Sam Levinson


Samuel Levinson is an American actor and filmmaker. He is best known for writing and directing the comedy drama film Another Happy Day and the black comedy thriller film Assassination Nation. He also co-wrote the screenplay for the action comedy , the television biopic The Wizard of Lies, and the erotic thriller Deep Water.
Levinson received recognition for creating the HBO drama series Euphoria, for which he earned a BAFTA TV Award nomination.

Early life

Levinson is the son of Diana Rhodes and filmmaker Barry Levinson. He is of Jewish descent. Levinson studied method acting for four years.

Career

Levinson made his film debut as an actor in the 1992 fantasy comedy Toys, alongside his brother Jack. He later appeared in the comedy-drama film Bandits and the satirical comedy film What Just Happened. In 2009, he co-starred as Peter Thompson in the arthouse drama film Stoic.
In 2011, Levinson won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the Sundance Film Festival for his directorial debut film, Another Happy Day, which starred Ellen Barkin.
Levinson co-wrote the 2017 television film The Wizard of Lies, which was directed by his father Barry Levinson. The film focuses on Bernie Madoff, who is played by Robert De Niro.
In 2018, Levinson wrote and directed the film Assassination Nation. The film premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival to mixed reviews from critics, who praised its "frenetic and visually stylish" action but criticized the thinly-written characters.
In June 2019, Levinson created the HBO television drama series Euphoria, based on the Israeli series of the same name. The series received critical acclaim for its direction, writing, and acting. It was notable for its depiction of its raw and graphic portrayal of teenagers wrestling with drug addiction and sexuality.
Levinson co-wrote the screenplay for the erotic thriller film Deep Water, which is set for release in November 2020. He also executive produced the drama film Pieces of a Woman.

Personal life

From 2008 to 2011, Levinson dated the actress Ellen Barkin. Levinson is married to Ashley Lent Levinson. The couple have a son.
Levinson has discussed his struggles with drugs as a teenager and young adult.

Filmography

Film

Acting roles

Television

Accolades