CBC Digital Archives

Funny man Eugene Levy

Whether they're homegrown comics or jokers from abroad, CBC has hosted more than its fair share of comedians over the years. From Buster Keaton of the silent-film era to a young Jim Carrey, CBC Digital Archives presents a selection of guests that have kept us laughing.

He looks like Eugene Levy, one of the stars of the hit comedy series SCTV, but he can't resist starting the interview in a big way as cheesy comic Bobby Bittman. From there, the discussion flows naturally to the origins of the program, how it's put together every week, and who inspired his SCTV persona Sammy Maudlin. In this 1982 interview with CBC host Bob McLean, Levy says much of his inspiration comes from the comedians he watched growing up.
• Eugene Levy was born Dec. 17, 1946, in Hamilton, Ont. He attended that city's McMaster University, where he met future SCTV co-stars Martin Short and Dave Thomas, and future film director Ivan Reitman. Levy later performed with Second City with John Candy and Joe Flaherty.

• The television show SCTV, whose name stood for Second City Television, was in production from 1976 through 1983, and was inspired by the original Second City improvisational comedy group in Chicago. The performers included Levy, Dave Thomas, Martin Short, John Candy, Catherine O'Hara, Rick Moranis, Andrea Martin and Joe Flaherty.

• Levy has also enjoyed a successful career as an actor and film writer, including three critically successful 'mockumentaries' with Christopher Guest: Waiting for Guffman, A Mighty Wind and For Your Consideration. He has also appeared in all eight of the American Pie-branded movies, including 2012's American Reunion.

• A recipient of numerous industry awards, Levy was also named to the Order of Canada in 2011 for his contributions to charitable causes, as well as for his work as a comic writer and actor.

Medium: Television
Program: McLean at Large
Broadcast Date: Feb. 26, 1982
Guest(s):Eugene Levy
Host: Bob McLean
Duration: 7:09

Last updated: December 18, 2012

Page consulted on March 27, 2013

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