Candy Darling: Dreamer, Icon, Superstar

He was born James Slattery but he never felt comfortable in that identity. When he couldn’t live a lie any longer, he embraced the woman inside him and emerged as Candy Darling. Candy was born and raised on Long Island, but the suburbs were an intolerant and unforgiving environment. Candy left school at sixteen years old and sought a path of her own. She began traveling to New York City where she met other transgender individuals.

Soon Candy would make the acquaintance of artist Andy Warhol, who would befriend Candy and add her to his eclectic cast of actors, musicians, and models. Candy could turn heads with her radiance, but true love proved elusive. She would be cast in various off-Broadway productions where her talent was noted, but she couldn’t quite break through the mainstream. Her life would be tragically cut short at age twenty-nine, but she left an indelible legacy.

Candy Darling is a well-written and thorough biography of the late model/actress. Author Cynthia Carr masterfully recounts the brief life of Candy through interviews with friends, and rivals, along with Candy’s own written thoughts. Fifty years after her death, Candy gets her time to shine in this memorable biography.