TORONTO – Actor, writer, director, and producer Dan Levy discussed his new Netflix comedy, “Big Mistakes,” and reflected on the success of “Schitt’s Creek” and the legacy of Catherine O’Hara in a recent interview with CBC at the CBC Broadcasting Centre in Toronto.

Dan Levy on 'Big Mistakes' and Creative Freedom

Levy stated his primary goal as a storyteller is “to just tell stories about members of my community that feel honest and flawed and clear.” He believes connection with audiences is built when “people are able to see themselves honestly reflected in the work that you do.” He described “Big Mistakes” as “a dark, fast-paced comedy” and a departure from “Schitt’s Creek,” originating from “a totally different place.”

Levy emphasized the importance of creative control, stating, “If you make the thing you wanted to make, that's all you need to do.” He explained he would only be nervous if the final product didn’t align with his original vision, representing a “compromise of something of myself.” He added, “All you can do is to make things.” The CBC interviewer noted having watched and enjoyed the show, describing it as “dark” and “unusual.”

Levy discussed the time he took after “Schitt’s Creek” ended, stating it was “a long time…for myself, for my sanity, for the audience.” He felt it was necessary to give himself space to find a story that excited him for multiple seasons and to allow audiences time before investing in a new project. He acknowledged two paths actors take: “the total rejection of the thing that made them famous, and one is the acknowledgement that what made them famous will always be what made them famous.” He stated he falls into the latter category, embracing his role as David Rose.

'Schitt's Creek' Phenomenon and Representation

The interview revisited the success of “Schitt’s Creek,” a “small town Canadian sitcom with a pansexual character.” Levy noted that such representation was uncommon in Canadian television. He recalled the show initially being a “cult thing” in Canada before gaining a significant following in the United States and beyond. He attributed the show’s increased popularity to the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting it provided “comfort in times of strife” and a “safe place” for viewers.

Levy explained that the show’s premise – a family forced to live in a motel – resonated with many during lockdowns, as families were “coming back together to sort of pod in a house.” He even shared that he moved back into his parents’ house for a period during the pandemic. He described the show becoming “a life raft for people.”

Remembering Catherine O'Hara

The conversation turned to Catherine O’Hara, whose passing Levy described as “heartbreaking” and a “such a loss.” He characterized her as “such a singular person” and “irreplaceable.” He spoke of her generosity as an actor and collaborator, stating she “really believed that it was an even playing field” and that “ego did not exist in the workplace.”

Levy highlighted O’Hara’s ability to foster creativity in others, saying she “extracted that kind of play out of you as an as an actor and in my case as a writer and a director and a showrunner.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have been a part of a chapter in her career that she enjoyed. He noted her career has left behind “so much joy to turn to in a time of such sadness.”

Iran's Crackdown on Protesters

The broadcast then shifted to a report on the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran. Concerns are rising as talks between Iran and the U.S. fail, potentially leading to a worsening of repression. The report highlighted a collapse in the time frame between arrest, conviction, sentencing, and execution.

Amnesty International reports that all trials in Iran are “systematically unfair,” often held in secret with confessions extracted under torture. Raha Bahraini stated, “the period between arrest conviction sentencing and execution has collapsed,” citing the recent executions of young teenagers as part of a concerted effort by the Iranian regime to crush dissent. Over the course of seven days, ten protesters and dissidents have been executed.

The report emphasized the resilience of those who continue to oppose the regime, despite the “double threat” of potential war with the U.S. and Israel and the Iranian regime’s tactics, including a country-wide internet blockout. The report concluded by stating that human rights must be central to any peace talks.