John Candy: A Life in Comedy

by Paul Myers

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 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.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Canada, Comedy, Film, Biography Memoir

363 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Audiences can't relate to a guy who's acting superior to them, because, deep down, we all feel like inadequate weaklings. John Candy was highly relatable in the sense because he personally lacked arrogance, and his characters were never really arrogant, so he never lost that self-effacing nature. Candy's characters put on a brave face and laugh it off, and when he smiled and laughed, you smiled and laughed." -- comedy historian / writer Kliph Nesteroff spittin' facts, page 325

Sometimes in the comment section of a posted YouTube video the viewers type some pretty humorous thoughts. However, I especially appreciate it when folks are at their most sincere. For example, take 'Getting John Candy's Autograph' from 2008, which featured responses such as "God, I miss John Candy" (I agree) and "No doubt, Candy is keeping the angels in constant laughter" (what a perfect sentiment). It's been just over thirty years since his untimely passing - at the young age of 43 - and author Paul Myers examines the times and career of the late Canadian comedic actor with the his John Candy: A Life in Comedy. Refreshingly and heartwarmingly, this is not any standard show biz bio with a sleaze factor, as across the board Candy was beloved by his co-workers, co-stars, and family/friends who nary had a bad word to say about him. A native of Toronto, Candy came of age in an amazing comedy scene which also produced Dan Aykroyd, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Gilda Radner and Martin Short, among many others. First making a name for himself performing various characters on the late 1970's sketch series SCTV (I used to love watching the reruns on the Comedy Central network in the late 80's / early 90's), he soon moved into supporting movie roles including The Blues Brothers, Stripes, and National Lampoon's Vacation before graduating to leading man status in the hits Planes, Trains & Automobiles (I still crack up at his scene of lip-synching / piano-miming Ray Charles' 'Mess Around' while piloting a Chrysler LeBaron down a highway in the middle of the night) and Uncle Buck. Even if the movie was not particularly noteworthy or even much good, Candy was relatively critic-proof as he often delivered a humorous performance. One of the more intriguing snippets included was that Candy - during one of his rare dramatic roles in director Oliver Stone's saga JFK - got along so well with fellow supporting actor Gary Oldman that they had considered performing a live theatrical version of Macbeth in New York City's Central Park, with Oldman in the title role and Candy as Falstaff. What a missed opportunity that sounds absolutely amazing!

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a great fan of John Candy and so when I received this ARC I was thrilled.d. The book did not disappoint, as Paul Myers did a great job of documenting Candy's life from early childhood to his unfortunate death in Durango, Mexico. Fair and well-balanced, and filled with quotes from Candy's co-stars and friends, Myers faithfully follows his career. We see the highs and the lows - and there were a lot more lows than I was aware of. But despite some of his movies getting panned, John Candy was bullet proof. People loved him, his characters and was appreciated for moving from just comedy to dramatic roles in JFK, ONLY THE LONELY & Cool Runnings. The book also does a great job of educating me to the number of outstanding Comedians who began in SCTV in Toronto and eventually made their way to the US. A man who was known for his kindness and fair treatment of his co-stars (the story about Maureen O'Hara on the set of Only the Lonely stands out), and his death affected so many people. A big I can really recommend to one and all!!

[Jo Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggle to leave a negative review here, because who doesn’t love John Candy. Unfortunately somewhere between the methodical almost text book formula of the writing and the monosyllabic narration, the whole thing needed a jug of gravy!

Lots of interesting facts, and lots of really beautiful quotes, I rounded up to 3 but I can honestly say if I hadn’t loved John Candy so much I’d have rated lower.

My gratitude to Tantor Media via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

[Kelly (The Happiest Little Book Club)]

What a great biography. Whenever I think of John Candy in the movies and shows I watched growing up, I smile. He always seemed like a giant teddy bear.🧸🤎

We are so lucky to have him live on in his fabulous roles in Home Alone, Cool Runnings, Planes, Trains + Automobiles, etc.

I also loved hearing how generous and kind he was with everyone and anyone he worked with, not just other “A List” actors. I always thought he had a big heart and this book just confirmed it.

The audio was well narrated and full of loads of great stories.

[Enid Wray · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at Candy's life - but nothing ground-breaking here in either the content or the presentation.

The author just moves through Candy's life from A to Z, offering summary observations and conclusions... and lots and lots of verbatim quotes from everyone under the sun.

Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for granting me access to an early digital review copy.

2.5 rounded up to 3

[Daniel Montague · Rating 4 out of 5]

P.61: Close friend and SCTV castmate Dave Thomas: “So the reason I’m telling you these stories is that there’s two sides to John. To just hear about the jovial side, where he made people laugh or showed his generosity by buying meals for the whole crew —those things that you’ll hear from lots of people. Yes, he did that kind of thing all the time. But what made him a really interesting human being, and what made him the essential John Candy with all the depth that audiences could relate to, is that he had this other side. He was conflicted. He was insecure and he had doubts about himself.

While there is much to chose from when remembering the contributions of John Franklin Candy, with over 50 appearances in movies alone, for me it was his cartoon comedy, Camp Candy, that was the pinnacle. Greeting me early on Saturday morning, it was like the man himself: warm, funny and full of mirth and charm. I recall a childhood argument that led to an awkward sleepover, over who knows, but there was John Candy bright and early to calm my nerves while making me chuckle and forget about the “fight.”

As a fat boy, Mr. Candy was always something aspirational. As opposed to the majority of portrayals of the big boned, he rarely if ever relied on fat tropes. Yes, he was jovial even jolly, but his heaviness was not exploited with a sight gag like breaking furniture or ripping his pants. Not saying that I was opposed to this brand of humor, the number of times I watched Disorderlies, would say otherwise. However, behind that cherubic face was a man full of pride and dignity that would not validate a hacky fat joke.

Throughout this 350-page book there is a constant thread of decency that John Candy exhibited. His bonhomie extended beyond just his close friends as he was just as likely to befriend the doorman as he was the CEO and charm them in his own unique way. There is a steady diet of examples (perhaps too many) of times that Candy’s righteousness and thoughtfulness was demonstrated. Whether it was making sure his co-star the legendary Maureen O’Hara was given similar accommodations or standing up for equal pay for the female writers and comedians on SCTV, Candy used his voice and power to improve situations for others. His generosity with money was legendary as he was prone to largesse, whether in his fancy wardrobe, well-furnished homes or showering others with gifts.

While Mr. Candy touched and influenced almost everyone he came in contact with, one of the most endearing was his relationship with famed director John Hughes. Though Mr. Hughes is most famous for his teenage dramas, he developed quite a business and personal relationship with John Candy. More than just coworkers, though their partnership produced some spellbinding moments on film, their families became intertwined and they shared many moments together, reveling in each other’s company and approaches to life. In a world of fakery (Hollywood), they found companionship and brotherhood based on mutual respect and authenticity.

Though this book did plenty of things well, there was a pretty big hole left from not being able to interview his immediate family. Maybe, due to how long it has been (32 years) since his passing or that they just like to keep their privacy, but not having interviews with his wife or kids, plays a role in making this read more like a hagiography than a biography. This lack of intimacy along with friends who continue to protect his legacy, makes for reading that can be rather repetitive, especially for large chunks in the middle.

There were chinks in the armor, besides the obvious one of his obesity which is not shied away. Whether pride, insecurity or the sense of his own mortality, John is hesitant about discussing his weight issues. He is a frequent dieter and proponent of the Pritikin Program based on a regime of exercise and a low-fat high-fiber diet. Though he has success within the strict guidelines of the diet, he is prone to falling off the wagon and resorting to his bad habits of high caloric food and strong drink. Whether it is lifestyle or something innate, John always had a negative relationship with food.

Along with his physical health, he suffers from anxiety and a touch of imposter syndrome. There are moments in which he literally has to will himself to get up on stage, including a performance at his former high school, Neil McNeil which was honoring him as its most famous alumnus. The sudden death of his father, when he was only 5 years old also is a source of much of his trauma. He vacillates between trying to live his life to the absolute fullest, constantly taking on new projects, working exhausting hours, imbibing on alcohol fearful that he only has a limited lifespan, and spending more time at his family home in the quietude of the Ontario countryside, enjoying the simple life.

All-in-all this biography had many touching stories of a man who at 43 years old (my age) had his life cut too short. In my mind he was a titan before and after reading this, however I would have preferred more intimacy and reflection in the anecdotes and remembrances. The chronological approach with most of the chapters the names of his projects, typically a movie, was mostly effective. The ending chapter, which included the inspiring eulogy by Dan Ackroyd, was touching and had me holding back tears. The outpouring of love, even more than 30 years after his death, demonstrates just how large of a presence and life that John Candy lived. Without the final chapter this would have remained mid 3 stars, but my emotional reaction shows why this is worthy of 4 stars, despite its flaws.

[Diane Rusert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being from a suburb of Buffalo, NY, John Candy was one of our own. Really all of the Canadian comedy stars from that time are but especially John. We all know about how Route 219 was closed for the filming of Trains, Planes and Automobiles only to have to have to be shot again the next day due to snow. Very Buffalo.
I have read negative reviews of this book but I really loved it. It isn’t laden with dates and history but instead a great understanding of what made John tick, his emotional and physical challenges and how much he loved his family and friends.

[Daniel Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Uncle Buck the best, especially the pancake scene. His personality was just like his public persona. He had a high emotional intelligence. Carl Reiner said he was the most alive person he had ever met.

[Madalene · Rating 2 out of 5]

He may have been a nice, funny guy, but the book was boring.

[Karen Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Media, and Paul Myers for providing me with an advance eaudiobook of "John Candy" in exchange for my honest review.

This book was an excellent tribute to the life and career of John Candy. I grew up watching his movies and marveling at his comedic acting skills. I learned a lot about John Candy, the man, through the research and interviews conducted by Paul Myers. John Candy was a brillant actor who struggled with demons throughout his life and suffered an untimely demise. I would highly recommend this book to fans of John Candy. The drawback to the audiobook was the narration of David Bendena. This audiobook would have been better served with a more comedic narrator or by one of John Candy's friends or costars.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I don't know how to rate this book. The writing was fine and the book was informative about the life of John Candy but it just wasn't very compelling reading. I enjoy memoirs and biographies and I don't need salacious details about the subject but it seems like what you saw with John Candy was what you got. Everyone in Candy's life loved him, He was a warm hearted, generous and talented man who loved his family and friends and fans. He also dealt with anxiety regarding his health and trauma from the death of his father when he was five. But it just doesn't make for very interesting reading.

*ARC supplied by NetGalley*

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had just watched Planes, Trains and Automobiles for the first time not too long ago and it was so funny! So I was very interested to read John Candy: A Life in Comedy by Paul Myers to learn more about John Candy. I listened to the audiobook narrated by David Bendena and it was an enjoyable listen. It’s a very detailed biography starting from Candy’s childhood losing his father and then growing up being funny and finding improv and then moving to Hollywood. It was interesting to learn more about his Johnny Toronto persona and behind the scenes of SCTV and his working with so many great comedians like Eugene Levy, Chevy Chase, Steve Martin and Catherine O’Hara. I want to watch Canadian Bacon now!

Thank you to Tantor Audio via NetGalley for my ALC!

[Stephanie Meyers]

(( I didn’t listen to this entire book but picked about half of the chapters to listen to.))

I plan to watch Planes, Trains, and Automobiles & Uncle Buck immediately ✈️ 🚂 🚙 ✨

[Molly Baines · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be clear: John Candy was a 5-star human and I miss him.

[Codi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This rating has NOTHING to do with John Candy, his life, his story, etc. He is my favorite comedian I think he was hilarious and seemed to be a genuinely good person. I liked learning more about his early years and how close he was to some other actors. It pains me to think how he most definitely would have been on Schitts Creek had he been alive.

Now the writing of this book really didn’t impress me. It felt like reading a school paper. Everything in the book was from another source which is why it sounded like a research paper. It would have been nice if the author did some interviews. Also the constant name dropping of who Candy was around, we kind of got the point we don’t need to list every person at the hang.

My biggest issue in the book is the near CONSTANT discussion of Candy’s weight, eating habits, diets, etc. I do understand whether good or bad his weight was part of his persona and discussion of it followed him. I don’t think the author needed to harp on it so much and lump it in with his alcohol and substance use. You have to eat food to live and comparing eating to drugs and alcohol sends the wrong message. I can’t believe all of the stories of coworkers, strangers, etc staging interventions for his weight, thank god I wasn’t an adult in the 80s and 90s.

I really hope when I die people have thousands of things to talk and say about me that have nothing to do with my weight, it is by far the least interesting thing about any human. John Candy deserves that respect as well.

[Catherine (catisbookedup) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Difficult to review a book about the life of someone. I do usually prefer when a memoir or biography is narrated by the person themselves although sometimes a good voice actor will do just as good a job. In this case I did feel the narration although adequate was just that adequate a bit dry in my opinion.
Content wise I did also feel it was a bit dry. Sometimes felt very technical in its knowledge. I felt to truly appreciate this you would have to not only be someone in the industry but specifically comedy. You'd have to know the ins and out to find a lot of the context insightful. As someone who was around 10 years old when John Candy died my knowledge of him didn't extend beyond Home Alone, Cool running, Blues brothers and bit here and there. I found those chapters more enjoyable, also interactions with other known comedians like Dan Ackroyd and Catherine O'hara, Eugene Levy etc
Even so I now know more than I did before about John's life and even about some of the other Canadian comedy stars he started with. His personal life although not focused on too much still highlights his humanity and tragedy.
Many thanks to Tantor Media for providing me with a copy of the audiobook for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Jared · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of those rare times where I did not think the book offered more then what I have already seen. The documentary on Amazon offered all of the same info, but I found more enjoyable because you could actually see John Candy’s performances. He was a remarkable individual who had many iconic roles, but I would recommend the documentary over the book.

[Translator Monkey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half stars. I wish Myers had relied on and written from research, rather than simply repeating directed quotes from articles and books - I know it's not the case, but it certainly felt like two thirds of the book consisted of nothing more than quotes from family, friends, and Candy himself.

[Ashby Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some people who just feel like they’ve always been part of your life, even if you never met them. John Candy is one of those people. This audiobook reminded me why - over and over again.

Paul Myers’s biography is incredibly well researched, but it never feels stiff or academic. From Candy’s early days with Second City Toronto, through SCTV, and into iconic films like Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Uncle Buck, the story moves with real warmth and momentum. Even though it’s dense, I tore through it.

What really makes this audiobook special is the stories from the people who actually knew Candy. Hearing from friends and collaborators like Dan Aykroyd, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Tom Hanks, and super fans like Patton Oswalt or Josh Gad, never feels self-serving. These aren’t celebrity anecdotes for clout - they’re thoughtful memories that help you see the person behind the performances.

Myers doesn’t shy away from the harder stuff either: Candy’s struggles with anxiety, body image, and the pressure to say yes to everything. It all feels deeply human - grounded in kindness and heart.

The narration by David Bendena deserves a shoutout, too. He keeps a steady, respectful tone throughout, letting the story land naturally without pushing the listener emotionally.

If you’re a John Candy fan - or just love a biography that’s smart and generous - this audiobook is an easy recommendation.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for an advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't want to say that reading this feels like a come-down after seeing the documentary, but it does feel less dense and emotional...but again, only by comparison. In other respects, it's a concise, straightforward, informative presentation about the life of an extraordinary Canadian talent. What this book does add to the John Candy discovery is the closeness that developed between Candy and writer/director John Hughes, which I found particularly fascinating. Do watch the documentary, but this makes for an intriguing follow-up...

[Keyuiana (Schexylady) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember watching The Great Outdoors, Cool Runnings and other films John Candy acted in and he seemed like such a genuine, kind soul. When he passed, I remember being sad and feeling like he had the potential for a legendary career.
I especially like the way his friends and family reminisce about him.
This biography was written with such care about his weight struggles and his panic attacks toward the end of his brief life. This was one of the best biographies I have ever read. Well done!

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and so well written. As a kid of the 80’s and 90’s I’ve always loved John Candy and now I love him even more.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This didn't read like a story, but more like a textbook. I thought it would be fun to read after watching the doc "I Like Me" (which covers Candy's life). I'd recommend the doc over this book.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sometimes hesitate to read a biography about someone whose work I have enjoyed, out of a fear that I may read about how awful they were in their personal lives. Fortunately that wasn't the case here. John Candy was loved by everyone. The stories in the book made me go to YouTube to revisit scenes from the movies I had seen and to watch scenes from the ones I hadn't, especially the dramas. He was gone too soon, and I miss him.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Maddi Harwood]

Loved this biography! If, like me, you grew up watching John Candy’s movies and they were a staple family movie night favorite in your home, I highly recommend this book!

[Julie Becker · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. So sad to lose such a comedic talent so early. I enjoyed reading about the beginning of SCTV and forgot how many movies that he had cameo appearances in. Some movies I forgot he was in at all. I think I need to go back and watch the SCTV skits on YouTube and maybe all the John Hughes movies to relive my teenage and young adult years. As far as the book, parts were enlightening, parts were a bit slow, but an overall enjoyable read.

[Tana Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have always been a John Candy fan. It was nice to see in this book, what my heart always knew, that he was a kind-hearted guy and a great actor. I appreciated the incite on him and his career. Give it a try.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 for the book, which was informative but dry; 4 for John Candy, who was tops

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a good book. alot of stuff everyone already knows so its nothing like omg I cant believe it, but its John candy so how could you not read it!