Eugene Levy almost turned down iconic American Pie role until some changes were made-Alistair McGeorge-Entertainment – Metro

Eugene Levy wanted to make some tweaks (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

Eugene Levy has reflected on his iconic American Pie role and admitted he actually initially turned down the part.

The 76-year-old star left viewers in fits of laughter as dad Noah Levenstein in the racy teen comedy franchise, first appearing in the original 1999 movie before returning for the sequel in 2001 and a handful of other direct-to-DVD spin-offs.

However, Eugene – who has since delighted fans as Johnny Rose in hit Netflix comedy Schitt’s Creek – very nearly passed on the role because the script was ‘really raunchy’ and he saw the coming-of-age comedy as something he’d personally try to avoid watching.

However, he was won over by those behind project after they allowed him to tweak the character.

Levenstein was the awkward yet supportive father of the sexually inexperienced lead character of Jim, who suffers various embarrassments as he struggles through his teenage years and into adulthood.

Appearing on The Graham Norton Show, Eugene said: ‘The script was really raunchy and I thought, “I honestly would not want to see this film so why I would want to be in it”.

Eugene played Noah Levenstein in the teen comedy franchise (Picture: Moviestore/REX Shutterstock)

Eugene went on to create and star in Schitt’s Creek (Picture: Alamy Stock Photo)

‘After we improvised the role and I suggested he should be the type of dad that no teenager would want to hang out with, I agreed to do it.’

The actor admitted he also tried to turn down his new Apple TV+ series The Reluctant Traveller, in which he visits exotic locations around the world.

He added: ‘I said no originally because what they didn’t know when they offered me the job is that I am not fond of travelling. I don’t hate it, but it is a pain.

‘By the time you get through airport security I am ready to go home. I am not a very adventurous person, but I did go to some amazing places, and it was a pretty nice gig.’

The Graham Norton Show airs on BBC One and iPlayer on Friday at 10.40pm.

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