Q with Tom Power Dan Levy almost left Hollywood to open a hotel in Italy
Apr 9, 2026
Dan Levy, Canadian actor and creator of Schitt's Creek and Big Mistakes, reflects on family, fear, and creativity. He explains how a meme sparked his new show's premise. He talks about stepping back after Schitt's Creek, learning empathetic comedy from his parents, considering leaving TV for an Italian hotel, and bringing respect and consultants to portray crime and faith.
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Fear Of Being Trapped Became A Show
- Dan Levy's fear of being trapped inspired Big Mistakes, a show about siblings pulled into organized crime they can't escape.
- He described a meme of a man who explored a small hole, couldn't get out, and died, which sparked the metaphor.
He Embraced Action And Stunt Work
- Dan performed physical stunts in Big Mistakes, including falling out of a truck onto a pad then running face-down after pad removal.
- He called performing with prosthetic bruises and the fall 'bliss' and sought action to push against typecasting.
Kicked Out Of A Car To Get A First Job
- Dan's parents dropped him at Gap Kids in a suit to force him to apply for a job; he walked in, filled an application, and later landed a sales associate position.
- He credited his mother's belief in earning your keep for instilling work ethic.