 2022. 

Other Hollywood stars are also part of the cast apart from Biel and Lynskey. Pablo Schreiber portrays Betty’s husband, Allan Gore, and Timothy Simos plays Candy’s husband, Pat Montgomery.

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