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, RonHoward, 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 demeanor that earned him the love and adoration of fans around the world.
I had the distinct pleasure of working with John on commercials, then going back to Second City and watching the whole gang make fun of the commercial. Hosting the second city talent when they hit Vancouver and shooting a TV pilot called Terry and the Tiger, where we took John salmon fishing on Vancouver Island.
Later that night, he and hockey legend Tiger Williams closed down all the bars. They still talk about it in Campbell River.
As soon as I heard that Paul was writing a book on John Candy (John Candy: A Life in Comedy), I started to stalk him for an interview.
When I received an advance copy, I was surprised by how it moved me. I had known John for many years, but A Life in Comedy revealed a lot more about John than I ever got to see or know.
It took me far more time than normal to read John Candy. I kept getting choked up and had to put the book down to gather my thoughts.
John has that effect on people. As funny as the man was, he was very human and kind, thoughtful and loving.
In his foreword in the book, his true friend Dan Aykroydleaves us with these words.
John was a lovely, gentle, good man possessed of brilliant creative fire, which was served well by his superb talents and skills as a comedian, dramatic actor, impressionist, writer and originator.
Find the man for yourself through the words of Paul Myer, a brilliant storyteller.
