Daniel Levy is the co-creator of the hit comedy show Schitt's Creek, and also one of the show's leading (and beloved) main characters, David Rose. When audiences first meet David on the show, he's the spoiled son of a rich family who's only beginning to learn what it means to live like "normal people."
But as the show goes on, audiences quickly realize that David is a motivated, funny, caring, and passionate guy who's just trying to find his own footing in the world - and thanks to both the show's writing and acting, Dan Levy has created an incredible, memorable character. Here are 10 things you didn't know about David Rose.
David is inspired by The Kardashians?
Dan Levy was raised in Toronto, Canada around a family of entertainers, but he had always known he wanted to write. When he moved out to Los Angeles, much of his free time was spent watching reality television and one day the thought came to him: "What would happen if one of these wealthy families would lose everything? Would the Kardashians still be the Kardashians without their money?"
And by bringing his father on board, actor Eugene Levy, to help him with the storyline and creative process, Schitt's Creek was born. The show comes from a place of wonder and Levy's passion to pursue a writing career in television. So, David's initial personality is very much based on the Kardashians, one could surmise.
David originally meant to speak in a hushed whisper
Anyone who watches the show recognizes the unique manner of speaking the characters have. One of which is David's agitated, somewhat taken-aback sort of voice.
While developing Schitt's Creek with his father Eugene, Dan intended for his character of David to speak in a hushed whisper. Eugene, however, felt that his son should add more volume to David's speaking voice.
David's birthday
As learn in the Season 2 episode "Moira's Nudes", David's birthday is July 2, 1983. This information comes from a moment when David is talking to a bank teller.
When talking to said bank teller, David says his PIN number is in fact his birthday: 7-2-8-3. Is this based on Dan's real-life birthdate? Alas, no. Dan's own birthday is August 9, 1983.
David's wardrobe
While many show creators have a say in almost everything that goes on involving the show, Levy is actually very more hands-on and invested than most. He pays SUPER CLOSE attention to detail. From storylines to costumes, he has everything thought out. In fact, not much of the show is actually improvised.
One of the most interesting things is that Levy derives David's personality from his extravagant wardrobe. Levy says that once those fancy clothes come on, "there’s a whole persona that comes out."
David has multiple phobias
This one won't be too surprising for anyone who watches the show religiously. It's something fans have noticed over time: David has a strong aversion to several things in the show.
Pop TV laid it out plainly in David Rose's biography when they said the character has "a few obsessive-compulsive tendencies, occasional hypochondriac episodes and slight but persisting fears of insects, germs, nature, plaid and intimacy."
David's sexuality was inspired by his actor's
On the show, Levy's character, David is openly pansexual. Levy stated that "To not have to define yourself or categorize yourself, I think, is beneficial to everyone. I think the more we can understand that people just exist and that as long as we’re doing good in this world, we don’t need to bother or worry about defining or classifying people, the sooner we’ll be in a better place.”
By introducing David's fiancé, Patrick onto the show, it allowed for Levy to create a world that was accepting and free of homophobia. Levy calls the show "a celebration of love," and takes pride in creating a place that can be that. David's own sexuality is inspired by Dan's own personal life.
David's wardrobe is mainly B&W
Fashion is a big part of David Rose's personality. It defines him as much as the sarcasm-laden words that come out of his mouth. We already know that the designer clothes helped Dan bring about David's persona. But did you know David has a color theme going on?
It's possibly easy to not notice, but it's hard to deny when it is brought up. Apparently, our David prefers black-and-white clothes. Yes, there are some grays in there, too, but overall, David is partial to B&W.
Ted & David?
Co-star Dustin Milligan plays Annie's romantic interest Ted Mullens on the show. And, for the longest time, a lot of fans wondered if there was something going on between Ted and David. Were they right to think that way?
According to Dan, there was definitely talk in the writers' room about Dustin's character being secretly into David. Of course, and for the sake of Patrick fans, that never panned out to be more than a fan theory.
"Half-half situation"
Religion isn't a big focus on the show, but, as we learn in the Christmas episode, David is Jewish. Or, as he answers when someone asks him if he's Jewish, it's a "half-half situation." This refers to David's parentage, of course.
Johnny Rose is Jewish, and his character's wife Moira is Irish-Catholic. Their backgrounds and faiths reflect reality, too, as Eugene Levy is Jewish, and his real-life wife is Irish-Catholic.
Both Dan and David love Mariah Carey
In a heartfelt moment between David and Patrick on the show, Patrick had just opened up to David about his feelings for him and the status of their relationship. In the scene, he tells David, "You're my Mariah Carey," and with Levy being a HUGE Mariah Carey fan, he tweeted this scene of the show with the caption, "Never thought this line would see the light of day."
A little while after the episode had aired, Mariah Carey HERSELF, saw the tweet on Twitter and quoted it with "LOL!!" and heart symbols. Dan Levy has revealed that this online interaction made that day the best day of his life.