Zachary Levi Takes Mental Health Challenge To Support USC Initiative
Actor follows up his 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge with new cause aimed at mental health awareness
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Actor Zachary Levi has once again stepped up for an important cause, this time focusing on mental health awareness through the USC Speak Your Mind Challenge. The “Shazam!” and “Chuck” star shared a video on Instagram showing his participation in the challenge, drawing parallels to his previous involvement in the viral Ice Bucket Challenge from 2014.
In the post, Levi wrote: “Back in 2014 I did the ice bucket challenge to bring awareness to ALS. This time it’s for mental health, supporting the USC Speak Your Mind Challenge. We nominate @prattprattpratt @terrycrews @michellekhare | If you need any support getting access to mental health, check out what @nerdhq_official is doing 💚.”
The video shows Levi participating in the challenge, which aims to increase awareness and support for mental health initiatives through USC’s program. Levi’s involvement continues his advocacy for mental health awareness, a cause that has become increasingly important to the actor in recent years.
A Personal Connection To Mental Health
Levi’s participation in this challenge aligns with his openness about his own mental health journey. In recent years, the actor has been candid about his struggles, including discussions about experiencing a mental breakdown at age 30.
In a February 2025 appearance on the Amy and TJ podcast, Levi opened up about the difficulties he faced during that period of his life. His willingness to share these personal experiences has made him a notable advocate for mental health awareness in Hollywood.
The actor has consistently used his platform to encourage conversations around mental health, making this latest challenge a natural extension of his advocacy work.
Continuing The Challenge Tradition
Similar to how the Ice Bucket Challenge went viral in 2014 to raise awareness for ALS, the USC Speak Your Mind Challenge aims to create a chain reaction of support for mental health initiatives. By nominating fellow actors Chris Pratt, Terry Crews, and content creator Michelle Khare, Levi is extending the reach of the challenge to other influential figures with large platforms.
The actor also highlighted the work being done by Nerd HQ, an organization that provides resources for mental health support. The green heart emoji accompanying the mention of Nerd HQ symbolizes mental health awareness, similar to how other colored hearts represent different causes.
Recent Life Changes
Levi’s focus on mental health comes during a significant period in his personal life. The actor recently became a father, announcing in April 2025 the birth of his son, Henson Ezra Levi Pugh, with his wife.
In his birth announcement post, Levi wrote, “Henson Ezra Levi Pugh 🥰 Born into our world on 04/02/25. Thank you for everyone’s continued love and prayers over the three of us. We can’t wait for you to meet our little man!”
The couple has since shared glimpses of their new family life, including an Easter celebration at the Ojai Valley Inn with their newborn son, which Levi described as “Mom and Dad’s first official outing.”
Balancing Career And Advocacy
While embracing fatherhood, Levi continues to maintain an active career in Hollywood. He recently promoted his film “The Unbreakable Boy,” in which he stars. During the press tour, he appeared on several media outlets including Megyn Kelly’s show, where he discussed both the film and broader topics around mental health and faith.
The film, which tells the story of a family in crisis, allowed Levi to further discussions around difficult life circumstances and resilience—themes that connect to his mental health advocacy.
Widening The Conversation
By participating in the USC Speak Your Mind Challenge, Levi is contributing to the broader movement to normalize conversations around mental health. The challenge serves as a reminder that mental health support is essential and that resources are available for those who need them.
Through his nomination of other celebrities, Levi is helping to expand the reach of this important message, potentially inspiring fans and followers to prioritize their own mental wellbeing and seek help when needed.
As mental health continues to gain recognition as a critical component of overall wellness, the involvement of public figures like Levi helps reduce stigma and encourage open dialogue about psychological challenges and the importance of proper support systems.
The actor’s continued commitment to mental health awareness demonstrates how celebrities can use their influence to advance meaningful causes while sharing their own personal journeys.
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