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Dan Levy – Actor, Writer, Producer, and Activist

Full Name Daniel Joseph Levy
Born August 9, 1983 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Parents Eugene Levy and Deborah Divine
Partner Noah Reid (rumored)
Occupation Actor, Writer, Producer, Director
Years Active 2004-present
Notable Works Schitt‘s Creek, Happiest Season
Awards Emmy, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild
Net Worth $14 million
Social Media Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Early Life and Background

Daniel Joseph Levy was born on August 9, 1983 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to legendary comedian Eugene Levy and screenwriter Deborah Divine. From an early age, Dan was immersed in the entertainment world with parents involved in film and television. He has said that dinner table conversations revolved around ideas for movies and TV shows.

Levy attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute during his high school years. He was active in creative pursuits like performing in school plays. After graduating, Levy enrolled at York University in Toronto where he studied film production before leaving to pursue his interests in the entertainment industry.

A Promising Start at MTV Canada

Levy‘s professional career in entertainment began in 2004 at the age of 21 when he was hired by MTV Canada to become a video jockey (VJ). He hosted various music video programs for the network including The After Show and MTV Live. During this time, Levy conducted interviews with many high-profile musicians and actors, honing his on-camera talents.

In 2005, Levy served as host of MTV Canada‘s flagship series The Hills After Show which featured recaps and commentary about the hit reality show The Hills. This high-profile hosting gig gained Levy greater recognition and kickstarted his path to stardom.

Co-Creating and Starring in Schitt‘s Creek

Dan Levy‘s big break came in 2015 when he co-created the sitcom Schitt‘s Creek along with his father Eugene. The show follows the formerly wealthy Rose family who are forced to relocate to the small town of Schitt‘s Creek after losing their fortune. On the show, Levy starred as David Rose for all six seasons, playing the pansexual son of the family.

Levy didn‘t just act on Schitt‘s Creek – he also served as writer, director, showrunner and executive producer. Under his leadership, the show was praised for its heartfelt comedy and positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters. Schitt‘s Creek experienced rapidly growing popularity, especially once it began streaming on Netflix.

The final season of Schitt‘s Creek swept the 2020 Emmy Awards, winning a total of 9 awards including Outstanding Comedy Series. This was a historic accomplishment, making it the first comedy series to ever win all 7 major comedy categories at the Emmys.

An Outspoken Advocate for LGBTQ+ Community

As an openly gay man, Levy has used his public platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation. His portrayal of David Rose on Schitt‘s Creek was lauded as groundbreaking for its nuanced, non-stereotypical depiction of a pansexual character.

Levy‘s advocacy extends beyond acting. In 2016, he was awarded the Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award for accelerating acceptance for LGBTQ people through entertainment. He also frequently speaks out via social media in support of LGBTQ+ rights and marginalized communities.

In 2021, Levy made history as the first openly gay man to host Saturday Night Live. His episode was boldly filled with commentary about homophobia and other social issues. He continues to push for greater inclusivity in the entertainment industry and culture at large.

What‘s Next for Dan Levy?

With Schitt‘s Creek wrapped up, Levy has begun focusing on new projects. He signed a deal with ABC Studios to develop and produce scripted content for the network. He also appeared in the 2020 Hulu holiday rom-com Happiest Season and has voiced a role in the animated film Rifkin‘s Festival.

Given Levy‘s talents both in front of and behind the camera along with his sharp wit and charisma, his career trajectory seems limitless. As a longtime fan, I‘m excited to see what he accomplishes next, whether it be acting, writing, directing or producing. One thing is for certain – Dan Levy will continue using his platform to champion equality and bring laughter into the world.

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