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John Candy: A Life in Comedy

John Candy: A Life in Comedy

by Paul Myers

House of Anansi Press ·2025 ·367 pages ·Culture
Near the Top
Near the Top
I Index
56/99
Maybe Someday

40/99

Critics

Near the Top

71/99

Readers

n/a

Scholars

46/99

Rating

34/99

Volume

52/99

Rating

90/99

Volume

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About This Book

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.


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Reviews

"His writing tends to be straightforward and simple, meant to root the material in the extensive interviews he uses to make his case ..."

Geoff Edgers· The Washington Post Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

"What emerges again and again, along with Candy's impeccable work ethic, was his generosity."

Kirkus Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

"All the same, the book makes clear Candy's ample gifts and barely tapped potential."

Peter Tonguette· The Wall Street Journal Near the Top

"Still, this will be catnip for the comedian's fans."

Publishers Weekly Read review ↗ Maybe Someday

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