John Candy - by Paul Myers (Hardcover)

About the Book

"From his humble beginnings in sketch comedy with the Toronto branch of Second City, to his rise to fame in SCTV and Hollywood film classics like Planes, Trains and Automobiles, The Great Outdoors, and Uncle Buck, John Candy captivated audiences with his self-deprecating humour, emotional warmth, and gift for improvisation. Now, for the first time since Candy's tragic death, bestselling biographer Paul Myers tells the full story of the man behind the laughs. Drawing on extensive research and exclusive interviews with many of Candy's closest friends and colleagues, including Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Tom Hanks, Ron Howard, Steve Martin, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, and many more, John Candy: A Life in Comedy celebrates the comedian's unparalleled talent, infectious charm, and generosity of spirit. Through ups and downs, successes and failures, and struggles with anxiety and self-doubt, Candy faced the world with a big smile and a warm demeanour that earned him the love and adoration of fans around the world"--

Book Synopsis

The definitive biography of John Candy--a heartwarming portrait of one of comedy's most beloved and enduring stars.

INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER - Vulture's #1 Comedy Book of 2025 - A Globe and Mail, National Post, and CBC Best Book of 2025

"Reading this book was like reconnecting with an old friend. I laughed, I cried, I didn't want it to end." --Judd Apatow

"A thoughtful, thorough and entertaining portrait of one of the funniest people ever." --Marc Maron

From his humble beginnings in sketch comedy with the Toronto branch of Second City, to his rise to fame in SCTV and Hollywood film classics like Planes, Trains and Automobiles, The Great Outdoors, and Uncle Buck, John Candy captivated audiences with his self-deprecating humour, emotional warmth, and gift for improvisation. Now, for the first time since Candy's tragic death, bestselling biographer Paul Myers tells the full story of the man behind the laughs.

Drawing on extensive research and exclusive interviews with many of Candy's closest friends and colleagues, including Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Tom Hanks, Ron Howard, Steve Martin, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, and many more, John Candy: A Life in Comedy celebrates the comedian's unparalleled talent, infectious charm, and generosity of spirit. Through ups and downs, successes and failures, and struggles with anxiety and self-doubt, Candy faced the world with a big smile and a warm demeanour that earned him the love and adoration of fans around the world.

Review Quotes

"Shows how Candy -- while not without his demons -- was beloved by audiences for his fundamental and authentic likability, and why he is still mourned today for the potential he never got to completely fulfill." -- LA Times

"An amazing talent like John Candy deserves an amazing biography, and Paul Myers has done just that." --Paul Feig, writer, producer, and director

"An insight into the man, John Candy was a revelation to be enjoyed." --Laraine Newman, original cast member of Saturday Night Live

"Growing up, John Candy was my comedy hero. Reading this book was like reconnecting with an old friend. I laughed, I cried, I didn't want it to end." --Judd Apatow

"Paul Myers has crafted a book about John Candy that is as big and heartwarming as the great man himself. Candy was the kind of star that made people feel like they knew him. After reading this book, I feel like I really did." --Mark Critch

"Reveals the deeper story behind the man who made millions laugh." --Kliph Nesteroff, comedy historian, author of The Comedians

"This book is a thoughtful, thorough and entertaining portrait of one of the funniest people ever. Myers captures the humanity of one of the greats!" --Marc Maron, comedian, host of WTF with Marc Maron

"You'll savor this, then you'll rewatch everything Candy ever did, and you'll love him that much more." --Dave Holmes, editor-at-large, Esquire

"An illuminating portrait" -- The National Post

"Paul Myers writes with awe, empathy, and precision about his subjects, and he was the right choice to conjure a loving and deeply respectful biography on a surprisingly little-documented legend of comedy." --Vulture

"Myers's touching portrait of a beloved film star is filled with as much joy as any of Candy's scene-stealing roles." -- Shelf Awareness

"A genuine story ... If you're looking to offset the bitterness of our times with the taste of life's sweetness, try a dose of Candy." -- The Literary Review of Canada

"An affectionate, uncritical look at the beloved comic's career." -- Washington Independent Review of Books

"A fascinating read." - The Calgary Herald

"A warm, thoughtful, sensitive portrait." - Winnipeg Free Press

"Makes clear Candy's ample gifts and barely tapped potential." - The Wall Street Journal

"Fans of John Candy will delight in Myers' comprehensive biography." -- Kirkus Reviews

"A richly detailed biography that leaves us room to conjure up the actor on our own terms." - Zoomer Magazine

"What made John Candy great? [John Candy: A Life in Comedy] is a welcome reminder." - The Washington Post

"This will be catnip for [John Candy's] fans." -- Publisher's Weekly

"Well-researched [and] fun to read." -- Library Journal

"This isn't the first biography on the late actor John Candy, but it is hands down the best ... This is a respectful, compassionate biography that makes the reader feel as though they've come to truly know the man."-- Booklist