Eugene Levy Young: Find Out Where the ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Star Got His Start

You may recognize the actor from his featured role as Johnny Rose in Schitt’s Creek (2015 to 2020), but Eugene Levy has been performing since the 1970s and starred in dozens of iconic films and television series. Although the actor didn’t get his breakout role until a bit later, the achievements of Eugene Levy young are rather impressive.

Aside from being a successful actor, Levy is also a writer and a producer, and the winner of four Primetime Emmy awards, two for Schitt’s Creek and two for his role in SCTV Network (1981 to 1983).

In 1999, he booked the role as Jim’s father in American Pie, cementing his status as America’s Favorite Dad, which followed him to multiple movies.

The career of young Eugene Levy

One of Levy’s earliest roles came on SCTV or Second City Television, a comedy skit series. It was on this show that Levy met his future scene partner, Catherine O’Hara, who also starred in Schitt’s Creek.

The actor had multiple minor parts after this series ended, including parts in Father of the Bride (1991) and Mad About You (1998). Following the former, Levy went on to have roles in Serendipity (2001), A Mighty Wind (2003) and The Man (2005).

In 1999, Levy booked his role in American Pie, which became a massive success and launched him into true movie stardom. The actor reprised the character in multiple sequels.

In 2023, Levy began starring in the Apple+ reality series The Reluctant Traveler, which allowed him to experience first-hand the impact American Pie had made. “I know when we’re doing [the show] all over the world, the one thing people recognize me for is ‘American Pie,’” he explained. “Still, to this day, it’s crazy how that is the one. It was great fun, and I did a few of them.”

After the first film, Levy went on to star in American Pie 2 (2001), American Wedding (2003) and American Reunion (2012).

Eugene Levy young film career

In 2005, Levy took on another America’s favorite dad role in Cheaper by the Dozen 2 as Jimmy Murtaugh, who begins a rivalry with father of 12, Tom Baker (Steve Martin), while on vacation.

After Cheaper by the Dozen 2, Levy had roles in Curious George (2006), For Your Consideration (2006), Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009) and Madea’s Witness Protection (2012).

Welcome to ‘Schitt’s Creek’

In 2015, Levy and his son, Dan Levy, created the series Schitt’s Creek, which went on to be an iconic series, winning multiple awards including a Golden Globe as well as nine Primetime Emmy awards.

The series revolves around the life of Johnny Rose and his family, who become victims of fraud and go from extremely wealthy to penniless overnight. All the family has left is a pathetic little town that they purchased years earlier as a joke. The Rose’s relocate to the town, Schitt’s Creek, and are hit with true culture shock.

“It’s the most special — I love everything about Schitt’s Creek. I’m proud of a lot of things in my career, but this, for so many reasons, I’m proud of. I’m glad I was able to be a part of a quality show at this point in my career. And more than that, I’m glad I had something to do with getting it off the ground.”

This project was another chance to collaborate with longtime-friend, Catherine O’Hara, who played his wife, Moira. O’Hara said of Levy, “He welcomed me right from the beginning… He’s just a good man to be around, and that’s a big part of working with someone. They can be really talented, but do you want to spend an hour with them? I’ve spent many hours with Eugene if that says anything.”

Eugene Levy’s career now

Schitt’s Creek came to an end in 2020, but that doesn’t mean his successful career has. Since then, Levy has had roles in Star-Crossed: The Film (2021), Human Resources (2023) and his most recent film, Summer Camp (2024).

Levy has been married to Deborah Divine since 1977 and the couple has two children, Dan and Sarah.