Beloved actor and comedian Eugene Levy has shared a deeply personal moment from his life, reflecting on the time his son, Dan Levy, came out as gay. The touching story features in the latest episode of his Apple TV+ travel series, The Reluctant Traveller with Eugene Levy.
While the father-son duo is best known for creating the Emmy-winning comedy Schitt’s Creek, which itself championed queer representation and love, this quiet and emotional exchange highlights their off-screen bond just as profoundly.
In a preview for the episode titled “Hitting the Open Road in Louisiana”, Levy sits beside guide and content creator Will Edmond as they swap powerful stories about coming out and the evolving dynamic between parents and their LGBTQ+ children.
Edmond begins by sharing his own experience: “I was about 21. At first, I was kind of nervous… My dad is a very southern man. He loves church. He’s very religious, and I didn’t know how he was going to take it.”
Though his father wasn’t outwardly angry, Edmond admits there was a noticeable emotional distance at first. “He wasn’t upset or mad, but I could feel I wasn’t embraced for a couple of weeks.” It was Edmond’s mother who intervened with love and clarity, reminding his father: “This is your only son; no matter what he does, still love him.”
From that moment, Edmond says, “My dad instantly changed, like a big breath of fresh air.”
Levy then reflects on his own journey as a parent. “Daniel was 19 when he came out. We were aware that he was gay,” he says. “But we were just waiting for the right time for him to feel comfortable enough to tell us.”
He adds, “It was a huge thing for him, and it was fine. It was just like, ‘Okay, there you go. Good.’”
The campfire conversation ends on a hopeful note, with both men expressing their desire that their stories might resonate with viewers who are grappling with acceptance or understanding.
“Maybe hearing about you as a dad or about my dad, maybe they can accept their kid more or love them more,” Edmond says.
Levy agrees: “That’s the only thing that matters. Love and respect.”
In a world where many still face fear or rejection for being themselves, the moment shared between Levy and Edmond is a reminder of the power of empathy, patience, and unconditional love.
