Paul Myers'John Candy: A Life in ComedyHonors a Canadian Comedic Legend: 'Everyone Still Loves Him' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

John Candy: A Life in Comedy, and John Candy himself.Photo:Alamy

Alamy

Celebrated Canadian journalist Paul Myers is honoring the legacy ofJohn Candyin a new biography of the beloved comedian.

InJohn Candy: A Life in Comedy,Myers chronicled the life, successes and lasting impact of the Canadian-born star, who died in 1994 at the age of 43. In an exclusive email interview with PEOPLE, Myers opened up about bringing Candy to life on the page and capturing his legacy as a widely-loved comedian.

As captivated as Myers was withSecond City Television, he was deeply drawn to Candy himself — the first from the show to gain popularity internationally.

Paul Myers.Liza Algar

Liza Algar

“I found Candy’s journey especially compelling because he was such a big star, then died so young,” Myers wrote, “but everyone still loves him, and to this day, it’s virtually impossible to find anyone who didn’t.”

They later took a road trip together to Los Angeles, and withSaturday Night LivecomedianJohn Belushi, Aykroyd wrote his friend Candy a part inThe Blues Brothers, Myers said.

“Ultimately, at Candy’s funeral, it was Dan’s eulogy that the mourners still talk about to this day,” Myers said. “He’s such a constant and recurring character in Candy’s life, that we asked him to write our foreword, and he graciously and eloquently stepped up ‘for Johnny’ once again. That’s love.”

Myers hopes his book imparts to readers that what made Candy so special was his humanity — “subject to the same pressures, stress and anxieties as any regular mortal,” while still being a sweet personality that made his audiences laugh. “He wasn’t just a great comedian, he was a gifted actor, who could have won on Oscar someday, had he lived,” the author added.

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His book is a tribute to a great figure in Canadian, comedic and film history, Myers said.

John Candy: A Life in Comedywill be available Oct. 7, wherever books are sold.

source: people.com