45 Facts About Eugene Levy

Early Life and Family Background

Eugene Levy's journey to becoming a comedy legend began in Canada. His roots and upbringing played a significant role in shaping his career.

1. Eugene Levy was born on December 17, 1946, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, to a Jewish family.
2. His mother, Rebecca Kudlatz, was a homemaker, while his father, Joseph Levy, worked as a foreman at an automobile plant.

Education and Early Interests

Levy's early education and interests hinted at his future in entertainment.

3. He attended Westdale Secondary School, where he became student council president.
4. His leadership role in school foreshadowed his success in the entertainment industry.

Career Beginnings

Levy's career in comedy started with improv, which laid the foundation for his future success.

5. He began his comedy journey with improv at Second City in Toronto.
6. Levy was a founding member of the iconic sketch comedy show SCTV, alongside Rick Moranis, Catherine O'Hara, and John Candy.

Rise to Fame with SCTV

SCTV was a significant milestone in Levy's career, showcasing his versatility and comedic talent.

7. SCTV catapulted Levy to fame with characters like Bobby Bittman and Alex Trebel.
8. These roles became iconic in Canadian comedy, highlighting his comedic genius.

Transition to Film

Levy's transition from television to film was seamless, marking another successful phase in his career.

9. His first professional theatre gig was in a Toronto production of Godspell in 1972.
10. During this production, he met future collaborators like Andrea Martin and Martin Short.

Collaborations with Christopher Guest

Levy's work with Christopher Guest resulted in some of the most memorable mockumentary comedies.

11. They collaborated on films like Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, and For Your Consideration.
12. These films earned them critical acclaim and numerous awards.

The American Pie Franchise

Levy's role in the American Pie franchise made him a household name.

13. He played Noah Levenstein, America's favorite dad, in the American Pie series.
14. Levy appeared in every film of the series, including American Pie: The Wedding and American Reunion.

Schitt’s Creek

Levy's work on Schitt’s Creek with his son Daniel Levy brought him renewed acclaim.

15. In 2013, Levy co-created, co-executive produced, and co-starred in Schitt’s Creek.
16. The show follows the Rose family as they move to a small town they purchased as a joke.
17. Schitt’s Creek won numerous awards, including several Canadian Screen Awards and an Emmy for Best Comedy Writing.

Personal Life

Levy's personal life is as interesting as his professional one, with a strong family influence.

18. He has been married to Deborah (Deb) Divine since 1977.
19. The couple has two children, Sarah and Dan.
20. Deb is known for her humor and has contributed to Huffpost with her relatable columns.

Family Influence on Schitt’s Creek

The idea for Schitt’s Creek was born from a family conversation, showcasing the Levy family's creativity.

21. The show's title, Schitt’s Creek, was Levy’s idea.
22. The concept developed as they imagined the Rose family buying the town as a joke.

Fashion Sense

Levy's fashion sense and signature look have become part of his charm.

23. He is known for his impeccable fashion sense and signature bushy eyebrows.
24. Levy jokes that he’s never made a best-dressed list, but his style is undeniable.

Early Career Jobs

Before his comedy career took off, Levy had some interesting job experiences.

25. He spent one summer working as a garbageman.
26. This unusual job experience adds to his diverse background and comedic repertoire.

Awards and Recognition

Levy's work has earned him numerous awards and recognition throughout his career.

27. He has won a New York Film Critics Circle Award and a Grammy Award for A Mighty Wind.
28. Levy has also been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best in Show.

Dog Show Expertise

Levy's expertise extends beyond comedy to the world of dog shows.

29. He has made cameo appearances in dog show films.
30. Levy has a deep understanding of the inner workings of these events.

Inspirations

Levy's comedic style is influenced by legendary comedians from the past.

31. He admires comedians like Ernie Kovacs, Sid Caesar, Jack Benny, and Jackie Gleason.
32. Levy appreciates their ability to create humor through pauses and reactions.

Pet Peeves

Levy has some interesting pet peeves that add to his relatable personality.

33. One of his pet peeves is people who don’t use their turn signals while driving.
34. He finds this instantaneously annoying and has mentioned it in interviews.

Hair Wetness

Levy's aversion to getting his hair wet has been humorously highlighted in his work.

35. He hates getting his hair wet.
36. This aversion was humorously highlighted in an early episode of Schitt’s Creek.

Dancing Dislike

Levy and his wife share a dislike for dancing, which has been humorously portrayed in Schitt’s Creek.

37. Both Levy and his wife, Deborah, dislike dancing.
38. This shared dislike was humorously portrayed in Schitt’s Creek.

Voice Work Challenges

Levy has spoken about the challenges of voice work, highlighting the effort it requires.

39. Despite not being in front of a camera, voice actors still put on a performance that can be exhausting.
40. Levy has mentioned the toll it takes on his voice and overall energy.

Friendship with Steve Martin

Levy's close friendship with comedian Steve Martin has resulted in several collaborations.

41. They have appeared in four films together, including Father of the Bride, Bringing Down the House, and Cheaper by the Dozen 2.

Honors and Awards

Levy has received numerous honors and awards throughout his career.

42. He was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Newport Beach Film Festival in 2020.
43. Steve Martin, among other celebrities, praised him during the ceremony.

Membership in the Order of Canada

Levy's contributions to Canadian culture have been recognized with one of the country’s highest honors.

44. He is a member of the Order of Canada.
45. This recognition reflects his significant contributions to Canadian culture and entertainment.

Eugene Levy: A Comedy Legend

Eugene Levy's career is a testament to his versatility and talent. From his early days at Second City to his iconic roles in SCTV and American Pie, he's consistently delivered laughs. His collaboration with Christopher Guest brought us unforgettable mockumentaries like Best in Show and A Mighty Wind. Schitt's Creek, co-created with his son Dan, showcased his ability to blend humor with heart, earning numerous awards and a dedicated fanbase.

Levy's personal life, marked by a long marriage to Deborah Divine and a close-knit family, adds depth to his public persona. His unique fashion sense, signature eyebrows, and relatable quirks make him a beloved figure. Whether he's voicing characters in animated films or making cameo appearances, Eugene Levy's impact on comedy is undeniable. His legacy continues to inspire and entertain, proving that laughter truly is timeless.