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John Candy

A Life in Comedy

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Pub Date Oct 07 2025 | Archive Date Sep 07 2025
House of Anansi Press Inc. | House of Anansi Press

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Description

From the bestselling author of Kids in the Hall: One Dumb Guy, the definitive biography of John Candy—a heartwarming portrait of one of comedy’s most beloved and enduring stars.

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.

From the bestselling author of Kids in the Hall: One Dumb Guy, the definitive biography of John Candy—a heartwarming portrait of one of comedy’s most beloved and enduring stars.

From his humble...


Advance Praise

“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


“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


“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


“This book is a thoughtful, thorough...


Available Editions

EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9781487009526
PRICE $29.99 (USD)
PAGES 376

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