The beloved Canadian sitcom "Schitt's Creek" captured hearts worldwide with its perfect blend of humor, heart, and character development. Behind the show's success stands an incredible ensemble of talented actors who brought the quirky residents of Schitt's Creek to life. This comprehensive guide explores the main cast members, their characters, careers, and the magic they created together on screen.
The Rose Family: Stars at the Heart of Schitt's Creek
The eccentric Rose family forms the core of the show's narrative. Once wealthy and disconnected, they find themselves broke and forced to rebuild their lives in the small town they once purchased as a joke. Through their journey, the talented actors portraying the Roses delivered performances that were both hilarious and deeply moving.
Eugene Levy as Johnny Rose
Eugene Levy brilliantly portrayed Johnny Rose, the level-headed patriarch of the Rose family. As the former video rental magnate who lost his fortune, Johnny maintains his business mindset while attempting to rebuild his family's life in Schitt's Creek. Levy's masterful portrayal earned him widespread acclaim, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
Before Schitt's Creek, Eugene Levy was already an established comedy legend, known for his work in the "American Pie" franchise and numerous Christopher Guest mockumentaries including "Best in Show" and "Waiting for Guffman." His trademark eyebrows and deadpan delivery became his signature, but Schitt's Creek allowed him to showcase his range as an actor, balancing comedy with genuine emotional depth.
What makes Levy's performance as Johnny particularly special is how he serves as the straight man amid the more outlandish characters. His reactions to the town's quirks and his family's antics provide some of the show's best comedic moments, while his unwavering belief in his family's resilience grounds the show's emotional core.
Catherine O'Hara as Moira Rose
The incomparable Catherine O'Hara transformed into Moira Rose, the dramatic former soap opera star with an unplaceable accent and an impressive wig collection. Her portrayal of the eccentric, vocabulary-obsessed matriarch became one of television's most iconic characters and earned O'Hara a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
O'Hara's extensive comedy background, including her time on "SCTV" and collaborations with Eugene Levy in Christopher Guest films, prepared her perfectly for the role. However, Moira Rose stands out as perhaps her most memorable character to date. From her distinctive pronunciation ("bébé") to her melodramatic reactions, O'Hara created a character that was simultaneously outrageous and lovable.
What's particularly impressive about O'Hara's performance is how she managed to make Moira's growth feel natural despite maintaining her theatrical persona throughout the series. As Moira slowly embraces her new life and reconnects with her family, O'Hara delivers moments of surprising vulnerability without ever losing the character's essential Moira-ness.
Dan Levy as David Rose
As the show's co-creator and showrunner, Dan Levy also starred as David Rose, the sarcastic, pansexual son with impeccable fashion sense and numerous phobias. His expressive eyebrows (clearly inherited from his real-life father Eugene) and distinctive mannerisms made David instantly recognizable, while his character's growth throughout the series provided some of the show's most touching moments.
Dan's portrayal of David earned him widespread acclaim, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. The character's journey from self-absorbed and defensive to vulnerable and loving became one of the show's most compelling arcs, culminating in his beautiful relationship with Patrick Brewer.
What made Dan's performance particularly special was how he balanced David's sharp wit and dramatic tendencies with an underlying vulnerability. His comedic timing was impeccable, but his ability to convey deep emotion through subtle expressions and line delivery elevated the character beyond simple comedy.
Annie Murphy as Alexis Rose
Annie Murphy brilliantly brought to life Alexis Rose, the formerly globe-trotting socialite daughter who gradually reveals surprising depths beneath her privileged exterior. Murphy's creation of Alexis—complete with her distinctive vocal patterns, hand gestures, and catchphrase "ew, David!"—resulted in a character that could have been one-dimensional but instead became remarkably nuanced.
Murphy's performance earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, recognizing her exceptional work in creating one of television's most memorable characters. Alexis's growth from self-absorbed party girl to independent, capable woman provided one of the show's most satisfying character arcs.
What stands out about Murphy's portrayal is how she maintained Alexis's essential qualities while allowing the character to evolve naturally. The mannerisms and speech patterns remained, but the person underneath transformed in believable ways, creating a character journey that felt both authentic and earned.
The Town of Schitt's Creek: Supporting Cast Members
The Rose family may be the focus of the show, but Schitt's Creek wouldn't be the same without its colorful array of townspeople. These supporting cast members created memorable characters that enriched the world of the show and provided both comedy and heart.
Emily Hampshire as Stevie Budd
Emily Hampshire delivered a standout performance as Stevie Budd, the sardonic motel clerk who becomes an unlikely friend to the Rose family, particularly David. Hampshire's portrayal balanced Stevie's cynicism with her vulnerability, creating a character whose growth paralleled that of the Roses.
Stevie's journey from a directionless young woman to a confident business partner to Johnny Rose provided some of the show's most touching moments. Hampshire's performance in the town production of "Cabaret" was particularly memorable, showcasing both her character's growth and Hampshire's versatility as an actress.
What made Hampshire's performance special was how she communicated so much with minimal expression. Her deadpan delivery and subtle reactions often stole scenes, particularly in her interactions with David. Their friendship became one of the show's most authentic relationships, anchored by Hampshire's nuanced performance.
Chris Elliott as Roland Schitt
Veteran comedian Chris Elliott embraced the role of Roland Schitt, the town's inappropriate and boundary-crossing mayor. As a descendant of the town's founders, Roland takes pride in his position and name, frequently reminding the Roses of their new reality. Elliott's commitment to Roland's unrefined nature provided consistent comedy throughout the series.
What makes Elliott's performance particularly effective is how he balanced Roland's obnoxious qualities with moments of genuine kindness and wisdom. While Roland often annoyed the Rose family (and viewers), Elliott ensured the character never became a caricature, revealing unexpected depths at key moments.
Watching Roland's relationship with Johnny evolve from antagonistic to something approaching friendship became one of the show's most subtle yet satisfying arcs, anchored by Elliott's ability to balance comedy with authentic emotion.
Jennifer Robertson as Jocelyn Schitt
Jennifer Robertson brought warmth and optimism to the role of Jocelyn Schitt, Roland's wife and a teacher at the local high school. Robertson's portrayal balanced Jocelyn's sunny disposition with moments of frustration, particularly as she dealt with her husband's antics and her own midlife pregnancy.
Jocelyn's friendship with Moira, despite their vastly different personalities, provided some of the show's most enjoyable dynamics. Robertson's ability to convey Jocelyn's attempts to connect with Moira, despite frequent rebuffs, created a relationship that evolved in meaningful ways throughout the series.
What made Robertson's performance special was how she ensured Jocelyn never felt like just a small-town stereotype. Her character had ambitions, frustrations, and depths that Robertson conveyed beautifully, making Jocelyn one of the show's most relatable characters.
Sarah Levy as Twyla Sands
Sarah Levy (daughter of Eugene and sister of Dan) brought a delightful spaciness to Twyla Sands, the eternally optimistic waitress at the Café Tropical. Despite her frequently disturbing anecdotes about her dysfunctional family, Twyla maintains an upbeat attitude that becomes an unexpected constant for the Roses in their new environment.
The final season revelation about bigwritehook Twyla's secret wealth added fascinating layers to the character, with Levy perfectly conveying how Twyla chose her simple life rather than being trapped in it. Her gentle guidance of Alexis in the series finale provided one of the show's most touching moments of wisdom.
What makes Levy's performance particularly special is how she created a memorable character despite having less screen time than many others. Her consistent warmth and distinctive delivery made Twyla feel essential to the fabric of Schitt's Creek, demonstrating Levy's talent for making every moment count.
Romance in Schitt's Creek: Key Relationship Characters
As the series progressed, romantic relationships became increasingly important to the narrative, with several cast members joining as love interests who developed into essential characters in their own right.
Noah Reid as Patrick Brewer
Noah Reid joined the cast in season three as Patrick Brewer, David's business partner who eventually becomes his husband. Reid's portrayal of Patrick—straightforward, kind, and gently teasing—created the perfect counterbalance to David's more dramatic tendencies, resulting in one of television's most beloved couples.
Reid's musical talents were showcased in the now-iconic scene where Patrick serenades David with an acoustic version of "Simply the Best," a moment that became one of the show's most memorable and emotional highlights. His natural chemistry with Dan Levy made their relationship feel authentic and deeply moving.
What made Reid's performance particularly special was how he conveyed Patrick's journey of self-discovery with subtle dignity. Having recently come out before meeting David, Patrick's character represented a refreshingly positive coming-out story, handled with sensitivity and heart by Reid's thoughtful performance.
Dustin Milligan as Ted Mullens
Dustin Milligan portrayed Ted Mullens, the town veterinarian who becomes Alexis's love interest. Milligan's performance transformed Ted from a somewhat bland nice guy in early seasons to a charming, pun-loving character with genuine depth, creating a compelling romantic journey with Alexis.
Ted's professional growth paralleled his personal development, with Milligan conveying both Ted's increasing confidence and his unwavering kindness. His chemistry with Annie Murphy made their relationship feel consequential, leading to one of the show's most bittersweet storylines.
What made Milligan's performance particularly effective was how he balanced Ted's earnestness with humor, creating a character who was genuinely good without ever feeling boring. The evolution of Ted and Alexis's relationship showcased Milligan's ability to convey complex emotions beneath his character's optimistic exterior.
Tim Rozon as Mutt Schitt
Tim Rozon appeared in the early seasons as Mutt Schitt, Roland and Jocelyn's estranged son who becomes Alexis's first Schitt's Creek romance. Though his character eventually departed the series, Rozon's portrayal of the taciturn, nature-loving Mutt provided an important stepping stone in Alexis's journey.
Rozon's ability to convey much with minimal dialogue made Mutt an intriguing contrast to the verbose Rose family. His chemistry with Annie Murphy established one of the show's first meaningful relationships, setting the stage for the deeper character development that would follow.
Behind the Scenes: The Ensemble's Chemistry
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Schitt's Creek cast was their exceptional chemistry, both on and off screen. This genuine camaraderie translated into performances that felt authentic and relationships that viewers deeply invested in.
Family Connections: The Levy Dynasty
The real-life family connections among the cast—with Eugene Levy, Dan Levy, and Sarah Levy all being related—added a special dimension to the production. The father-son relationship between Eugene and Dan informed their performances as Johnny and David, while their natural rapport extended beyond their scenes together.
As co-creators, Eugene and Dan Levy shaped the show's tone and message, ensuring it maintained its balance of humor and heart. Their shared vision resulted in a series that handled topics like sexuality, acceptance, and family with remarkable sensitivity and warmth.
Long-Term Collaborations
The long history between Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara, who had worked together for decades before Schitt's Creek, contributed to their believable portrayal of a long-married couple. Their comfortable chemistry and complementary performance styles created a foundation for the show that allowed other relationships to flourish around them.
Creating a Safe Environment
Cast members frequently spoke about how Dan Levy fostered an inclusive, supportive environment on set that allowed everyone to do their best work. This atmosphere of mutual respect and enthusiasm translated to screen, resulting in performances that felt natural and dynamics that evolved organically.
Key Takeaways About the Schitt's Creek Cast
- Award-Winning Performances: The cast's exceptional work was recognized with numerous awards, including a historic sweep of all four acting categories at the 2020 Emmy Awards.
- Character Development: Each cast member skillfully portrayed their character's growth throughout the series, creating arcs that felt authentic and earned.
- Chemistry: The cast's genuine camaraderie translated to screen, creating believable relationships that viewers deeply invested in.
- Balance of Comedy and Heart: The ensemble excelled at balancing humor with emotional depth, often shifting between hilarious and touching moments with remarkable skill.
- Inclusivity: The cast brought to life a world where love and acceptance were the norm, creating representation that felt natural rather than performative.
Guest Stars and Recurring Characters
Beyond the main ensemble, Schitt's Creek featured numerous talented actors in guest and recurring roles that enriched the world of the show.
Standout Guest Performances
Actors like Victor Garber, Henry Czerny, and Saul Rubinek made memorable appearances in single episodes, bringing their considerable talents to the world of Schitt's Creek. Victor Garber's performance as Clifton Sparks, Moira's former co-star, provided fascinating insight into her past life.
The series also featured cameos from performers like Paul Shaffer (appearing as himself) that delighted viewers and expanded the show's universe beyond the town limits.
Recurring Character Highlights
Karen Robinson delivered a standout performance as Ronnie Lee, town council member and frequent foil to Patrick. Her deadpan delivery and no-nonsense attitude made her scenes consistently enjoyable, particularly as her character developed unexpected friendships and rivalries.
John Hemphill's portrayal of Bob Currie, the awkward owner of the town garage, created memorable comedic moments, especially in his interactions with Johnny. Despite limited screen time, Hemphill created a character that felt essential to the fabric of the town.
The Cultural Impact of the Schitt's Creek Cast
As the show gained popularity, particularly after joining Netflix, the cast became beloved cultural figures whose performances resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.
Creating Iconic Characters
The cast created characters that transcended the show, becoming cultural touchstones. Moira's distinctive vocabulary and pronunciation, David's expressive reactions, and Alexis's "ew, David!" and unique hand gestures became instantly recognizable references in popular culture.
Representation Matters
The cast's authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and relationships, particularly through Dan Levy's David and Noah Reid's Patrick, provided meaningful representation that was celebrated for its normalcy. By portraying a world where sexuality was accepted without question, the cast helped create a vision of inclusivity that resonated with viewers.
Cast Advocacy
Beyond their performances, cast members, particularly Dan Levy, used their platform to advocate for important causes, extending the show's message of kindness and inclusion into real-world activism.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Schitt's Creek Cast
The cast of Schitt's Creek created something truly special—a show that made viewers laugh, cry, and feel deeply connected to its characters. Through exceptional performances that balanced comedy with genuine emotion, they crafted a world that audiences were reluctant to leave behind when the series concluded on its own terms after six seasons.
What makes the Schitt's Creek cast particularly remarkable is how they created characters who grew and evolved while remaining true to themselves. From the Rose family's journey from entitled wealth to meaningful connection to the townspeople's growing acceptance and appreciation of their new neighbors, each performer brought authenticity and heart to their role.
Years after the series finale, the cast's performances continue to resonate with new and returning viewers, cementing Schitt's Creek as a beloved modern classic and its cast as creators of some of television's most memorable characters.
FAQs About the Schitt's Creek Cast
Q: Did any of the Schitt's Creek cast members win Emmy Awards for their performances?
A: Yes! In 2020, all four main actors won Emmy Awards: Eugene Levy (Lead Actor), Catherine O'Hara (Lead Actress), Dan Levy (Supporting Actor), and Annie Murphy (Supporting Actress). This marked the first time a comedy series swept all four acting categories in a single year.
Q: Are any of the cast members related in real life?
A: Yes, three cast members are family. Eugene Levy (Johnny Rose) is the father of both Dan Levy (David Rose) and Sarah Levy (Twyla Sands).
Q: Did the actors perform their own singing in the show?
A: Yes! Noah Reid (Patrick) performed his own rendition of "Simply the Best," and the cast members in the Jazzagals, including Catherine O'Hara, performed their own vocals. Dan Levy and Noah Reid also performed their lip-sync number to "The Best."
Q: What did the cast do after Schitt's Creek ended?
A: Many cast members moved on to new projects. Eugene Levy and Dan Levy created "The Reluctant Traveler" for Apple TV+. Annie Murphy starred in "Kevin Can F*** Himself." Catherine O'Hara has continued her film and television work. Emily Hampshire appeared in several new series, and Noah Reid focused on his music career and theater work.
Q: Do the cast members still keep in touch?
A: Yes, by all accounts, the cast remains close. They frequently support each other's projects on social media and have reunited for various events since the show ended.
Q: Who was the most surprising guest star on Schitt's Creek?
A: Many viewers were surprised and delighted by Victor Garber's appearance as Clifton Sparks in the final season, as well as Paul Shaffer appearing as himself.