Eugene Levy
May 2012 Honorary Degree Recipient
Doctor of Laws (honoris causa)
You could begin an address about Eugene Levy by noting his accomplishments as a performer – from Godspell and Second City Toronto to SCTV, Waiting for Guffman and A Mighty Wind. Or, you might start by noting the company he has kept, people like Martin Short, John Candy and Catherine O’Hara. You might lead with his many honours, including two Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award and membership in the Order of Canada.
Or you could simply say that Mr. Levy is a Canadian treasure and we are delighted to have him with us today.
In a nomination letter for today’s honorary degree, Dalhousie theatre department professor Rob McClure wrote: “As a former member of The Second City Company improvisation troupe myself, I am very aware of Mr. Levy’s contributions to Canadian entertainment in general and comedy in particular.”
These contributions have been wide-ranging, and include acting, writing, directing, songwriting and performing musically.
As a television and film actor, Eugene Levy has portrayed characters ranging from one of two polka-playing Shmenge brothers – the other being John Candy – to the father in the American Pie movies.
Mr. Levy has described himself this way: “I am the common man. I’m polite, I love my family and I play by the rules. And sometimes I get pushed around. That’s my lifestyle, and that’s what I try to bring to characters.”
And oh, how he delivers! Dalhousie theatre department chair Dr. Jure Gantar says Mr. Levy’s style is both unique and uniquely Canadian.
“His signature deadpan delivery makes him instantly recognizable on screens throughout the world and in many ways epitomizes the specifically Canadian dry sense of humour,” Professor Gantar says. “When an actor can trigger explosions of laugher with the smallest movement of an eyebrow, as Mr. Levy can, success is guaranteed. His mastery of body language is matched by his impeccable timing and command of vocal inflection, which makes him equally at home in verbal and physical comedy.”
Mr. Levy, a native of Hamilton, Ontario, earned Canadian Comedy Awards as Best Male Performer in Best in Show, American Pie 2 and A Mighty Wind. He received a New York Film Critics Circle Award as best supporting actor in A Mighty Wind.
He has also been recognized for his work behind the scenes, with two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program for SCTV and two Canadian Comedy Awards for Best Writing for Best in Show and A Mighty Wind.
Mr. Levy was a Grammy winner in the category of Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or other Visual Media for “A Mighty Wind” from the movie of the same name. At the Oscars, Mr. Levy and Catherine O’Hara performed another song from A Mighty Wind called “A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow,” which was nominated in the Original Song category.
Mr. Levy has also lent his voice and talent to help others. He has advocated for a Canadian autism plan and been active in fundraisers for Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto, which provides support and programming for people living with cancer. Gilda’s Club bears the name of the late Gilda Radner, a cast member in Godspell and Second City Toronto, and a Saturday Night Live star.
Mr. Levy has received a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement and is a Member of the Order of Canada. He was presented with an honorary degree from his alma mater, McMaster University, and is well-represented on Canada’s Walk of Fame – both as an individual and as a member of SCTV.
We are proud that Mr. Levy’s daughter, Sarah, is one of our theatre graduates and we are very pleased to welcome her father into the Dalhousie family today.
Eugene Levy is a beloved Canadian whose talents know no boundaries. And so I ask you, Mr. Chancellor, in the name of the Senate, to bestow upon Mr. Eugene Levy the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.