How did John Candy's advice impact Mike Myers' comedy career?

John Candy provided crucial advice to a young Mike Myers, who was an aspiring comic in the early 1980s, by giving him details on the Second City workshops he should take. This gesture from Candy is believed to have set Mike Myers on the path to his own successful comedy career.

What was John Candy's relationship with the Myers family?

The Myers brothers - Paul, Mike, and Peter - were all fans of the Canadian sketch comedy of SCTV, which launched Candy to stardom in the 1970s. Paul Myers believes Candy should be considered an "honorary member" of their family due to the kindness and mentorship he showed towards Mike.

How did Paul Myers learn about John Candy's death?

In March 1994, Paul Myers was touring Canada with his alt-rock band The Gravelberrys when he heard the news of Candy's sudden death while in a cafe in Whistler, B.C. Myers recalls it being a "real community moment" as everyone in the cafe reacted with shock and sadness.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / John Candy's Kindness Inspired Mike Myers' Comedy Career

John Candy's Kindness Inspired Mike Myers' Comedy Career

17 Oct, 2025

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Summary

Paul Myers recounts hearing about John Candy's death in 1994
Mike Myers sought Candy's advice as an aspiring comic in the 1980s
Candy's kindness and mentorship had a lasting impact on the Myers family

John Candy's Kindness Inspired Mike Myers' Comedy Career

In March 1994, Paul Myers was touring Canada with his alt-rock band The Gravelberrys when he heard the devastating news about the passing of beloved comedian John Candy. Myers, who is now based in California, recalls the moment he learned of Candy's death while in a cafe in Whistler, B.C., saying it was a "real community moment" as everyone in the cafe reacted with shock and sadness.

While Myers does not delve into this personal anecdote in his new biography on Candy, he does share the story of how the late comedian had a profound impact on his younger brother, Mike Myers, who was an aspiring comic in the early 1980s. When Mike sought Candy's advice, the SCTV star took the time to provide him with details on the Second City workshops he should take, a gesture that arguably set Mike Myers on the path to his own successful comedy career.