Dan Levy Says He Went from ‘Very Buttoned-Up’ to ‘Uninhibited’ When He Turned 40

**Dan Levy Embraces Newfound Freedom at 40: A Look into His Journey and New Series “Big Mistakes”**

Dan Levy, the acclaimed actor known for his role in “Schitt’s Creek,” has shared his thoughts on stepping into his 40s and how this milestone has affected his perspective on life, creativity, and self-acceptance. In a recent discussion with musician Peaches for *Interview* magazine, Levy elaborated on the liberation he feels in this new decade.

“Turning 40 makes you throw a middle finger up to everything and anyone that’s made you feel small,” he remarked, reflecting a significant shift in his mindset as he approaches life with greater confidence than ever before. The actor articulated that he now finds himself more uninhibited, shedding the constraints that often accompanied his earlier years.

Levy, now 42, is currently promoting his latest Netflix series, “Big Mistakes,” which he co-created with fellow artist Rachel Sennott. The show features Levy alongside Taylor Ortega as Nicky and Morgan, siblings embroiled in a chaotic misadventure stemming from a failed theft aimed at helping their ailing grandmother. The series highlights their struggles and the absurdity of their predicament, encapsulated in the tagline of being “deeply incapable” and “in over their heads.”

During the conversation, Levy expressed how the collaboration on “Big Mistakes” has imbued him with a sense of lightness. He explained, “This is one of the few times where I feel so at peace with what we all made,” indicating that the project has become a source of personal joy rather than anxiety about external judgment.

The actor’s philosophy on criticism has also evolved. Levy pointed out that he used to be frightened by the harsh reviews that often accompany creative work. However, he now believes that if one is passionate about their creation, external opinions should become secondary. “I’ve found that criticism has become this incredibly binary thing,” he explained. “It’s either the worst thing anyone’s ever seen or the best,” urging people to focus on the satisfaction derived from their efforts instead.

Reflecting on his earlier years, Levy recalled a prevailing belief that one should have their life sorted by the time they reach 40. He described this as an “unrealistic expectation.” “Nobody ever has their life together,” Levy reasoned. He now understands that a chaotic journey is much more relatable and, in fact, far from boring.

As he navigates this new phase in life, Levy acknowledges the shift in his priorities and the freedom it has provided him. He added humour to his perspective by quoting pop icon Mariah Carey, stating, “Time goes on. Or doesn’t, according to Mariah Carey. She’s one of the great philosophers of our time,” serving as a reminder not to take life too seriously.

The addition of Peaches’ score for the series, which she composed with Nora Kroll-Rosenbaum, further adds to the appeal of “Big Mistakes.” Levy described the musical aspect as possessing “a sex appeal to it in a way,” suggesting that it complements the show’s narrative and themes effectively.

With “Big Mistakes” now available for streaming on Netflix, the show invites viewers to join Levy and Sennott’s quirky sibling duo as they navigate their misguided journey, providing both laughter and introspection. The series reflects Levy’s own growth and newfound sense of freedom, making it a personal project that captures the essence of his current outlook on life.

As Dan Levy steps confidently into his 40s, he encourages others to embrace their journeys, chaotic as they may be, and to celebrate the liberation that comes with self-acceptance. His evolution serves as an inspiration for many, reinforcing the notion that age should not define one’s creative spirit or personal aspirations.