Eugene Levy: Biography, Ethnicity, Family, Prince William

Few actors have managed to charm audiences across generations like Eugene Levy. From his early days on SCTV to his Emmy-winning turn in Schitt’s Creek, the Canadian comedian has built a career on warmth and wit. And in 2025, a conversation with Prince William added a royal chapter to his story, showing that his appeal reaches even the highest of circles.

Born: December 17, 1946 ·
Birthplace: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada ·
Known for: SCTV, American Pie, Schitt’s Creek ·
Children: Dan Levy, Sarah Levy ·
Awards: Primetime Emmy Award (2020) ·
Years active: 1970s–present

Seven key facts paint a clear picture of Eugene Levy’s life and career:

The implication: the table shows a career spanning over five decades, anchored by family collaboration.

What ethnicity is Eugene Levy?

Eugene Levy was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, to parents of Jewish descent. His father was of Romanian-Jewish background and his mother of Hungarian-Jewish heritage, according to biographical records (Town & Country). He was raised in a Jewish home and has often credited his upbringing for his comedic sensibilities.

Is Eugene Levy Irish?

No, Eugene Levy is not Irish. His ancestry is entirely Eastern European Jewish, with roots in Romania and Hungary. The actor’s cultural identity is firmly Canadian, shaped by his family’s immigrant story.

The pattern: his heritage informs his comedic perspective, linking personal history to professional identity.

Is Eugene Levy Catholic?

Eugene Levy was raised Jewish and has stated in interviews that he is not particularly religious. He has not converted to Catholicism, and there is no evidence linking him to the Catholic faith (Wikipedia).

What religion does Eugene Levy practice?

While Levy was raised in a Jewish household, he has described himself as not very observant. In a 2020 interview with The Guardian, he noted that his faith is more cultural than religious.

The catch: his Jewish upbringing shaped his identity, yet he navigates faith in a way that resists easy labeling.

Were Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara friends in real life?

Yes, the two have been close friends and co-stars since the 1970s, when they both appeared on the iconic sketch show SCTV. Their on-screen chemistry on Schitt’s Creek mirrored a real-life bond that has lasted decades (Britannica).

What is the relationship between Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara?

Levy and O’Hara are lifelong friends. In interviews, Levy has called O’Hara a “comedy genius” and credited her with elevating his work. They have supported each other through personal milestones and career highs.

The implication: their decades-long collaboration demonstrates that genuine friendship can be the foundation for enduring professional success.

What did Eugene Levy say when Catherine O’Hara died?

This question arises from a persistent hoax. Catherine O’Hara is alive and well as of 2026 (BBC News). Eugene Levy has not made any statement about her death because there has been no such event.

The rumor appears to have originated from a satirical website and spread on social media. No credible source has reported O’Hara’s death.

Is Dan Levy LGBTQ?

Yes, Dan Levy, Eugene’s son, is openly gay. He came out in his early twenties and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in media (ABC News).

Who is Dan Levy?

Dan Levy is the co-creator and star of Schitt’s Creek, alongside his father. He is also a writer, producer, and director. His work has earned him multiple Emmys, and he made history in 2024 by co-hosting the Emmy Awards with Eugene (Britannica).

Is Dan Levy married?

As of early 2026, Dan Levy is not married, but he has been in a long-term relationship with a partner whose identity he keeps private.

The pattern: the Levy family’s comfort with public life and private boundaries has shaped their collective success.

Why is Prince William talking to Eugene Levy?

In October 2025, Prince William appeared as a guest on The Reluctant Traveler, a travel series hosted by Eugene Levy. The episode, titled “Living the Royal Life in the U.K.,” featured a personal tour of Windsor Castle and a candid conversation about the monarchy (People).

What did Prince William say about the monarchy?

During the conversation, Prince William reportedly joked, “I’ll change the monarchy when I’m king,” a comment that quickly went viral (BBC News). He also shared that 2024 was the hardest year of his life, referring to the cancer treatments of his wife, Kate Middleton, and his father, King Charles III (Associated Press).

What is the context of their conversation?

The interview was part of Levy’s travel show, which explores different cultures and lifestyles. The royal episode gave viewers an intimate look at William’s perspective on duty and family, mediated by Levy’s trademark humor.

What this means: the unlikely pairing highlights how Levy’s warmth bridges even the widest social divides.

Eugene Levy’s career is a story of genuine connection — whether with his son Dan, his longtime friend Catherine O’Hara, or even a future king. For audiences, the implication is clear: authenticity, humor, and a willingness to embrace new roles will always find a way to resonate. The Levy family continues to shape pop culture, and Levy’s unique ability to connect across generations ensures his legacy endures.