The following interview for Backstage’s on-camera series The Slate was compiled in part by Backstage readers just like you! Follow us on Twitter (@Backstage) and Instagram (@backstagecast) to stay in the loop on upcoming interviews and to submit your questions.
“Schitt’s Creek” actor Sarah Levy is ready to move on from her best-known role as Twyla, the sweet and sometimes naive friend of the Rose family, to a completely different and more edgy character on Syfy’s “SurrealEstate.” The actor is dipping her toe into the sci-fi and horror-adjacent world, with her “Schitt’s Creek” cast mate Tim Rozon by her side. For our latest installment of Backstage Live, managing editor Benjamin Lindsay spoke with Levy about her career so far and the advice she has for aspiring actors.
Eugene Levy Reveals the Rules of Comedy That Brought Him, Finally, to ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Though her dad, Eugene Levy, kept her and her brother, Dan Levy, from professional acting until they were older, Levy knew she wanted to do it from an early age.
“I think it’s the age-old story of seeing what your parents do in the industry they’re in and naturally falling into it. There’s no denying how magical the movie-making and television-making is, and that was a draw ever since I was a kid. I felt I couldn’t get enough of it, and when I went to work with my dad, I couldn’t get enough of being on a set and seeing how everything works and what a team effort it is. I didn’t really see myself doing anything else.”
For Levy, relatability (or lack thereof) can drive her to want a certain role.
“I liked the character of Susan [on ‘SurrealEstate’] mostly because she was so different from Twyla. It’s really looking for somebody you can relate to in some way. But on the flip side, it’s interesting diving into a character you don’t relate to at all because you’re digging around and finding what makes them tick and why they do what they do. It’s all just a fascinating thing when you’re choosing a character and why you pick them.”
Though she’s seen great success, Levy still struggles with imposter syndrome.
“On every job, I keep thinking someone will tap me on the shoulder and tell me they made a mistake. We work so hard as actors to be seen and get in rooms and have casting directors and other actors trust us implicitly to do the job, so when you actually get a chance to do it, you think ‘Me!? I’ve gotten so many nos, it can’t possibly be me!’ I have to keep thinking if someone is hiring you, just go with it.”
Levy’s best advice for burgeoning actors is to trust their instincts.
“It’s hard work and perseverance, it’s one day at a time. It just takes one job to change your life in some way. Trust your instincts, so many times I felt like I lost all trust in what I think because I’m looking to get other people’s approval. When you trust in what you know and what you’re good at, go with it and don’t let other people tell you otherwise. Trust your gut and know hard work pays off.”
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