John Lithgow Bio
John Arthur Lithgow (born October 19, 1945) is an American actor known for his diverse work on stage and screen. He studied at Harvard University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art before gaining recognition for his roles in popular films and television series. Lithgow has received numerous accolades, including six Primetime Emmy Awards and two Tony Awards, making him a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Background
John Lithgow was born in Rochester, New York. His mother, Sarah Jane Price, was a retired actress, and his father, Arthur Lithgow, was a theatrical producer and director who ran McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey. Lithgow is the third of four children, with an older brother, David Lithgow, an older sister, Robin Lithgow, and a younger sister, Sarah Jane Bokaer. Due to his father’s career, the family moved frequently during his childhood, spending time in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where Coretta Scott King was his babysitter, and later in Akron and Lakewood, Ohio, followed by Princeton, New Jersey. Lithgow graduated from Princeton High School in 1963 and went on to study history and English literature at Harvard College, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1967. He credits a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Utopia Limited at Harvard with helping him decide to become an actor.
Path to Hollywood
After graduating from Harvard, Lithgow won a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He began his career in theater, debuting on Broadway in David Storey’s The Changing Room in 1973, which earned him his first Tony nomination and win. Lithgow’s early career included various stage productions and a film debut in Dealing: Or the Berkeley-to-Boston Forty-Brick Lost-Bag Blues in 1972. His performance in Brian De Palma’s Obsession in 1976 marked a pivotal moment in his film career, leading to further opportunities in both theater and film.
John Lithgow Career
Early Career (1972–1995)
Lithgow’s rise to prominence began with his Broadway debut and continued with notable film roles. He received Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor for his performances in The World According to Garp (1982) and Terms of Endearment (1983). Lithgow also starred in the television series Amazing Stories, winning a Primetime Emmy Award for his guest appearance in 1986. His work in theater continued with performances in various productions, including Requiem for a Heavyweight and M. Butterfly, earning him critical acclaim.
Breakthrough (1996–2015)
Lithgow gained widespread recognition for his role as Dick Solomon in the NBC sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun, which aired from 1996 to 2001. His performance earned him three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. In film, he voiced Lord Farquaad in the animated film Shrek (2001), which became a significant success. Lithgow continued to appear in various films and television series, including Dexter, where he portrayed Arthur Mitchell, earning another Emmy Award for his performance.
Notable Works and Milestones
Lithgow’s signature works include his roles in Shrek, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and The Crown, where he portrayed Winston Churchill. He has received numerous awards, including two Tony Awards and six Primetime Emmy Awards, solidifying his status as a versatile and accomplished actor.
John Lithgow Award Nominations
Throughout his career, John Lithgow has received numerous nominations for prestigious awards, including two Academy Award nominations, six Primetime Emmy Awards, and multiple Tony Award nominations.
John Lithgow Awards Won
John Lithgow has won several awards, including two Tony Awards for his performances on Broadway, six Primetime Emmy Awards for his work in television, and a Laurence Olivier Award for his contributions to theater.
John Lithgow Family
John Lithgow was married to Jean Taynton from 1966 until their divorce in 1980. They have one son, Ian Lithgow. He later married Mary Yeager in 1981, and they have two children together.
Personal Life
Lithgow has been involved in various charitable activities and has written several children’s books. He is known for his engaging personality and has made significant contributions to both the arts and education.
