Candy Darling

The Warhol superstar and transgender icon Candy Darling embodied glamour but lacked a true sense of belonging.

Growing up on Long Island, feeling lonely and out of place, she was captivated by Hollywood actresses like Kim Novak. She made her mark in New York's early Off-Off-Broadway theater, starred in Warhol's films Flesh and Women in Revolt, and frequented the famous nightclub Max's Kansas City. She inspired songs by Lou Reed and the Rolling Stones, befriended Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, borrowed a dress from Lauren Hutton, posed for Richard Avedon, and performed in a play by Tennessee Williams.

Despite her vibrant life, Candy often lived on the fringes, relying on the kindness of strangers, friends, and her devoted mother. She slept on couches and in cheap hotels, always keeping part of herself hidden. She aspired to be a star but mostly craved love. Her final diary entry read: "I shall try to be grateful for life... Cannot imagine who would want me." Candy passed away at twenty-nine in 1974, just as discussions about gender and identity were gaining momentum. Though she never knew it, she made a significant impact.

Capturing the vibrant and wild essence of New York in the 1960s and '70s, this is the first biography of Candy Darlinga reluctant pioneer who became an icon. Cynthia Carr's Candy Darling is filled with stories of celebrities, rich with gossip and thorough research, featuring Candy's own words and her friends' memories, marking her much-deserved return to the spotlight. Order your copy Now

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