Prince William’s decision to grant one of the most candid interviews of his life to Eugene Levy, a Canadian comic best known for his role in American Pie, may seem, on the surface, like an unlikely pairing. After all, Levy’s claim to fame revolves around playing a flustered father in a raunchy teen comedy, a far cry from the royal grandeur one might expect when a future king speaks publicly about the monarchy’s future. But this surprising choice reflects a deeper, more thoughtful decision to connect on a human level with someone who exudes a rare, disarming warmth.
The interview, which aired as part of Levy’s Apple TV+ series The Reluctant Traveler, is a far cry from typical royal engagements. It was a quiet, intimate conversation between William and the actor, during which the Prince spoke openly about his plans for the monarchy, the challenges faced by his wife Catherine following her cancer diagnosis, and the weight of the responsibilities he faces. It was, in many ways, a rare moment of vulnerability for the future king, one that was undoubtedly made possible by Levy’s unassuming, down-to-earth style.
Why Levy, though? It’s not as if the actor is known for his probing interviews or established as a TV presenter. In fact, Levy himself admitted that his first experience in front of the camera for The Reluctant Traveler was a bit awkward. He was more accustomed to portraying quirky characters than engaging in deep conversations. And yet, it was this humble, low-key energy that worked in his favor during his interaction with Prince William. Levy’s gentle presence allowed the Prince to relax and share aspects of his life that are rarely exposed to the public eye.
Levy’s career trajectory offers some clues as to why he might have struck a chord with William. Known for playing the well-meaning but somewhat hapless Noah Levenshtein in American Pie, Levy brought a warmth and vulnerability to a role that could have easily been a mere slapstick caricature. His portrayal of a father who is both embarrassed and loving when he walks in on his son in a compromising situation injected the film with a sense of humanity that resonated with audiences. Prince William, who confessed that watching American Pie had been a formative moment in his adolescence, likely found this authentic, relatable quality appealing.
This warmth has been a hallmark of Levy’s career, whether in his role as the bumbling father in American Pie or as Johnny Rose, the once-wealthy patriarch in Schitt’s Creek, the beloved sitcom he co-created with his son, Daniel Levy. In Schitt’s Creek, Levy’s portrayal of Johnny Rose introduced a character who, despite being a self-centered businessman, was grounded in an unwavering love for his family. The show’s success lay in its ability to balance eccentricity with genuine affection, a dynamic that has influenced countless shows, including Apple TV’s Ted Lasso. The familial love that underscored Schitt’s Creek resonated deeply with viewers and made it a critical success, a legacy that Levy continues to build upon in The Reluctant Traveler.
In the interview, William opened up about what has been the hardest year of his life, especially considering the health struggles of his wife. Levy’s own life experiences, including fleeing from the wildfires in Los Angeles, seemed to connect with the Prince, adding a layer of empathy to their exchange. There was no pretense or royal grandeur—just two people, one a prince and the other an actor, sharing a moment of genuine conversation. It’s precisely this type of interaction that can build trust, as it allows for honesty to flourish in an environment free of judgment or expectation.
Levy, of course, did not approach the conversation with the intent of making a splash or garnering headlines, which may be why the interview felt so authentic. His style, described as typically low-key, allowed William to speak freely about topics that might otherwise feel out of place in the carefully curated world of the monarchy. After all, what could be more refreshing than a royal discussing personal challenges over a pint with someone who has spent much of his career playing the everyman?
In the end, Levy himself expressed a sense of wonder at the experience, joking that his only regret was not asking William why he chose this particular show for such an extensive interview. It’s a question that might have remained unanswered, but the interview itself answered another: why, in a world filled with flashy and sensationalized media personalities, someone like Eugene Levy was able to earn the trust of Britain’s future king. It’s because, in a world that often values appearance over substance, Levy’s understated humility and warmth are qualities that can make even the most guarded figures feel comfortable enough to be themselves.
For William, this moment was more than just an interview; it was a chance to show a side of himself that the public rarely sees. It was an opportunity to step away from the regal performances of royal life and engage as a father, a husband, and a man who is preparing to one day take on the weighty responsibilities of the throne. It’s this blend of authenticity and relatability, so often missing in the royal family’s public appearances, that may well define the way William approaches his future reign. In the quiet moments, away from the pomp and circumstance, this is where his true connection with the people may ultimately be forged.
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