JOHN CANDY: A Life in Comedy
By Paul Myers
Published by House of Anansi Press
Pages: 352
Hardcover: 9781487009526 $34.99 Cdn or $29.99 US
e-Book: 9781487009533 $24.99 Cdn or $22.99 US
Released October 7th, 2025
Author and pop culture connoisseur Paul Myers takes a serious look at this legendary funny man who, in his brief but jam-packed life, brought us so much laughter and joy. Candy was able to tap into the humanity of each of his on-screen characters such as Del in Planes, Trains and Automobiles or as the title character in Uncle Buck. The author has thoroughly researched Candy’s early days, from his first tv commercial – a toothpaste ad – and getting cast in as many projects as possible, be they commercials or live theatre supporting roles.
Throughout the book, Myers references so any names the reader will recognise, including Candy’s early connections with Toronto comedy icons such as Valri Bromfield and Dan Aykroyd, as well as those who helped Candy start the climb up the showbiz ladder including agent Catherine McCartney, Andrew Alexander (Second City) and Lorne Michaels (future SNL creator). The chapters dedicated to SCTV are real page-turners, especially if the reader was around during those early years (as I was) and recognizes fellow cast members’ names, specific sketches and characters John inhabited.
As his fame grew, his SCTV characters became part of the zeitgeist and some even became talk show performers: David Letterman was a particular fan of John’s Schmenge Brothers polka music with Eugene Levy and the fictional Schmenges went on to movie fame with their “Last Polka” film. We also learn of Candy’s foray in sports ownership, becoming part owner of the Toronto Argos football team – he loved his “double blues”.
Saddest of all are the chapters devoted to Candy’s passing in March of 1994. He was finishing up the movie Wagons West in Mexico and the night before he had made phone calls to friends and most importantly, family. The next morning, his driver found him dead on the bed, fully dressed and waiting to go to set – his big heart had given out. Myers recounts the days after and the funeral with such tenderness and dignity, the reader will feel the depth of grief and sorrow felt by John’s wife Rosemary and his two beloved children, Jennifer and Chris. His friends and colleagues from film, stage and tv all attended the funeral and Myers has captured their feelings through personal interviews given in celebration of the comedian’s life.
I must admit, I found it a little hard to remain objective about the book – John Candy was one of my favourite comedy actors and he and I knew many of the same people back in the late 70s and early 80s; the book revealed so many “I was there, too” or “did I missed that?” occasions for me. In fact, I left a few tear-stained pages between the covers. Myers has given us the “golden ticket” into Candy’s life and career, sharing the downs as well as all the ups the actor experienced on his way to becoming a legend. Taken from us way too soon, we now have this wonderful book as well as his movies on TV or streamed online to keep us laughing (and crying) forever.
Paul Myers is a Canadian best-selling author, journalist and musician now living in California. His previous books include The Kids in the Hall: One Dumb Guy and the critically acclaimed A Wizard, A True Star – Todd Rundgren in the Studio. He’s also penned books on Long John Baldry and the Barenaked Ladies. Paul is coming into Toronto for book signings October 20-24, with appearances in Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa in Canada as well as the US throughout the month of October and into November.