Eugene Levy

2008 Lifetime Artistic Achievement (Screens and Voices (formerly Broadcasting and Film))

Actor, Writer, Director

Award-winning writer, performer, director, and alumnus of the acclaimed Second City Theatre comedy troupe, Eugene Levy is one of Canada’s brightest comedic lights. He is a brilliant practitioner of the kind of topical sketch comedy that has become a trademark of Canadian television, and his unforgettable film roles have cemented his reputation as a quintessential comedic actor. Despite his international success, Mr. Levy has chosen to remain in Canada, where he acts as a role model to young people aspiring to a career in broadcasting.

Eugene Levy was born in Hamilton, Ontario in 1946. He acted in school plays as a child, joined the theatre program at McMaster University, and made his film debut in 1971 in Cannibal Girls, directed by his friend Ivan Reitman. He appeared the following year in a Toronto stage production of Godspell and joined Second City in 1973, where he worked alongside such luminaries as John Candy, Dan Aykroyd and Catherine O’Hara.

For Second City and its television offshoot, SCTV, Mr. Levy often portrayed offbeat characters with a nerdish streak. Among his memorable roles are dimwitted newscaster Earl Camembert, serious comic Bobby Bittman, ebullient polkameister Stan Shmenge, and inept dance show host Rockin’ Mel Slirrup.

Mr. Levy created the television comedy series Maniac Mansion, and co-wrote (with Christopher Guest) and starred in the satirical “mockumentaries” For Your Consideration (2006), A Mighty Wind (2003), Best in Show (2000), and Waiting for Guffman (1996). He has appeared in some 50 films, including National Lampoon’s Vacation, Splash, Armed and Dangerous, Father of the Bride, The Man, and Cheaper by the Dozen 2, and achieved cult hero status for his role as “Jim’s Dad,” the clueless but loving father in the sleeper hit American Pie (1999) and its five sequels. “I really enjoy getting up in front of a camera,” he says. “It’s a great way to make a living!”

Awards and honours include five Canadian Comedy Awards (two for Best Writing and three for Best Male Performer); New York Film Critics Circle Award (Best Supporting Actor) for A Mighty Wind; two Emmy Awards; a Grammy Award; and a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame (2006).