Johnny Rose

Last updated
Johnny Rose
Schitt's Creek character
Johnny Rose, Schitt's Creek, Season 2, 2016.png
Eugene Levy as Johnny Rose in the Schitt's Creek episode "Happy Anniversary"
First appearance"Our Cup Runneth Over" (2015)
Last appearance"Happy Ending" (2020)
Created by Dan Levy
Eugene Levy
Portrayed byEugene Levy
In-universe information
Full nameJonathan Michael Rose
GenderMale
Occupation
  • Rosebud Motel Group co-owner (current)
  • Rosebud Motel co-manager (former)
  • CEO of Rose Video (former)
Family
Spouse Moira Rose
Religion Judaism

John Michael Rose [1] is a fictional character in the Canadian sitcom Schitt's Creek, which aired on the CBC and Pop TV from 2015 to 2020. Johnny is introduced as the patriarch of the central Rose family and stories revolve around his attempts to rebuild his family's fortune and help them adjust to life in Schitt's Creek, a small town he bought as a joke birthday gift for his son, David, in 1991. In later seasons, Johnny's stories focus on his work as co-manager of the Rosebud Motel and his relationship with his family.

Contents

The character was portrayed by actor and producer Eugene Levy, who created the series with his son, Dan Levy, for the series entire 80-episode run. [2] His performance as Johnny has been widely praised, earning him four consecutive Canadian Screen Award nominations and one win in 2016 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Comedic Role. In 2019, Levy received his first Primetime Emmy nomination for the role for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. He was also nominated in 2020, this time winning the award.

Concept and creation

The character of Johnny Rose was created by Eugene Levy and his son, Schitt's Creek co-creator Dan Levy. [3] While crafting Johnny and the rest of the Rose family, the Levys drew inspiration from wealthy American reality TV families portrayed on such shows as Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Real Housewives franchise. [4] Early incarnations of the character depicted Johnny as an incompetent man who ran a business with his two brothers. But as they further developed the series, the Levys believed the character needed more "credibility" as a businessman and a certain set of "executive skills" which would allow him to handle the financial crisis that befalls the Rose family. [5] Intending for Johnny to be the "straight man" of the series, the elder Levy also drew more inspiration for the role from his own personality than he had for any of his previous characters. Catherine O'Hara helped further develop the character by setting the tone and overall dynamic for Johnny's relationship with his wife, Moira, after she secured the role. [6]

Design

In contrast to his wife, Moira's, often over-the-top black and white wardrobe, Johnny's sense of style is more subdued. He is frequently clad in a "well-tailored" gray or black suit from designers like Hugo Boss and Ermenegildo Zegna. [7] This serves as a reminder to the audience of Johnny's business background, as well as the wealth from which he came. [8]

Characterization

Johnny presents himself as the most "dependable," [9] realistic, and "easy-going" [6] member of the Rose family. He approaches the family's current predicament with a business-like mentality and often provides logical advice to alleviate their various woes. [6] His loyalty and affirming devotion also anchors the family, as things frequently threaten to spin out of control. [9] Despite this, however, Johnny still "loses it himself all the time." [10] Whether it's his incredulous reaction to Alexis over-ordering his shipment of raw milk, [11] or his exasperation at David misunderstanding what constitutes a tax write-off, [12] Johnny maintains an underlying sense of "panic" [9] over his family's lack of basic skills.

Johnny is also frequently flummoxed by technology and new business techniques. These struggles include basic computer skills, [13] such as navigating the Internet, and the use of social media to help grow one's business. [14] He frequently falls back on his experience running Rose Video to help him navigate business dealings, even if those approaches are not the most up-to-date. [15]

Fictional biography

Schitt's Creek follows the lives of the once-wealthy Rose family, who must relocate to the titular town after losing their fortune to a corrupt business manager. [16] Introduced as the former CEO of Rose Video—a video rental chain—and head of the family, Johnny is an "entitled," yet competent businessman determined to return the Roses to their former social standing. [13] [17] He initially helps and encourages his family to adjust to life in their new surroundings, but struggles to find his own place in the town. After a few misguided business ventures, he partners with motel clerk Stevie Budd (Emily Hampshire) to co-manage his new home, the Rosebud Motel. [18]

During his time in Schitt's Creek, Johnny's entitlement recedes, and his appreciation for his family and the local townspeople grows. He remains steadfast to his wife, Moira (Catherine O'Hara), throughout the series and becomes an enthusiastic supporter of the personal and professional successes of his adult children, David (Dan Levy) and Alexis (Annie Murphy). [19] Johnny also grows closer to Stevie and town mayor, Roland Schitt (Chris Elliott), who, by the end of season five, have worked together to make the Rosebud Motel a successful business. [20]

Reception

Critical reception

When Schitt's Creek premiered in 2015, many critics celebrated the return of Levy-O'Hara as a comedic duo. In an early review for The Hollywood Reporter , Whitney Matheson said much the show's "charm" is derived from seeing Levy and O'Hara portray "extreme, unsympathetic characters," further arguing that only the seasoned professionals "could pull off the levels of deadpan required to convince us that, say, the parents can't remember their own daughter's middle name." [17] Brian Moylan of The Guardian called the series a nice "recipe for these two comedy vets to stretch their chops." [21] Moze Halperin of Flavorwire had a decidedly different reaction, calling Levy and O'Hara's performances "vacated" and "more actorly than comedic." [22] As the series progressed, critics reacted with far more praise. Vulture's Maggie Fremont declared Levy and O'Hara's characters the emotional "anchor" [23] of the show, and Caroline Framke of Variety called the actor pairing a "reliable goldmine." [24]

Critics also noted how Johnny Rose is a departure from most of Levy's previous roles. People Magazine's Gillian Telling said that rather than a "bumbling oaf or super-nerd," Johnny Rose was "stronger" and "more confident." [10] Richard Lawson of Vanity Fair also called the role "against type" and Levy's portrayal smart and "surprisingly dashing." [25] The Guardian's Brian Moylan further appreciated the turn, saying the role let the actor be in "much finer form" than some of his previous roles. [21] And Julie Miller, in a retrospective article on the character for Vanity Fair, declared Levy as Johnny Rose "may be the most brilliant of the actor’s nearly 50-year career—a masterclass in his deadpan gift." [13]

Accolades

For his work as Johnny Rose, Levy has been nominated for four consecutive Canadian Screen Awards for Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Comedic Role, beginning in 2016. [26] [27] [28] [29] He subsequently won the award in 2016, beating out his on and off-screen son, Dan Levy. [30] As part of the ensemble cast, the elder Levy also won two Canadian Screen Awards for Best Comedy in 2016 [30] and 2019, [31] with an additional nomination in 2017. [27] In 2019, Levy received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. [32]

In 2019, Levy and the Schitt's Creek cast were also honored with the ACTRA Award for Member's Choice Series Ensemble, [33] an award for which they were also nominated in 2017 [34] and 2018. [35] The ensemble scored additional wins for TV Comedy of the Year and Unsung TV Show of the Year as part of the 2019 Dorian Awards. [36] Other 2019 cast nominations included a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Comedy Series; [37] a Critics Choice Award for Best Comedy Series; [38] and a Television Critics Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy. [39]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Catherine O'Hara</span> Canadian and American actress (born 1954)

Catherine Anne O'Hara is a Canadian and American actress. She is known for her comedy work on Second City Television (1976–1984) and Schitt's Creek (2015–2020) and in films such as After Hours (1985), Beetlejuice (1988), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), and the first two installments of the Home Alone franchise: Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992). Her other film appearances include the mockumentary films written and directed by Christopher Guest: Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), and For Your Consideration (2006).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eugene Levy</span> Canadian actor, comedian (born 1946)

Eugene Levy is a Canadian actor and comedian. Known for portraying flustered and unconventional figures, Levy has won multiple accolades throughout his career including four Primetime Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2011, and was made Companion of the Order of Canada in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Noah Reid</span> Canadian actor, musician, and voice actor

Noah Nicholas Reid is a Canadian-American actor and musician, best known for his work on the television series Franklin and Schitt's Creek. In 2016, he received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Original Song for his work in the feature film People Hold On. In 2019, he received a Canadian Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy for his work on Schitt's Creek.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dan Levy (Canadian actor)</span> Canadian actor and filmmaker (born 1983)

Daniel Joseph Levy is a Canadian actor and filmmaker. He began his career as a television host on MTV Canada. He received international prominence and critical acclaim for starring as David Rose in the CBC sitcom Schitt's Creek (2015–2020), which he co-created and co-starred in with his father, Eugene Levy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jennifer Robertson</span> Canadian actress, writer, and comedian (b. 1971)

Jennifer Robertson is a Canadian actress, writer, and comedian. She is known for her starring role as Jocelyn Schitt in the CBC sitcom Schitt's Creek (2015–2020), for which she won a Screen Actors Guild Award and received nominations for four Canadian Screen Awards.

<i>Schitts Creek</i> Canadian television sitcom (2015–2020)

Schitt's Creek is a Canadian television sitcom created by Dan Levy and his father, Eugene Levy, that aired on CBC Television from 2015 to 2020. It consists of 80 episodes spread over six seasons. Produced by Not a Real Company Productions and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, it follows the trials and tribulations of the formerly wealthy Rose family. After their business manager embezzles the family business, Rose Video, the family loses its fortune and relocates to Schitt's Creek, a town they once purchased as a joke. Now living in a motel, Johnny and Moira — along with their adult children, David and Alexis — must adjust to life without wealth.

Andrew Cividino is a Canadian film director and screenwriter. He is best known for his feature film directorial debut Sleeping Giant, which premiered at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, and for his frequent work as a director on the Emmy winning comedy Schitt's Creek, for which he won a Primetime Emmy at the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Annie Murphy</span> Canadian actress (born 1986)

Anne Frances Murphy is a Canadian actress. She rose to international recognition for her starring role as Alexis Rose in the sitcom Schitt's Creek (2015–2020), for which she garnered acclaim and won a Primetime Emmy Award and a nomination for a Golden Globe Award.

"Life Is a Cabaret" is the fourteenth and final episode of the fifth season of the Canadian television sitcom Schitt's Creek. In the episode, Patrick and Stevie perform in a local rendition of the musical Cabaret.

David Rose (<i>Schitts Creek</i>) Fictional character in the Canadian sitcom Schitts Creek

David Rose is a fictional character in the Canadian sitcom Schitt's Creek, which aired on the CBC and Pop TV from 2015 to 2020. David, a member of the central Rose family, is introduced as the spoiled adult son of Johnny and Moira Rose, and the older brother of Alexis Rose. His initial stories revolve around his attempts to adjust to the family's sudden loss of wealth and subsequent banishment to Schitt's Creek, a small town his father purchased as a joke for his birthday years earlier. As the series progresses, David's story focuses on his small business, Rose Apothecary, and his romantic relationship with Patrick Brewer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moira Rose</span> Fictional character from Schitts Creek

Moira Rose is a fictional character in the Canadian sitcom Schitt's Creek, which aired on CBC and Pop from 2015 to 2020. Moira is introduced as the eccentric former soap opera star wife of Johnny Rose and mother of their adult children, David and Alexis. She is often portrayed as the family member most resistant to life in Schitt's Creek – viewing their loss of fortune as temporary. In later seasons, Moira's story becomes more community-oriented as she forms closer relationships with the townspeople.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alexis Rose</span> Fictional character from Schitts Creek

Alexis Claire Rose is a fictional character in the Canadian sitcom Schitt's Creek, which aired on CBC and Pop TV from 2015 to 2020. Alexis, a member of the central Rose family, is introduced as the spoiled socialite daughter of Johnny and Moira Rose, and the younger sister of David Rose. Her early stories revolve around her efforts to adjust to life in Schitt's Creek after her family loses their fortune, as well as her romantic entanglements with locals Mutt Schitt and Ted Mullens. In later seasons, Alexis's story focuses on her educational pursuits and the establishment of her public relations business, Alexis Rose Communications. For Season Five episode "The Hospies", Alexis performs the song "A Little Bit Alexis", which was later released professionally by Annie Murphy on February 19, 2019.

Happy Ending (<i>Schitts Creek</i>) Series finale of Schitts Creek

"Happy Ending" is the series finale of the Canadian television sitcom Schitt's Creek. It serves as the 14th episode of the sixth season and the 80th overall. The episode was written by series creator and executive producer Daniel Levy, who codirected it with Andrew Cividino. The episode originally aired in Canada on CBC Television and on Pop TV in the United States on April 7, 2020, where it was followed directly after by a one-hour documentary depicting the making of the final season.

<i>Schitts Creek</i> season 1 Season of television series

The first season of Schitt's Creek a Canadian television sitcom created by Daniel Levy and father Eugene Levy premiered on January 13, 2015, and concluded on March 31, 2015, on CBC Television. The season aired 13 episodes and saw the introduction of the characters Johnny Rose, Moira Rose, David Rose, and Alexis Rose. The season was produced by Not a Real Company Productions.

<i>Schitts Creek</i> season 2 Season of television series

The second season of Schitt's Creek a Canadian television sitcom created by Daniel Levy and father Eugene Levy premiered on January 12, 2016, and concluded on March 29, 2016, on CBC Television. The season aired 13 episodes and saw the return of the characters Johnny Rose, Moira Rose, David Rose & Alexis Rose. The season was once again produced by Not a Real Company Productions.

<i>Schitts Creek</i> season 3 Season of television series

The third season of Schitt's Creek, a Canadian television sitcom created by Daniel Levy and father Eugene Levy, premiered on January 10, 2017, and concluded on April 4, 2017, on CBC Television. The season aired 13 episodes and saw the return of the characters Johnny, Moira, David, and Alexis Rose. It was once again produced by Not a Real Company Productions.

<i>Schitts Creek</i> season 6 Season of television series

The sixth and final season of Schitt's Creek, a Canadian television sitcom created by Dan Levy and father Eugene Levy premiered on January 7, 2020 and concluded on April 7, 2020 on CBC Television, and was followed by a one-hour behind-the-scenes retrospective documentary titled Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: A Schitt's Creek Farewell. The season aired 14 episodes and saw the final appearances of the Rose Family, consisting of characters Johnny Rose, Moira Rose, David Rose, and Alexis Rose.

References

  1. "Johnny Rose - Schitt's Creek". CBC. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  2. "Eugene Levy - Schitt's Creek". CBC. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  3. Jung, E. Alex (2019-01-16). "Dan Levy Made Schitt's Creek With His Dad. But It's His Weird Little Baby. Scouting for clothes with the creator of TV's funniest town". www.vulture.com. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  4. Blyth, Antonia (2018-01-14). "'Schitt's Creek' Was Inspired By The Kardashians & 'Real Housewives'". Deadline. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  5. Los Angeles Times (2019-06-06), Daniel and Eugene Levy create a fallen CEO and his family you can root for in 'Schitt's Creek' , retrieved 2019-06-20
  6. 1 2 3 Turchiano, Danielle (2015-02-11). "Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara on Evolving Their Long (and Funny) Working Relationship for 'Schitt's Creek'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  7. Yotka, Steff (2018-12-20). "Schitt's Creek Is Giving the Gift of Fashion This Holiday Season—And All 2019 Long". Vogue. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  8. Ivie, Devon (2018-03-28). "Schitt's Creek Is a Master Class in Aspirational Fashion". www.vulture.com. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  9. 1 2 3 Connolly, Kelly (2019-06-19). "Everyone on Schitt's Creek Deserves an Emmy, Like, Yesterday | TV Guide". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  10. 1 2 Telling, Gillian (2015-02-11). "Schitt's Creek: Why You Need to Watch Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara's New Comedy". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  11. Schitt's Creek (2016-05-02), Schitt's Creek - The Dairy Dilemma , retrieved 2019-06-20
  12. Rae, David. "Up 'Schitt's Creek': A Hilarious Lesson On Tax Deductions". Forbes. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  13. 1 2 3 Miller, Julie (2019-06-11). "How Eugene Levy's Hilarious Schitt's Creek Character Came to Be". HWD. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  14. Schitt's Creek (2017-02-28), Schitt's Creek - "Tweet Us on Facebook!" , retrieved 2019-06-20
  15. Fremont, Maggie (2019-02-13). "Schitt's Creek Recap: Was It the Lack of Ground Rules?". www.vulture.com. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  16. Harris, Bill (2015-01-11). "'Schitt's Creek': Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara and Dan Levy talk new CBC comedy". Toronto Sun. Retrieved 2019-12-18.
  17. 1 2 Matheson, Whitney (2019-02-11). "'Schitt's Creek': TV Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  18. Newman-Bremang, Kathleen. "Know Your Schitt! A Guide To The Cast & Characters Of "Schitt's Creek"". www.refinery29.com. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  19. Fremont, Maggie (2019-03-06). "Schitt's Creek Recap: The Little League Record for Most Times Hit by a Ball". www.vulture.com. Retrieved 2019-06-21.
  20. Liszewski, Bridget (2017-01-31). "Schitt's Creek: Emily Hampshire On Delving Into Stevie's Backstory". The TV Junkies. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  21. 1 2 Moylan, Brian (2015-02-10). "Schitt's Creek: Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy's fine take on Green Acres". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  22. Moze, Halperin (2015-02-11). "Eugene Levy's 'Schitt's Creek' Is Just as Broad and Hopeless as Its Title Suggests". Flavorwire. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  23. Fremont, Maggie (2018-04-09). "Why Aren't You Watching Schitt's Creek Yet?". www.vulture.com. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  24. Framke, Caroline (2018-12-19). "How 'Schitt's Creek' Became Such a Reliable Source of TV Joy". Variety. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  25. Lawson, Richard (2019-01-16). "Yes, Schitt's Creek Really Is That Good". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  26. Furdyk, Brent (2016-01-19). "2016 Canadian Screen Awards Nominees Announced". ET Canada. Archived from the original on June 15, 2016. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  27. 1 2 "Canadian Screen Awards 2017: Full list of nominees". ca.hellomagazine.com. 2017-01-17. Archived from the original on 2019-05-24. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  28. "Canadian Screen Awards 2018: All the winners". ca.hellomagazine.com. 2018-03-12. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  29. "Canadian Screen Awards Nominees". Academy.ca. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  30. 1 2 "2016 Canadian Screen Awards: All the winners and highlights". ca.hellomagazine.com. 2016-03-14. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  31. "Anne with an E, Schitt's Creek win big at 2019 Canadian Screen Awards". ca.hellomagazine.com. 2019-04-01. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  32. Nordyke, Kimberly (2019-07-16). "Lead Actress in a Comedy Series - Emmys: HBO, 'Game of Thrones' Dominate Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2019-09-06.
  33. "Winners: The 17th Annual ACTRA Awards in Toronto". ACTRA Toronto. 2019-02-25. Archived from the original on 2019-05-28. Retrieved 2019-06-19.
  34. "The 15th Annual ACTRA Awards in Toronto nominees". www.newswire.ca. 2017-01-18. Retrieved 2019-06-21.
  35. "The 16th Annual ACTRA Awards in Toronto Nominees". www.newswire.ca. 2018-01-12. Retrieved 2019-06-21.
  36. Kilkenny, Katie (2019-01-03). "TV Comedy of the Year - 'The Favourite,' 'Pose,' 'Killing Eve' Lead Dorian Award Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  37. Gardner, Chris (2019-01-25). "Outstanding Film - Wide Release - GLAAD Media Awards: The Complete List of Nominees". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  38. Yeo, Debra (2018-12-13). "Schitt's Creek becomes first Canadian comedy series nominated for a Critics' Choice Award | The Star". thestar.com. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  39. Ausiello, Michael (2019-06-19). "TCA Awards: Pose, Russian Doll, Fleabag, Good Fight, Schitt's Creek Score Multiple Nominations". TVLine. Retrieved 2019-06-20.