An Unforgettable Morning with Shawn Levy ’85

The excitement in the High School gymnasium on the morning of Tuesday, January 21 was electric. Students, faculty, and staff gathered to welcome Shawn Levy ’85 at this virtual event. Acclaimed director, producer, and writer, he reflected on his journey and how St. George’s played a pivotal role in shaping his life and career.

Levy, known for hits like Stranger Things and Night at the Museum, and most recently box-office blockbuster Deadpool and Wolverine, spoke fondly about his time at St. George’s, describing it as a “learning environment like no other.” He credited the school for allowing him to explore his diverse interests—from athletics to theater and academics—and shared how skills acquired here remain foundational to his success.

“St. George’s gives you the confidence to be who you are,” Shawn told the audience. “The reason I’m where I am today is that school and that ethos shaped me as much as anything I’ve ever done in my life. It’s been foundational to the career I’ve built, and I’m forever indebted.”

Lessons That Last a Lifetime
In a heartfelt recollection, Shawn highlighted his English class, where he first grasped the importance of theme and structure—concepts that still inform his work as a filmmaker. He encouraged students to “absorb learning from everywhere” because life has a way of connecting the dots in unexpected ways.

Shawn also shared pivotal moments from his career, including the realization that acting wasn’t his true calling. “I thought acting was my superpower,” he admitted. “It turns out, storytelling was.” He urged students to stay open to discovery, curiosity, and change—values he said were instilled in him during his time at St. George’s.

A Touching Reunion
A standout moment of the morning came when Shawn’s former French teacher, Mr. Rousseau, made a surprise appearance. “It’s heartening to see Shawn hasn’t changed,” Mr. Rousseau remarked. “He’s still the same kind, humble person I taught years ago—true to himself, through and through.”

The event’s emotional high point came during the student-led Q&A session, where Shawn answered questions about his creative process and what inspires him as a director. The Student Leadership Team who led this virtual event then presented funds raised by the school community to support Los Angeles fire relief efforts, a gesture of compassion and solidarity that left the audience deeply moved.

Reflections from Our Community
“Let’s give a big round of applause to our student leaders for making today happen—you did an awesome job!” said Michael O’Connor, Head of School. “One of my colleagues recently shared a clip of Shawn speaking at our 80th Anniversary Gala. Shawn, you said that at St. George’s you learned that life was about the quality of personhood and the confidence of individuality—that success isn’t measured by tests and exams but by the impact we have on others. Hearing you today, it’s clear how those values have shaped your life—and how they continue to shape every student who is part of this community.”

Thank you to all the students, staff, and community members who came together to make this event an unforgettable experience. To hear more about Shawn’s inspiring story and see highlights from the event, watch now: