38/ DECEMBER 2025 THE RIDER Book Review - 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 con-


noisseur Paul Myers takes a seri- ous 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 Au- tomobiles or as the title character in Uncle Buck. The author has thoroughly researched Candy’s early days, from his first tv com- mercial – a toothpaste ad – and getting cast in as many projects as possible, be they commercials or live theatre supporting roles.


When asked about his inspi-


ration to write this book, Myers replied: I’ve always been fasci- nated by John Candy, both as a comedian and an actor. I wrote an earlier book about The Kid in the Hall comedy troupe and they kept talking about SCTV and John Candy…when I decided to write another book with House of Anansi (publishers) it became clear that John Candy needed an updated biography and I wanted to speak with as many of his friends, people who knew him and worked with him to add to his story. And although Myers had never met Candy himself, he continued: my brother Mike, who is now an actor and comedian himself, asked John how he could learn comedy – timing, de- livery, etc – and John told him to go to Second City workshops… which he did. The rest is history. 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, An- drew 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 in- habited. As his fame grew, his SCTV


characters became part of the zeitgeist and some even became talk show performers: David Let- terman 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 owner- ship, becoming part owner of the Toronto Argos football team – he loved his “double blues”. Saddest of all are the chap-


ters devoted to Candy’s passing in March of 1994. He was finish- ing 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 col- leagues from film, stage and tv all attended the funeral and Myers has captured their feelings through personal


interviews


given in celebration of the come- dian’s life. I must admit, I found it a lit-


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tle 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 ca- reer, 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 laugh- ing (and crying) forever. Paul Myers is a Canadian


best-selling author, journalist and musician now living in Califor- nia. 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 Octo- ber 20-24, with appearances in Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa in Canada as well as the US throughout the month of October and into November. John Candy: A Life in Com-


edy is available from Amazon, your favourite bookstore or from www.houseofanansi.com


In Memory of Robert Hammell 1953 - 2025


Robert “Bob” Arthur


Hammell of Belmore, passed away suddenly, while attending the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto on Sunday, November 16th, 2025, in his 73rd year. Beloved husband of 52


years to Phyllis Hammell (née McKague). Proud father of Robb


(Ashley) Hammell of Fordwich and Barb Hammell of Belmore. Cherished grandpa of


Jordan and Kylie Hammell and Sadie and Ethan Kang. Dear brother of Lloyd


(Patsy) Hammell of Tara, Les (Vicky) Hammell of Elmira and Brian Hammell of Phillips- burg.


Fondly remembered by


brother-in-law Jim McKague of Belmore and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents,


Arthur and Joyce (née Hemstock) Hammell. Bob was a devoted em-


ployee of Gaviller & Company, later Baker Tilly Canada, in Walkerton for over 50 years and provided advice for multiple gen-


erations of families. He spent endless hours in the fields with Bruce Square Baling. Farmers knew they could count on Bob. Always involved, Bob


found enjoyment contributing to various groups within the Bel- more community. Be it coaching, ice flooding, curling, volunteer- ing and socializing at beloved Belmore events. His work with the Ontario Plowmans Associa- tion was instrumental to success-


ful International Plowing


Matches for many years. Bob was a life member of the Cana- dian Livestock Curling Associ- ation. A staple for many years at the Royal Winter Fair, Bob welcomed the horse show com- munity with his infectious smile, quick wit and contagious good humor. Bob was always the first to lend a helping hand. Bob will be fondly remem-


bered at horse shows across Ontario both showing and act- ing as ringmaster - a job he ex- celled at and found extremely gratifying. A true family affair, Bob’s greatest pride was his wife, children and grandchil- dren showing their horses and


ponies. A Celebration of Life was


held at the Belmore Community Centre, on Sunday, November 30th, 2025. Memorial donations to the


Ontario Plowmen’s Association (in support of the 2026 IPM) or the Royal Winter Fair (Hackney Horse Division) would be appre- ciated as expressions of sympa- thy.


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