John Candy Remembered: Paul Myers’ Tribute at Edmonton’s LitFest

The life and legacy of Canadian comedian John Candy will be celebrated at Edmonton’s LitFest, where biographer Paul Myers will discuss his new book, John Candy: A Life in Comedy. This event coincides with what would have been Candy’s 75th birthday, highlighting his enduring impact on comedy. LitFest, Canada’s largest literary festival dedicated to nonfiction, runs from October 15 to 19, 2023, across various downtown locations.

Myers, who is also the brother of fellow Canadian comedian Mike Myers, spent over three years crafting this biography. He interviewed numerous influential figures from Hollywood, including Tom Hanks, Dan Aykroyd, and Catherine O’Hara, to gather anecdotes and insights about Candy, who rose to fame with films like Uncle Buck, Home Alone, and Planes, Trains and Automobiles. These conversations provide a unique glimpse into Candy’s life and personality, though he passed away over 30 years ago.

During the writing process, Myers faced the challenge of not being able to ask Candy directly how he would have reacted to the stories shared. He reflected, “There are many times when writing this book, I took a broad survey of people who knew him and worked with him and I wondered, ‘Would that be what he would have said?’” This introspection allowed Myers to portray Candy as a dedicated actor who left a significant void in the comedy world after his sudden death at the age of 43 while filming Wagons East in Mexico.

Myers also addresses the personal struggles Candy faced, including issues with food, smoking, and alcohol. He recounted an incident from the early 1990s when Candy withdrew from hosting the Genie Awards due to promotional material that poked fun at his size. Myers noted, “People may not have spoken about that when he was alive, worried he would be hurt. They are trying to understand him now.”

LitFest will feature nearly 60 authors and presenters, bringing together local talents and prominent writers from across Canada. Executive Director Ellen Kartz, in her inaugural year of organizing the festival, expressed her enthusiasm for the diverse programming. “There’s a bit of magic that happens along the way,” she stated. She aims to strike a balance between local voices and well-known authors, ensuring that each component of the festival holds significance.

Among the featured events, Sarah Leavitt and Teresa Wong will present their autobiographies in a special night dedicated to graphic memoirs. Additionally, local publishers, including The Polyglot and Laberinto Press, will discuss their experiences in multilingual publishing.

Curler John Cullen will showcase his comedic flair when he discusses his upcoming book, Curling Rocks! Chronicles of the Roaring Game. Meanwhile, the traditional brunch event has evolved into a panel focused on wellness and healing. Chyana Marie Sage, who now resides in Toronto, will return to Edmonton to share her healing journey and insights from her memoir, Soft as Bones, which was released earlier this year.

Reflecting on her experiences, Sage remarked on the surreal nature of returning to her hometown, stating, “Whenever you go back to your hometown and the place you grew up, you’re flooded with all of these memories of a previous version of you.” Her memoir recounts her challenging upbringing and the trauma she overcame, a story she feels ready to share following extensive personal healing.

LitFest promises a rich array of discussions and presentations, with tickets starting at $5 for low-income attendees and $15 for regular admission. More information and ticket purchases are available at litfestalberta.org. This year’s festival not only honors the legacy of John Candy but also celebrates the voices that continue to shape Canadian literature and comedy.