Dan Levy, celebrated actor and creator of Schitt’s Creek, has captivated audiences not only with his performances but also with his personal journey regarding sexuality.
From navigating the challenges of hiding his identity early in his career to finding acceptance and openly embracing his truth, Levy’s story is one of resilience and representation in Hollywood.
In recent interviews, he reflects on both the struggles and milestones that have shaped his journey as a prominent LGBTQ+ figure.
Early Career Challenges and Concealment
Before gaining fame as David Rose in Schitt’s Creek, Levy began his career with MTV Canada. He co-hosted shows like MTV Live and The After Show alongside Jessi Cruickshank.
However, his time at MTV wasn’t easy. During a recent episode of Cruickshank’s podcast Phone a Friend with Jessi Cruickshank, Levy shared the stress of concealing his sexuality in the early days of his career.
He recalled the pressure to conform to the workplace culture and avoid standing out.
“I didn’t feel particularly free,” Levy explained, describing the workplace atmosphere as one that discouraged individuality, particularly in areas of personal identity.
In a specific incident, a colleague’s dismissive remark further underscored the difficulties he faced.
After mentioning that he’d installed a dimmer switch at home, Levy was told, “Wow, it’s almost like you’re a real man.”
This comment highlighted the lack of sensitivity he experienced, leaving him feeling isolated and without support.
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The Impact of Media on LGBTQ+ Identity
Levy’s challenges were compounded by the public’s attitude toward LGBTQ+ individuals at the time.
The rise of gossip bloggers who sought to “out” celebrities added to the pressure.
He described how this environment made it difficult for LGBTQ+ public figures to feel safe in expressing their identities, explaining that many bloggers saw it as their “news responsibility” to speculate on and reveal people’s sexual orientations.
Reflecting on those times, Levy remarked, “When you do feel like there’s this hunt to out gay people of note in culture, it almost makes you want to hide even more.”
This struggle with public perception and lack of support significantly influenced his early career decisions.
Coming Out to Family and Finding Acceptance
Despite the challenges Levy faced publicly, his family provided a supportive and understanding environment.
During a 2020 interview on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Levy shared his experience of coming out to his parents.
At 18, he was asked by his mother over lunch if he was gay, to which he responded honestly. “She almost knew.
My mom and I have a very close relationship… it almost felt like she knew that I was ready,” he recalled.
His father, actor Eugene Levy, who co-starred with him in Schitt’s Creek, also shared how he and Levy’s mother, Deborah Divine, had suspected for a long time but chose to wait for Dan to feel comfortable discussing it.
Eugene noted, “We were waiting, and then mom couldn’t wait any longer.” The Levy family’s support played a crucial role in helping him feel accepted and empowered.
Success and Representation in Hollywood
Since coming out, Levy has become a prominent figure in Hollywood, representing the LGBTQ+ community through his work.
His role as David Rose in Schitt’s Creek became groundbreaking for its nuanced portrayal of a pansexual character, providing much-needed visibility and sensitivity for LGBTQ+ relationships on mainstream television.
The coming-out episode of David Rose’s partner Patrick in Schitt’s Creek stands as one of the show’s most impactful moments.
Reflecting on this, Levy said he was “very proud” of the storyline, which he considers one of his favorite moments in the series.
After Schitt’s Creek, Levy has continued to build a diverse portfolio.
He starred in Happiest Season, a holiday-themed film centered on LGBTQ+ relationships, and is set to appear in high-profile projects, including a romantic comedy with Luke Evans and roles in Disney’s Haunted Mansion and Netflix’s Sex Education.
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Concluding Thoughts
Dan Levy’s journey reflects both the hardships and progress surrounding LGBTQ+ representation in media.
By openly sharing his experiences, Levy has become an advocate for inclusivity and sensitivity within the entertainment industry.
His story demonstrates the importance of acceptance, both within oneself and from those around, and highlights the evolving landscape for LGBTQ+ individuals in Hollywood.
FAQs
Q1: How did Dan Levy’s early career impact his view on his sexuality?
A: Levy faced a difficult environment early in his career, particularly while working at MTV, where he felt pressured to hide his sexuality due to workplace culture and societal attitudes.
Q2: When did Dan Levy come out to his parents?
A: Levy came out to his parents at the age of 18. His mother asked him directly during a lunch, to which he responded truthfully. Both of his parents were supportive.
Q3: How has Levy contributed to LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood?
A: Levy’s portrayal of David Rose in Schitt’s Creek brought a sensitive and inclusive representation of a pansexual character, positively influencing LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream media.
Q4: What challenges did Levy face regarding his sexuality in the media?
A: During his early career, Levy faced pressure from gossip bloggers who sought to out public figures, which added to the difficulty of publicly embracing his sexuality.
Q5: What are some of Dan Levy’s notable projects post-Schitt’s Creek?
A: Levy has continued his career with roles in Happiest Season, an upcoming romantic comedy with Luke Evans, Disney’s Haunted Mansion, and Netflix’s Sex Education.
