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 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, Canada, Audiobook, Pop Culture, Film, Media Tie In

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.

[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.

[Catherine Victor Simpson · 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.

[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!

[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.

[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!

[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.

[Sheri Strba-Brozovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Candy: A Life in Comedy is the definitive biography of the beloved comedian, written by bestselling author Paul Myers. It follows Candy’s journey from his early sketch comedy days at Toronto’s Second City to his breakout success on SCTV and in iconic films like Planes, Trains and Automobiles, The Great Outdoors, and Uncle Buck. Through extensive research and exclusive interviews with friends and collaborators—including Dan Aykroyd, Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Ron Howard, and Catherine O’Hara—the book paints a heartfelt portrait of Candy’s immense talent, warmth, and generosity. It also explores the personal challenges he faced, from anxiety to self-doubt, while celebrating the enduring impact he left on fans and the comedy world.

I love John Candy. I have loved John Candy since I saw Uncle Buck when I was 8. I watched that movie so many times I could recite the whole thing and I did. To this day my brother and I still do the birthday breakfast scene. So some of this documentary gutted me. John Candy is a guy that you just know eveyone loved and to know he didn't love himself hurts. He is truly one of the greats and I wish his story was different.

I really enjoyed hearing all the stories from fellow comedians and big names in the industry. I also appreciated seeing him as both a devoted family man, hockey lover and,a bit high maintenance—but always in a respectful, endearing way.

I don’t usually pick up biographies, but I knew this one was a must, and I’m so glad I did. The narrator brought his story to life beautifully.

[Brit · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, John Candy has always been either “Uncle Buck” or the lovable polka man from Home Alone. Only later did I realize that behind these iconic roles was John Candy—the comedy legend, beloved actor, and a person admired by colleagues and audiences alike. Although I had seen many of his films, I had never truly explored who he was off-screen. So when I saw this book, I didn’t hesitate for a second: I wanted to read it.

This biography - and in the audiobook version, wonderfully narrated - offers a detailed and heartfelt look at the life of an extraordinary man whose story deserved to be twice as long. John Candy was not just a funny guy on TV or in films. He was a man with a golden heart: demanding equality, loving and supporting his friends, caring for his colleagues, putting his heart into every role, and repeatedly proving that a person’s heart can indeed be bigger than themselves.

Of course, no life is without struggles. Candy’s greatest challenge was his weight and eating habits - a lifelong battle that followed him despite countless diets and efforts to change. He also carried a deep personal wound from losing his father at a young age. This left a gap in his life that never fully healed and influenced both his relationships and self-esteem.

What amazed me most was Candy’s incredible dedication to his career. The book highlights his persistence, creative risks, and relentless drive - continuing to push forward even after projects failed critically or commercially. He didn’t let setbacks stop him. He filmed, worked, wrote, sought new challenges, and kept laughing. At the same time, the biography doesn’t shy away from the darker sides - long shooting days, stress, partying, and exhausting schedules were all part of his reality. Yet the story is told with respect and tenderness, as a tribute to a family member, friend, and colleague, rather than just a celebrity.

The most difficult part of the book is inevitably the ending. Even though every John Candy fan knows how his life tragically ended, it still hits unexpectedly and painfully. The last phone calls, the approaching birthday, plans left unfinished - the writing conveys the sadness so that you feel it through the pages, even decades later.

John Candy: A Life in Comedy is a warm, heartfelt, and sincere biography that paints a portrait of a man whose humor made us laugh, but whose true greatness lay in his empathy, kindness, and work ethic. I would recommend it to both John Candy fans and anyone who enjoys well-written life stories. It’s a read worth experiencing - for the laughter, the memories, and the tender sadness.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for this moving reading experience!

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Candy was a bit before my time, dying when I was only four, so all of my memories of his work is tinged with the sadness of his passing. His presence has lived on and I can only imagine his larger than life character, described at length in this biography. Filled with lots of love from those that worked with Candy he sounded like an incredible and interesting person.

Myers does a great job of describing Candy’s life in chronological order, peppered with anecdotes from those close to him, as well as the authors thoughts on topics taken from all the interviews recorded of Candy.

I did the audiobook for this one, and found it worked well.

Highly recommend if you’ve ever wanted to know more about the comedic.

Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[❀ Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Candy was not only an amazing comedian but a kind friend, loving dad, spouse and supportive Canadian. This book shared his life, from the early loss of his dad, which impacted his whole life to his shocking death which left his family, friends and fans grieving but left a legacy of humour, kindness and positivity.

this book makes me want to revisit some favourite movies, SCTV and the latest documentary... as it leaves me wanting more... and even though, I knew what would happen in the end... it still was a sad event, many years later.

[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

[Andrea Salamat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this. As a Canadian kid who grew up in a comedy-loving family—quoting SCTV lines and watching most John Candy movies from the ’80s and ’90s—this insight into his life was fascinating, delightful, and moving. He brought something truly special to Hollywood in that era, a warmth and authenticity that felt uniquely his. I especially loved hearing about his pride in his Canadian roots and the Ontario places he cherished. It made the whole portrait of him feel even more genuine and down to earth.

Thanks @Netgalley and @TantorMedia for providing me with the advanced copy of “John Candy: A Life in Comedy” in exchange for an honest review. #NetGalley #JohnCandy

[Juliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very in-depth book about the life of John Candy. I appreciate that it's not all roses and sunshine and we hear about his struggles as well. if you've watched the newest Documentary I Like Me, there is a good amount from this book that overlaps with it. Still, I appreciated that we were given a glimpse into every project that he did. Such a great soul gone too soon.

[Jay Moskowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Our daughter Nina bought it for me because she knew that I loved him, but I learned so much more from the book and one thing is evident: he was an incredible talent, certainly, but most importantly, his heart was full of kindness and generosity and humility, something we could all learn from. RIP John Candy. Legend.

[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!

[Ashley]

This is a must read for movie/television enthusiasts! I grew up watching many of John’s movie so I was interested to know more about him. Sounds like he was a genuinely talented and kind man. Love getting to learn about the friendships and connections of the great comedians from the 1970’s. I didn’t realize how many comedians were originally from Canada! Also fun fact about the author: Paul Myers is Mike Myers brother.

[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.

[Madalene · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[Karen Mellott-Foshier · Rating 2 out of 5]

One-word book review: Disjointed

I love John Candy but not this book. So disappointed as the writing style was more of an academic paper. And the typos!

[A Cesspool · Rating 2 out of 5]

primary takeaway: Manicured fluff.

Not sure if author hoped to capitalize on Ryan Reynolds’ 2025 Canadian-fandom documentary, but this Candy bio is far from forensic and is as intimate as People (magazine) celebrity-puff-piece profile, imho.

All of the best/revelatory details were sourced from:

1) imdb

2) Rober Crane Jr. 2015 memoir

3) Tracey J. Morgan’s legit Candy biography: Searching for Candy fyi: Morgan’s 2019 bio was recently updated (with new 2024 Aftermath).

Nevertheless, still the most rewarding Candy archive belongs to Martin Knelman’s 1996 monograph: Laughing on the Outside: The Life of John Candy (recently re-published, 10 years after its initial digital offering).

Paul Meyers commemorates Candy in roses and saccharine – finding fault(s) no where.
Those few Candy-offenders [Ivan Reitman, Harold Ramis] are handled with kid-gloves; Glossing over the short list of No-go topics that instantly triggered John Candy (his weight, health, anxiety, etc.) – yet those [aforementioned] narrow-sighted, faux-intellectuals, who didn’t mind exploiting Candy for cheap gags, or the sake of fast-tracking their own career progression, are always given the last word, thereby reinforcing their own legacy-membership as pro-Team Candy.

[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*

[Jo Burl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio, as well as Paul Myers for the advanced listener's copy of this book.

I always knew I liked John Candy, though his humor was hit or miss for me. Somethings he did were sidesplitters, others would get a small laugh or a gentle smile of appreciation, and were some just not me. But despite not knowing a ton about him, I was always attracted to his face and gentle demeanor. Was that even real or all an act like so much of Hollywood? Since I had the opportunity from NetGalley to learn, I thought I'd give it a shot. This is what I learned:
1. He was so much MORE than I thought. My sense of him was only faintly close to how he really was. He was truly a gentle giant of a man. His face was the perfect one for his soul. I regret so much that I never met the man. I know many others do as well.
2. Wow, what a sad childhood to have lost his father so young. I have long been fascinated by the effects fathers have on their children, either by their presence and deeds or by the lack of presence. With John, it wasn't his father's fault that he wasn't there, and by all accounts he would have been a great dad to his two sons. But death took him and left a very large hole in poor John.
3. I had always thought of him as a comedian. He died when I was still a young adult and doing my own thing, so I didn't think about him to much. But I learned that he was more than just that. He was a good dramatic actor as well (I have to rewatch JFK now). He was a part owner of a Canadian football team. He was Canadian! I didn't realize, although it should have been obvious. He was so good to the people around him.
4. It's ironic he died of a heart attack, because it seems like heart is what defined him. I loved what I learned of how he treated just everybody. It may have been because of how he grew up or that he was from the working class. But many people have that experience and don't act as benign as he did. I think God made him that way, but John was also responsible for his own actions. And from what this book shows, he was a genuinely wonderful man. Again, I regret that I never knew him. He sounds like the kind of guy who was everyone's friend. How did he do that? Thank God for John Candy.

As far as the book, while I though it was good, it could have been great. I didn't really learn anything to very bad about him, and we all have unpleasant stuff. Sometimes I felt like was reading an impersonal filmography, so to speak, of what he did and who were the movers and shakers that made it happen. What I wanted was more about Candy himself. I wanted more stories about HIM, not the world around him. I wanted to hear stories from his friends, not just what was on record. Though I have to admit, hearing Akroyd's eulogy was vey moving. And Kathrine O'Hare's. Lucky people to have known him. Makes me appreciate the people around me.

I must put in two sort of related things now. I grew up on the West Coast. It wasn't until I met my husband that I really gained a John Candy appreciation. My husband is from the Northeast, so he really introduced me to the NE culture, and things Canadian since we live in northern New York, not far from the Canadian border. I really didn't have much of a clue about that culture before then. But last night I watched the critically panned Canadian Bacon and thought I was gonna die. I would have hated it before I moved here, but after living in the Great White North for a while I get the jokes and why it is so funny. Had I still lived in California or Arizona I would have though it was dumb. (Plus, putting some time between the Iraqi War and now really plays the movie differently and much kinder). My husband likened it to Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Lot's of jokes that could fall flat if you don't have the right knowledge.

And believe it or not, I see now that John Candy had a part in my husband's proposal to me 26 years ago. I didn't put it together until this book. Husband used to joke with me when we were dating about Polka music. Odd, since he a big Prog Rock fan. Turns out it was because of the Schmenge Brothers, whom I'd never heard of. So of course, he found someplace online where I could see them. Cabbage rolls and coffee! Hmm, hmm, good. :-) When it came time for the proposal, he gave me a cassette tape of Polka music and inside was taped the ring. Thank you Mister Candy!!!

[Rakesh Bairwa]

John Candy: A Life in Comedy is a heartfelt and well-researched biography that explores the life, career, and legacy of one of the most beloved comedians in film history, John Candy. This book goes beyond simply celebrating his humor. It offers a deeply human portrait of an artist whose warmth and sincerity made him unforgettable on screen.

Central Theme

At its core, the book looks at the difference between John Candy’s public persona and his private life. Audiences remember him for his cheerful, lovable, and often self-deprecating comic characters. The biography reveals a thoughtful, generous, and sometimes vulnerable individual behind the scenes. The author carefully traces Candy’s journey from his early days in Canada to becoming a defining face of comedy in Hollywood. It emphasizes how being genuine was the foundation of his success.

The Man Behind the Laughter

One of the book’s strongest aspects is how it humanizes John Candy. It does not create an unrealistic myth around him, nor does it reduce him to a list of film credits. Instead, it explores his kindness, loyalty to friends, devotion to family, and the self-doubt he sometimes faced despite his fame. The book also discusses the pressures of celebrity life, long working hours, and health issues, presenting a balanced and respectful account rather than sensationalism.

Career and Artistic Legacy

The biography offers a detailed look at Candy’s work in television, sketch comedy, and film. It highlights how his comedic style relied more on emotional honesty, physical expressiveness, and relatability than on punchlines. Candy is shown not only as a comedian but also as a skilled character actor who could bring heart and depth to even the broadest comedy. Insights from collaborators and contemporaries enrich the narrative and emphasize his influence in the entertainment industry.

Writing Style and Presentation

The writing is accessible, engaging, and emotionally grounded. The author skillfully blends interviews, anecdotes, and historical context, making the book interesting for both casual readers and serious film enthusiasts. As a hardcover edition, the physical presentation enhances the book’s sense of tribute and permanence, fitting for someone of Candy’s stature.

Limitations

Readers looking for highly technical, film-by-film analysis may find the book more focused on emotions than on academic critique. However, this choice aligns well with the goal of portraying the person rather than breaking down performances in an analytical way.

Final Verdict

John Candy: A Life in Comedy is a moving and respectful tribute to a man who brought laughter to the world while remaining deeply human. It reminds readers that true comedy comes not only from humor but also from empathy, vulnerability, and heart.

[Mike S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for giving me an ARC of the audiobook "John Candy: A Life in Comedy" in exchange for my honest review of the book.

As an elementary schooler in the '80s and early '90s, John Candy was a comedic presence in several movies I was allowed to watch, and I thought he was a completely magnetic actor. I didn't know that much about him other than he was hilarious and seemed so likeable. When he passed tragically much too young, it was a surprise, but I was in middle school and had shifted my interests much more into music and comedians that had been very influenced by Candy.

Flash forward, in 2025 John Candy is getting a long-deserved reemergence into the spotlight with this book as well as Colin Hanks' recent biopic "I Like Me." Relishing the idea of jumping into a book about an actor everyone loved from my childhood, I quickly requested to review this book, thinking it would provide a distraction from the daily horrors.

What I found was a thoroughly sourced book detailing Candy's whole life, from childhood through his passing. It went in depth into his beginnings in improv and sketch comedy, the relationships he was building with so many others who would go on to acclaim in the genre, into his acting that would eventually bring him to leading man-status. The book didn't sand off the rough edges, also shedding light on the darker parts of his psyche (losing his own father way too young, and his excesses with food and drink). Through all the interviews Paul Myers drew from, it was clear how deeply loved Candy was by his friends, and maybe no more so in the reprinting of the eulogy Dan Ackroyd gave at his funeral.

This is a well written, compelling book, my only real complaints of which are that Myers seemed only to research through source material instead of actually talking to all his friends that knew him and giving a reassessment or contextualizing his place in comedic history. It was an enjoyable read, though I think casual fans or those who are too young to have grown up with John Candy's TV and film work might be better served with the biopic.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Edelweiss and House of Anansi Press for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I was working at WFRV-TV thirty years ago when the Associated Press bulletin came across my news feed. John Candy had died. Everyone in the newsroom did what we always did when a celebrity died: talked about their greatest hits. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles has become a Thanksgiving classic. Uncle Buck showed Candy’s range and his ability to work well with kids. My favorite movie was The Great Outdoors. I loved it because the movie is set in northern Wisconsin. I also loved the interplay between Candy and his longtime friend, Dan Aykroyd.

It always amazes me. When I read about personalities who made it big in the late 1970s and 1980s, I realize how interconnected they were. Dan Aykroyd and John Candy knew each other well before Dan became a star on Saturday Night Live. Candy and Martin Short knew each other about as long, and David Letterman’s sidekick of 30 years, Paul Schaefer, was part of that group of friends. Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Gilda Radner, they were all lightning in a bottle, and they all hung out together.

As much as I was interested in this book going in, and despite interviewing Candy’s family and friends, there’s a lot of reliance on quotes from other publications as well as Candy himself. I found some things about Candy interesting, but at the same time, I felt the author was just going through the motions and there was a lot of “then this happened.” There was little originality to the writing, which is disappointing, because I really wanted to get to know John Candy, the human being, not just John Candy, the comic genius. There were glimmers of it from time to time, how Candy hated being overweight, yet his emotional attachment to food doomed him.

Since there haven’t been any other John Candy biographies out there that I know of, I’d still recommend this book for fans of the late actor, who was taken from us too soon.