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{{short description|American actor (born 1945)}} | {{short description|American actor (born 1945)}} | ||
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{{other people}} | {{other people}} | ||
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{{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
| name = John Lithgow | | name = John Lithgow | ||
| image = John Lithgow at Met Opera Opening in 2008.jpg | | image = John Lithgow at Met Opera Opening in 2008.jpg | ||
| caption = Lithgow in 2008 | | caption = Lithgow in 2008 | ||
| birth_name = John Arthur Lithgow | | birth_name = John Arthur Lithgow | ||
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1945|10|19}} | | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1945|10|19}} | ||
| birth_place = ], U.S. | | birth_place = ], U.S. | ||
| death_date = | | death_date = | ||
| death_place = | | death_place = | ||
| education = ] (])<br/>] | | education = ] (])<br/>] | ||
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|author|musician|poet}} | | occupation = {{hlist|Actor|author|musician|poet}} | ||
| years_active = 1972–present | | years_active = 1972–present | ||
| spouse = {{ubl| | | spouse = {{ubl| | ||
{{marriage|Jean Taynton|1966|1980|end=divorced}} | | {{marriage|Jean Taynton|1966|1980|end=divorced}} | | ||
{{marriage|Mary Yeager|1981}} | {{marriage|Mary Yeager|1981}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
| works = ] | | works = ] | ||
| awards = ] | | awards = ] | ||
| children = 3, including ] | | children = 3, including ] | ||
| url = {{Official URL}} | | url = {{Official URL}} | ||
}} |
}} | ||
'''John Arthur Lithgow''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|ɪ|θ|ɡ|oʊ}} {{respell|LITH|goh}}; born {{nowrap|October 19}}, 1945) is an American actor. He studied at ] and the ] before becoming known for his diverse work ]. He has received ] including six ], two ], and two ] as well as nominations for two ], a ], and four ]. Lithgow |
'''John Arthur Lithgow''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|ɪ|θ|ɡ|oʊ}} {{respell|LITH|goh}}; born {{nowrap|October 19}}, 1945) is an American actor. He studied at ] and the ] before becoming known for his diverse work ]. He has received ] including six ], two ], and two ] as well as nominations for two ], a ], and four ]. Lithgow received a star on the ] in 2001 and was inducted into the ] in 2005. | ||
Lithgow made his ] debut in '']'' (1972) for which he received his first ]. In 1976 Lithgow acted alongside ] in the plays '']'', '']'' and ''Secret Service'' at ]. He received Tony Award nominations for '']'' (1985), '']'' (1988), and '']'' (2005). In 2002, Lithgow received his second Tony Award, this time for a musical, '']''. In 2007, he made his ] debut as ] in '']''. He returned to Broadway in the plays '']'' (2012), '']'' (2014), and '']'' (2019). |
Lithgow made his ] debut in '']'' (1972) for which he received his first ]. In 1976 Lithgow acted alongside ] in the plays '']'', '']'' and ''Secret Service'' at ]. He received Tony Award nominations for '']'' (1985), '']'' (1988), and '']'' (2005). In 2002, Lithgow received his second Tony Award, this time for a musical, '']''. In 2007, he made his ] debut as ] in '']''. He returned to Broadway in the plays '']'' (2012), '']'' (2014), and '']'' (2019). | ||
He starred as ] in the television sitcom '']'' (1996–2001), winning three ]. He received further ] for his performances as ] in the drama '']'' (2009) and as ] in the ] drama '']'' (2016–2019). He also starred in ]'s '']'' (2020) and ]'s '']'' (2022). | He starred as ] in the television sitcom '']'' (1996–2001), winning three ]. He received further ] for his performances as ] in the drama '']'' (2009) and as ] in the ] drama '']'' (2016–2019). He also starred in ]'s '']'' (2020) and ]'s '']'' (2022). | ||
Lithgow's early roles include in '']'' (1979) and '']'' (1981) before receiving ] nominations for his roles as a ] ex-football player in '']'' (1982) and a lonely banker in '']'' (1983). He also acted in films such as '']'' (1984), '']'' (1987), '']'' (1998), '']'' (2001), '']'' (2004), '']'' (2014), '']'' (2014 |
Lithgow's early film roles include in '']'' (1979) and '']'' (1981) before receiving ] nominations for his roles as a ] ex-football player in '']'' (1982) and a lonely banker in '']'' (1983). He also acted in films such as '']'' (1984), '']'' (1987), '']'' (1998), '']'' (2001), '']'' (2004), '']'' (2014), '']'' (2014), '']'' (2017), '']'' (2019), '']'' (2019), '']'' (2023), and '']'' (2024). | ||
== Early life and education == | == Early life and education == | ||
Lithgow was born on October 19, 1945,<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jGFmAAAAMAAJ&q=%22John+Lithgow%22+%22OCTOBER+19%22+1945|title = Contemporary Newsmakers: Cumulation|year = 1985| publisher=Gale Research Company |isbn = 9780810322011}}</ref> in ]. His mother, Sarah Jane ( |
Lithgow was born on October 19, 1945,<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jGFmAAAAMAAJ&q=%22John+Lithgow%22+%22OCTOBER+19%22+1945|title = Contemporary Newsmakers: Cumulation|year = 1985| publisher=Gale Research Company |isbn = 9780810322011}}</ref> in ]. His mother, Sarah Jane ({{née|Price}}), was a retired actress.<ref name=bkr1>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XBkrAQAAIAAJ&q=%22John+Lithgow+is+born+on+Oct.+19+in+Rochester,+N.Y.,+to+retired+actress+Sarah+Jane+Price+and+regional+theatre+producer+Arthur+Lithgow.+He+will+go+on+to+win+a...%22|title=American Theatre|date=July 2005}}</ref> His father, ], was a theatrical producer and director who ran ] in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmreference.com/film/85/John-Lithgow.html |title=John Lithgow Biography (1945–) |publisher=Filmreference.com |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800011126/bio |title=John Lithgow Biography – Yahoo! Movies |publisher=Movies.yahoo.com |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> His father was born in ], ], to a European-American family; his great-grandfather was a vice consul and vice commercial agent in the country.<ref name=fdr1>Stated on '']'', April 13, 2021</ref> He is the third of four children and has three siblings: an older brother David Lithgow, an older sister Robin Lithgow, and a younger sister Sarah Jane Bokaer.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ryzik|first=Melena|date=May 9, 2008|title=A Story Shared by Father and Son, and Now by Audiences|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/09/theater/09lith.html|access-date=February 13, 2022|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> On the show '']'', Lithgow discovered that he is a descendant of eight '']'' passengers, including colonial governor ].<ref name=fdr1/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scribd.com/document/66723202/Excerpt-Drama-by-John-Lithgow|title=Excerpt: "Drama" by John Lithgow - A Midsummer Night's Dream - Coretta Scott King|website=Scribd|access-date=May 24, 2017}}<!--Which page is this reference to William Bradford on? I read the whole chapter and didn't see such a reference anywhere.--></ref><ref>''The Mayflower Quarterly'', Vol. 64, General Society of Mayflower Descendants: 1998 (quarterly journal).</ref> | ||
Lithgow graduated from ] in 1963.<ref>LaGorce, Tammy. , '']'', November 11, 2007. Accessed December 10, 2018. "The visit will allow Mr. Lithgow, a Princeton High School graduate, to catch up with a few school friends still in the area, he said and to relive 'loads of fond memories' of the 1960s, when his father, Arthur Lithgow, ran the McCarter Theater downtown."</ref> He then studied history and ] at ]. Lithgow lived in ] as an undergraduate and later served on Harvard's ]. He credits a performance at Harvard of ]'s '']'' with helping him decide to become an actor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/news/popwire_post/6265/stupid-mistake-changed-john-lithgows-life-for-the-better/ |title='Stupid mistake' changed John Lithgow's life – for the better < News |publisher=PopMatters |date=October 9, 2006 |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> He was a pupil of dramatist ] who was the director of Harvard's Loeb Drama Center.<ref>{{cite web|title=Robert Chapman, 81, Playwright And Retired Harvard Professor|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/24/arts/robert-chapman-81-playwright-and-retired-harvard-professor.html|author=Eric Pace|work=]|date=October 24, 2000}}</ref> Lithgow graduated from Harvard in 1967 with an ] '']'' and was elected to ]. |
Because of his father's job, the family moved frequently during Lithgow's childhood. He spent his childhood years in ], where activist ] was his babysitter.<ref> on ] '']''<nowiki/>'s YouTube channel</ref> He spent his teenage years in ] (living at ])<ref>{{cite news |first=Mary Beth |last=Breckenridge |title=Actor Lithgow Revisits Akron Roots |url=http://enjoy.ohio.com/actor-lithgow-revisits-akron-roots-1.391267 |work=] |date=April 19, 2013 |access-date=April 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414044329/http://enjoy.ohio.com/actor-lithgow-revisits-akron-roots-1.391267 |archive-date=April 14, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and ],<ref>{{cite web|last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tv/index.ssf/2009/05/former_akronite_john_lithgow_t.html |title=Former Akronite John Lithgow takes on killer role for 'Dexter' |website=] |access-date=February 26, 2013 |date=May 28, 2009}}</ref> followed by Princeton, New Jersey. | ||
Lithgow graduated from ] in 1963.<ref>LaGorce, Tammy. , '']'', November 11, 2007. Accessed December 10, 2018. "The visit will allow Mr. Lithgow, a Princeton High School graduate, to catch up with a few school friends still in the area, he said and to relive 'loads of fond memories' of the 1960s, when his father, Arthur Lithgow, ran the McCarter Theater downtown."</ref> He then studied history and ] at ]. Lithgow lived in ] as an undergraduate and later served on Harvard's ]. He credits a performance at Harvard of ]'s '']'' with helping him decide to become an actor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/news/popwire_post/6265/stupid-mistake-changed-john-lithgows-life-for-the-better/ |title='Stupid mistake' changed John Lithgow's life – for the better < News |publisher=PopMatters |date=October 9, 2006 |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> He was a pupil of dramatist ] who was the director of Harvard's Loeb Drama Center.<ref>{{cite web|title=Robert Chapman, 81, Playwright And Retired Harvard Professor|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/24/arts/robert-chapman-81-playwright-and-retired-harvard-professor.html|author=Eric Pace|work=]|date=October 24, 2000}}</ref> Lithgow graduated from Harvard in 1967 with an ] '']'' and was elected to ]. | |||
After he graduated, Lithgow won a ] to study at the ]. Also after graduation, he served as the Director of the Arts and Literature Department at ], the ] radio station in New York City. | |||
== Career == | == Career == | ||
{{Main|John Lithgow on screen and stage}} | {{Main|John Lithgow on screen and stage}} | ||
=== 1972–1995: Rise to prominence === | === 1972–1995: Rise to prominence === | ||
]]] | ]]] | ||
In 1972, Lithgow made his film debut in '']''.<ref name=postlist>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/filmgrph/john_lithgow.htm?noredirect=on |newspaper=The Washington Post |title=John Lithgow Filmography |access-date=June 6, 2019}}</ref> In 1976 he starred in a pivotal role in ]'s '']'' with ] and ] as |
In 1972, Lithgow made his film debut in '']''.<ref name=postlist>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/filmgrph/john_lithgow.htm?noredirect=on |newspaper=The Washington Post |title=John Lithgow Filmography |access-date=June 6, 2019}}</ref> In 1976 he starred in a pivotal role in ]'s '']'' with ] and ] as Robertson's long time business partner Robert Lasalle. In 1973, Lithgow debuted on ] in ]'s '']'' at the Morosco Theatre, earning him his first ] nomination for ] and his first win. He also won a Drama Desk Award. The following year he starred again on Broadway in the comedy play '']'' opposite ] at the ].<ref> Playbill</ref> In 1976 he starred on Broadway in ]'s '']'' opposite ] and ] at the ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gilbert |first1=Ruth |title=In and Around Town: Theater |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PuMCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA21 |work=] |date=January 12, 1976 |page=21}}</ref> In 1979, Lithgow appeared in ]'s semi-autobiographical movie '']'' as Lucas Sergeant. The character was loosely based on the real-life Broadway director and choreographer ], known for his work on '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']''. Between 1978 and 1980, Lithgow appeared in ten episodes of the radio drama revival series '']''. Lithgow voiced the character of ] in the ] ] of '']'' and '']''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uproxx.com/movies/star-wars-radio-john-lithgow-played-yoda-and-ed-asner-played-jabba-the-hutt/|title=That Time John Lithgow Played Yoda And Ed Asner Played Jabba The Hutt|last=Ryan|first=Mike|date=April 2, 2015|work=]|access-date=December 6, 2017}}</ref> | ||
In 1982 and 1983, Lithgow was nominated for the ] for his performances as Roberta Muldoon in '']'' and as Sam Burns in '']''. Both films were screen adaptations of popular novels. In 1983, Lithgow appeared in a remake of the classic '']'' episode "]" in '']'' as the paranoid passenger made famous on the television show by ]. In an interview with ], Lithgow reveals this role as his favorite of his film career.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/03062009/watch.html |title=Bill Moyers Journal . Watch & Listen |publisher=PBS |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> Also in 1983 Lithgow appeared in a minor role in the nuclear apocalypse TV film ]. In 1984, he starred in the film '']'' as Dr. Emilio Lizardo / Lord John Whorfin. Also in 1984, he starred in '']'' and played a pastor who condemns dancing in '']''. In 1985, he starred opposite Jodie Foster in '']''. Also in 1985, he starred in '']'' alongside Dudley Moore. In 1986, he starred in '']'' directed by ]. In 1987, Lithgow starred in the ]-themed family comedy '']''. In 1985, he starred in '']'' written by ] at the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Kuchwara|first=Michael|title=Rod Serling's 'Requiem for a Heavyweight' Opens on Broadway|url=https://www.apnews.com/bbc9ed60f2956e1debdcb364fbfee480|work=]|date=March 7, 1985|access-date=March 15, 2019|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803022259/https://apnews.com/bbc9ed60f2956e1debdcb364fbfee480|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1988 he starred in ]'s '']'' alongside ] at the ].<ref> ibdb.com</ref> | In 1982 and 1983, Lithgow was nominated for the ] for his performances as Roberta Muldoon in '']'' and as Sam Burns in '']''. Both films were screen adaptations of popular novels. In 1983, Lithgow appeared in a remake of the classic '']'' episode "]" in '']'' as the paranoid passenger made famous on the television show by ]. In an interview with ], Lithgow reveals this role as his favorite of his film career.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/03062009/watch.html |title=Bill Moyers Journal . Watch & Listen |publisher=PBS |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> Also in 1983 Lithgow appeared in a minor role in the nuclear apocalypse TV film ]. In 1984, he starred in the film '']'' as Dr. Emilio Lizardo / Lord John Whorfin. Also in 1984, he starred in '']'' and played a pastor who condemns dancing in '']''. In 1985, he starred opposite Jodie Foster in '']''. Also in 1985, he starred in '']'' alongside Dudley Moore. In 1986, he starred in '']'' directed by ]. In 1987, Lithgow starred in the ]-themed family comedy '']''. In 1985, he starred in '']'' written by ] at the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Kuchwara|first=Michael|title=Rod Serling's 'Requiem for a Heavyweight' Opens on Broadway|url=https://www.apnews.com/bbc9ed60f2956e1debdcb364fbfee480|work=]|date=March 7, 1985|access-date=March 15, 2019|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803022259/https://apnews.com/bbc9ed60f2956e1debdcb364fbfee480|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1988 he starred in ]'s '']'' alongside ] at the ].<ref> ibdb.com</ref> | ||
] in 1988]] | ] in 1988]] | ||
In 1986, Lithgow received a ] for his appearance in the episode ''The Doll'' of the '']'' ]. Additionally, Lithgow has been nominated for an ] for '']'' (1983) and two ] for ] for ''Resting Place'' (1986) and ''My Brother's Keeper'' (1995). Lithgow was approached about playing Dr. ] on '']'', but turned it down. In 1991, he starred in the movie '']'' opposite ] as Earl Talbot Blake, a criminal seeking revenge against the policeman who sent him to prison. Also in 1991, he played missionary Leslie Huben in the ] of ]'s novel '']''. In 1992, he starred as a man with ] in ]'s film '']''. In 1992, he became the narrator in the ] video classic, '']''. In 1993, he starred in ]'s film '']'' opposite ] as terrorist leader Eric Qualen, and reunited with Washington in ]'s film '']''. In 1994, Lithgow played ] in the ] miniseries '']'' (also known as ''Then There Were Giants'') directed by ] starring alongside ] and ]. He provided narration for the ] film '']'' (1996). |
In 1986, Lithgow received a ] for his appearance in the episode ''The Doll'' of the '']'' ]. Additionally, Lithgow has been nominated for an ] for '']'' (1983) and two ] for ] for ''Resting Place'' (1986) and ''My Brother's Keeper'' (1995). Lithgow was approached about playing Dr. ] on '']'', but turned it down. In 1991, he starred in the movie '']'' opposite ] as Earl Talbot Blake, a criminal seeking revenge against the policeman who sent him to prison. Also in 1991, he played missionary Leslie Huben in the ] of ]'s novel '']''. In 1992, he starred as a man with ] in ]'s film '']''. In 1992, he became the narrator in the ] video classic, '']''. In 1993, he starred in ]'s film '']'' opposite ] as terrorist leader Eric Qualen, and reunited with Washington in ]'s film '']''. In 1994, Lithgow played ] in the ] miniseries '']'' (also known as ''Then There Were Giants'') directed by ] starring alongside ] and ]. He provided narration for the ] film '']'' (1996). | ||
=== 1996–2015: Established actor === | === 1996–2015: Established actor === | ||
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In 2004, he portrayed the moralistic, rigid father of ] in that year's biopic '']''; ] also starred. In 2006, Lithgow had a small role in the Academy Award-winning film '']'' as Jerry Harris, a film producer offering Deena Jones (]) a film role.<ref>{{cite web|first=Brad|last=Miska|url=http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/20671|title=John Lithgow a Fatherly Figure for 'Planet of the Apes' Prequel|website=]|publisher=The Collective|location=Los Angeles, California|date=June 23, 2010|access-date=May 24, 2017}}</ref> In 2005, Lithgow became the first ever actor to deliver a commencement speech at ]<ref>Beth Potier, , '']'', June 16, 2008.</ref> and received an honorary ] from his alma mater.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2005/06.09/03-honorands.html |title=Harvard awards 8 honorary degrees |work=Harvard University Gazette |first=Mary Ellen |last=Avery |date=June 9, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720090637/http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2005/06.09/03-honorands.html |archive-date=July 20, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2005/6/9/eight-to-receive-honorary-degrees-the/ |title=Eight to Receive Honorary Degrees|author=The Harvard Crimson Staff|date=June 9, 2005|work=The Harvard Crimson}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.harvard.edu/honorary-degrees|title=Honorary Degrees|publisher=Harvard University}}</ref> He was featured at ] in ], Pennsylvania on December 4–6, 2009 for performances of ] with the ]. He narrated some letters written by ], some poems and sections from the ] in certain parts of the performance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ae/music/s_656411.html |title='Requiem' an extraordinary Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra tribute to Mozart - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |publisher=Pittsburghlive.com |date=December 5, 2009 |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213060749/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ae/music/s_656411.html |archive-date=December 13, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He returned for a 2005 revival,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.playbill.com/article/actor-john-lithgow-narrates-wheeldons-carnival-of-the-animals-at-city-ballet|title=Actor John Lithgow Narrates Wheeldon's Carnival of the Animals at City Ballet|website=Playbill|last=Jones|first=Kenneth|date=June 16, 2005}}</ref> the ] production of the same show in 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chron.com/entertainment/article/John-Lithgow-adds-Houston-Ballet-dancer-to-his-1796721.php|title=John Lithgow adds Houston Ballet dancer to his résumé |date=April 23, 2007 |publisher=The Houston Chronicle}}</ref> and the ] production of it in 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/entertainment/celebrities/20130508_John_Lithgow_performs_with_the_PA_Ballet_as___a_lady_elephant.html|title=John Lithgow performs with the PA Ballet as...a lady elephant|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|last=Eichel|first=Molly|date=May 8, 2013}}</ref> In 2007, Lithgow played ] in the ]'s production of '']'', at ], ], in the United Kingdom.<ref>Billington, Michael. "Theatre review: 'Twelfth Night', The Courtyard, Stratford-upon-Avon", ''The Guardian'',September 6, 2007</ref> | In 2004, he portrayed the moralistic, rigid father of ] in that year's biopic '']''; ] also starred. In 2006, Lithgow had a small role in the Academy Award-winning film '']'' as Jerry Harris, a film producer offering Deena Jones (]) a film role.<ref>{{cite web|first=Brad|last=Miska|url=http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/20671|title=John Lithgow a Fatherly Figure for 'Planet of the Apes' Prequel|website=]|publisher=The Collective|location=Los Angeles, California|date=June 23, 2010|access-date=May 24, 2017}}</ref> In 2005, Lithgow became the first ever actor to deliver a commencement speech at ]<ref>Beth Potier, , '']'', June 16, 2008.</ref> and received an honorary ] from his alma mater.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2005/06.09/03-honorands.html |title=Harvard awards 8 honorary degrees |work=Harvard University Gazette |first=Mary Ellen |last=Avery |date=June 9, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720090637/http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2005/06.09/03-honorands.html |archive-date=July 20, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2005/6/9/eight-to-receive-honorary-degrees-the/ |title=Eight to Receive Honorary Degrees|author=The Harvard Crimson Staff|date=June 9, 2005|work=The Harvard Crimson}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.harvard.edu/honorary-degrees|title=Honorary Degrees|publisher=Harvard University}}</ref> He was featured at ] in ], Pennsylvania on December 4–6, 2009 for performances of ] with the ]. He narrated some letters written by ], some poems and sections from the ] in certain parts of the performance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ae/music/s_656411.html |title='Requiem' an extraordinary Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra tribute to Mozart - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |publisher=Pittsburghlive.com |date=December 5, 2009 |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213060749/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ae/music/s_656411.html |archive-date=December 13, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He returned for a 2005 revival,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.playbill.com/article/actor-john-lithgow-narrates-wheeldons-carnival-of-the-animals-at-city-ballet|title=Actor John Lithgow Narrates Wheeldon's Carnival of the Animals at City Ballet|website=Playbill|last=Jones|first=Kenneth|date=June 16, 2005}}</ref> the ] production of the same show in 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chron.com/entertainment/article/John-Lithgow-adds-Houston-Ballet-dancer-to-his-1796721.php|title=John Lithgow adds Houston Ballet dancer to his résumé |date=April 23, 2007 |publisher=The Houston Chronicle}}</ref> and the ] production of it in 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/entertainment/celebrities/20130508_John_Lithgow_performs_with_the_PA_Ballet_as___a_lady_elephant.html|title=John Lithgow performs with the PA Ballet as...a lady elephant|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|last=Eichel|first=Molly|date=May 8, 2013}}</ref> In 2007, Lithgow played ] in the ]'s production of '']'', at ], ], in the United Kingdom.<ref>Billington, Michael. "Theatre review: 'Twelfth Night', The Courtyard, Stratford-upon-Avon", ''The Guardian'',September 6, 2007</ref> | ||
], ] and ] at |
], ] and ] at ] in July 2009]] | ||
Lithgow starred with ] in the NBC sitcom '']''. Since 2006, he has starred in Progresso commercials, advertising their soup brand. On March 5, 2009, Lithgow made a cameo on NBC's '']'' acting in the episode "]" with several references to his role in ''Harry and the Hendersons''. In September 2009, Lithgow joined the cast of '']'' as ], a ] and ]'s nemesis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/18323|title=TV: Showtime's 'Dexter' Posts Record-Breaking Ratings - Bloody Disgusting!|website=www.bloody-disgusting.com|date=December 8, 2009|access-date=May 24, 2017}}</ref> He won a ] for this role<ref>2009 Golden Globe Nominees {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212015429/http://www.goldenglobes.org/nominations/ |date=December 12, 2010 }}</ref> and won an Emmy for ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/38417/2010-emmy-nominations-include-a-few-horror-favorites |title=2010 Emmy Nominations Include a Few Horror Favorites |publisher=Dreadcentral.com |date=July 8, 2010 |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> He guest starred on '']'' in the role of ]'s father, Jerry.<ref>{{cite web |author=Michael Ausiello |url=http://www.tvline.com/2011/02/how-i-met-your-mother-john-lithgow-first-look/ |title=HIMYM Exclusive First Look: How Barney Met His Father |publisher=TVLine |date=February 17, 2011 |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-date=March 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307102025/http://www.tvline.com/2011/02/how-i-met-your-mother-john-lithgow-first-look/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2008 through 2009, Lithgow played Joe Keller in a Broadway revival of ]'s '']'' directed by ]. Lithgow starred alongside ], ] and ] in her Broadway debut at the ].<ref>Cohen, Patricia. "Two Fathers Are Learning Lessons of 'All My Sons' ", ''The New York Times'', November 12, 2008</ref> He hosted ], a children's ] program on ] based on his bestselling children's books. Lithgow also appears in ''Books By You'', a children's computer game and guides them through the steps to personalize a pre-designed book.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Write and publish children's books|url=http://www.booksbyyou.com.au/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718184054/http://www.booksbyyou.com.au/|archive-date=July 18, 2008|website=booksbyyou.com.au}}</ref> | Lithgow starred with ] in the NBC sitcom '']''. Since 2006, he has starred in Progresso commercials, advertising their soup brand. On March 5, 2009, Lithgow made a cameo on NBC's '']'' acting in the episode "]" with several references to his role in ''Harry and the Hendersons''. In September 2009, Lithgow joined the cast of '']'' as ], a ] and ]'s nemesis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/18323|title=TV: Showtime's 'Dexter' Posts Record-Breaking Ratings - Bloody Disgusting!|website=www.bloody-disgusting.com|date=December 8, 2009|access-date=May 24, 2017}}</ref> He won a ] for this role<ref>2009 Golden Globe Nominees {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212015429/http://www.goldenglobes.org/nominations/ |date=December 12, 2010 }}</ref> and won an Emmy for ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/38417/2010-emmy-nominations-include-a-few-horror-favorites |title=2010 Emmy Nominations Include a Few Horror Favorites |publisher=Dreadcentral.com |date=July 8, 2010 |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> He guest starred on '']'' in the role of ]'s father, Jerry.<ref>{{cite web |author=Michael Ausiello |url=http://www.tvline.com/2011/02/how-i-met-your-mother-john-lithgow-first-look/ |title=HIMYM Exclusive First Look: How Barney Met His Father |publisher=TVLine |date=February 17, 2011 |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-date=March 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307102025/http://www.tvline.com/2011/02/how-i-met-your-mother-john-lithgow-first-look/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2008 through 2009, Lithgow played Joe Keller in a Broadway revival of ]'s '']'' directed by ]. Lithgow starred alongside ], ] and ] in her Broadway debut at the ].<ref>Cohen, Patricia. "Two Fathers Are Learning Lessons of 'All My Sons' ", ''The New York Times'', November 12, 2008</ref> He hosted ], a children's ] program on ] based on his bestselling children's books. Lithgow also appears in ''Books By You'', a children's computer game and guides them through the steps to personalize a pre-designed book.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Write and publish children's books|url=http://www.booksbyyou.com.au/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718184054/http://www.booksbyyou.com.au/|archive-date=July 18, 2008|website=booksbyyou.com.au}}</ref> | ||
In 2010, Lithgow starred in the Off-Broadway production of ]'s comedy ''Mr & Mrs Fitch'' alongside ] at the ] which ran from February 22, 2010, to April 4, 2010.<ref>Hernandez, Ernio. playbill.com, February 22, 2010</ref> The same year, he appeared briefly in the romantic comedy '']'' playing ]' father. On October 1, 2010, Lithgow appeared on ]'s podcast '']'', with fellow guests ] and ]. He has appeared on ]'s show '']'' in 2012 and the '']'' podcast in 2019. In September 2011, Lithgow was featured in a one-night only production of ]'s play '']'', a staged reenactment of the ] that overturned California's ] on ]—as Attorney ] to raise money for the ].<ref name="8 the play">{{cite news |title=Prop 8 Play On Broadway Makes Its Debut |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/20/prop-8-play-broadway_n_971364.html|work=The Huffington Post|access-date=March 17, 2012|date=September 20, 2011}}</ref> In 2015, Lithgow did the voice over work for ] in the documentary film '']'' with ]. On October 18, 2017, Lithgow coauthored the ''New York Times'' daily crossword puzzle. In 2012 Lithgow returned to Broadway in ]'s play '']'', which played at the ]. The performance earned him a nomination for the ].<ref>Jones, Kenneth. playbill.com, April 4, 2012</ref> In the winter of 2012–13 he appeared in the London revival of ]'s '']'' as Police Magistrate Aeneas Posket at the ]. |
In 2010, Lithgow starred in the Off-Broadway production of ]'s comedy ''Mr & Mrs Fitch'' alongside ] at the ] which ran from February 22, 2010, to April 4, 2010.<ref>Hernandez, Ernio. playbill.com, February 22, 2010</ref> The same year, he appeared briefly in the romantic comedy '']'' playing ]' father. On October 1, 2010, Lithgow appeared on ]'s podcast '']'', with fellow guests ] and ]. He has appeared on ]'s show '']'' in 2012 and the '']'' podcast in 2019. In September 2011, Lithgow was featured in a one-night only production of ]'s play '']'', a staged reenactment of the ] that overturned California's ] on ]—as Attorney ] to raise money for the ].<ref name="8 the play">{{cite news |title=Prop 8 Play On Broadway Makes Its Debut |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/20/prop-8-play-broadway_n_971364.html|work=The Huffington Post|access-date=March 17, 2012|date=September 20, 2011}}</ref> In 2015, Lithgow did the voice over work for ] in the documentary film '']'' with ]. On October 18, 2017, Lithgow coauthored the ''New York Times'' daily crossword puzzle. In 2012 Lithgow returned to Broadway in ]'s play '']'', which played at the ]. The performance earned him a nomination for the ].<ref>Jones, Kenneth. playbill.com, April 4, 2012</ref> In the winter of 2012–13 he appeared in the London revival of ]'s '']'' as Police Magistrate Aeneas Posket at the ]. | ||
In 2014, he returned to Central Park's ] and ] for the 2014 summer season in the title role of Shakespeare's '']'', directed by Tony Award winner ]. The production was the first play at the theater since 1973 and Lithgow's first time there since 1975 when he had played Laertes.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/13/john-lithgow-to-star-in-king-lear-for-shakespeare-in-the-park/| work=The New York Times | first=Allan | last=Kozinn | title=Shakespeare in the Park Lineup: 'Much Ado About Nothing' and 'King Lear' | date=February 13, 2014}}</ref> In fall 2014, Lithgow returned to Broadway as Tobias in a revival of Edward Albee's '']''. He starred opposite ], ], ], ] and ]. ] directed the limited 18-week production at the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.broadwaybox.com/daily-scoop/what-play-can-come-along-that-will-be-more-star-studded-than-this/|title=What Play Can Come Along Next Season That Will Be More Star-Studded Than A Delicate Balance?|access-date=May 24, 2017}}</ref> Lithgow gained critical attention for starring in ]' independent romance film '']'' (2014). The film received a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes with the consensus reading "Held aloft by remarkable performances from John Lithgow and Alfred Molina, ''Love Is Strange'' serves as a graceful tribute to the beauty of commitment in the face of adversity."<ref>{{cite web |title=Love Is Strange (2014) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/love_is_strange_2014 |website=] |date=August 22, 2014 |access-date=July 20, 2020 }}</ref> The film also received four ] nominations, including for both Lithgow and Molina.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt2639344/awards?ref_=m_tt_awd |title=Love Is Strange (2014) |website=imdb.com |access-date=August 26, 2021 }}</ref> Lithgow during the 2010s appeared in '']'' (2011),<ref>{{cite news|first=Debi|last=Moore |url=http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/38157/trinity-a-war-machine-and-a-slumdog-eying-planet-apes-caesar |title=Trinity, a War Machine and a Slumdog Eying Planet of the Apes: Rise of the Apes |newspaper=Dread Central |location=Los Angeles, California|date= October 5, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> ]'s '']'' (2012), ]'s '']'' (2012), ]'s '']'' (2014), and ]' '']'' (2014). | In 2014, he returned to Central Park's ] and ] for the 2014 summer season in the title role of Shakespeare's '']'', directed by Tony Award winner ]. The production was the first play at the theater since 1973 and Lithgow's first time there since 1975 when he had played Laertes.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/13/john-lithgow-to-star-in-king-lear-for-shakespeare-in-the-park/| work=The New York Times | first=Allan | last=Kozinn | title=Shakespeare in the Park Lineup: 'Much Ado About Nothing' and 'King Lear' | date=February 13, 2014}}</ref> In fall 2014, Lithgow returned to Broadway as Tobias in a revival of Edward Albee's '']''. He starred opposite ], ], ], ] and ]. ] directed the limited 18-week production at the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.broadwaybox.com/daily-scoop/what-play-can-come-along-that-will-be-more-star-studded-than-this/|title=What Play Can Come Along Next Season That Will Be More Star-Studded Than A Delicate Balance?|access-date=May 24, 2017}}</ref> Lithgow gained critical attention for starring in ]' independent romance film '']'' (2014). The film received a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes with the consensus reading "Held aloft by remarkable performances from John Lithgow and Alfred Molina, ''Love Is Strange'' serves as a graceful tribute to the beauty of commitment in the face of adversity."<ref>{{cite web |title=Love Is Strange (2014) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/love_is_strange_2014 |website=] |date=August 22, 2014 |access-date=July 20, 2020 }}</ref> The film also received four ] nominations, including for both Lithgow and Molina.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt2639344/awards?ref_=m_tt_awd |title=Love Is Strange (2014) |website=imdb.com |access-date=August 26, 2021 }}</ref> Lithgow during the 2010s appeared in '']'' (2011),<ref>{{cite news|first=Debi|last=Moore |url=http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/38157/trinity-a-war-machine-and-a-slumdog-eying-planet-apes-caesar |title=Trinity, a War Machine and a Slumdog Eying Planet of the Apes: Rise of the Apes |newspaper=Dread Central |location=Los Angeles, California|date= October 5, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> ]'s '']'' (2012), ]'s '']'' (2012), ]'s '']'' (2014), and ]' '']'' (2014). In 2015, Lithgow made a cameo on ]'s ] in the season five episode "Sleepover" alongside ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Louie: "Sleepover" |url=https://www.avclub.com/louie-sleepover-1798183816 |website=] }}</ref> | ||
In 2015, Lithgow made a cameo on ]'s ] in the season five episode "Sleepover" alongside ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Louie: "Sleepover" |url=https://tv.avclub.com/louie-sleepover-1798183816 |website=] }}</ref> | |||
=== 2016–present === | === 2016–present === | ||
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In 2017, Lithgow starred in '']'' as a professor who becomes implicated in the murder of his wife in the first season (spring 2017) of the mockumentary series.<ref>{{cite news |first=William |last=Hughes |title=John Lithgow to spoof Making a Murderer and The Jinx for NBC |url=http://www.avclub.com/article/john-lithgow-spoof-making-murderer-and-jinx-nbc-232365 |work=The A.V. Club |date=February 16, 2016 |access-date=February 21, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Frazier|last=Moore|url=http://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/television/2017/03/09/lithgow-guessing-laughing-trial-error/98978480/|title=Lithgow has you guessing, laughing, in 'Trial & Error'|newspaper=]|publisher=]|location=Detroit, Michigan|agency=]|date=March 9, 2017|access-date=October 22, 2018}}</ref> In 2018, Lithgow was one of the actors who voiced the audiobook '']''.<ref name="Bundo AV Club">{{cite news |last=Perkins |first=Dennis |date=March 19, 2018 |title=John Oliver hijacks homophobe Mike Pence's bunny book with a better one in A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo |url=https://www.avclub.com/john-oliver-hijacks-homophobe-mike-pences-bunny-book-wi-1823879129 |website=The A.V. Club |access-date=March 19, 2018 }}</ref> In 2019, Lithgow lent his voice for an audio play ''If You Win'' by Emily Chadick Weiss for Playing on Air and was released in spring 2020. Lithgow starred as ] opposite ] as ] in the ] play '']'' on Broadway at the ]. The play opened on April 18, 2019, and closed on June 23, 2019.<ref>Clement, Olivia. Playbill, June 23, 2019</ref><ref>Stasio, Marrilyn. ''Variety'', April 18, 2019</ref> In 2019, Lithgow co-starred in ]'s comedy '']''. The film premiered at the ] was released June 7, 2019. That same year he portrayed ] CEO ] in the film '']'' which starred ], ], and ]. | In 2017, Lithgow starred in '']'' as a professor who becomes implicated in the murder of his wife in the first season (spring 2017) of the mockumentary series.<ref>{{cite news |first=William |last=Hughes |title=John Lithgow to spoof Making a Murderer and The Jinx for NBC |url=http://www.avclub.com/article/john-lithgow-spoof-making-murderer-and-jinx-nbc-232365 |work=The A.V. Club |date=February 16, 2016 |access-date=February 21, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Frazier|last=Moore|url=http://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/television/2017/03/09/lithgow-guessing-laughing-trial-error/98978480/|title=Lithgow has you guessing, laughing, in 'Trial & Error'|newspaper=]|publisher=]|location=Detroit, Michigan|agency=]|date=March 9, 2017|access-date=October 22, 2018}}</ref> In 2018, Lithgow was one of the actors who voiced the audiobook '']''.<ref name="Bundo AV Club">{{cite news |last=Perkins |first=Dennis |date=March 19, 2018 |title=John Oliver hijacks homophobe Mike Pence's bunny book with a better one in A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo |url=https://www.avclub.com/john-oliver-hijacks-homophobe-mike-pences-bunny-book-wi-1823879129 |website=The A.V. Club |access-date=March 19, 2018 }}</ref> In 2019, Lithgow lent his voice for an audio play ''If You Win'' by Emily Chadick Weiss for Playing on Air and was released in spring 2020. Lithgow starred as ] opposite ] as ] in the ] play '']'' on Broadway at the ]. The play opened on April 18, 2019, and closed on June 23, 2019.<ref>Clement, Olivia. Playbill, June 23, 2019</ref><ref>Stasio, Marrilyn. ''Variety'', April 18, 2019</ref> In 2019, Lithgow co-starred in ]'s comedy '']''. The film premiered at the ] was released June 7, 2019. That same year he portrayed ] CEO ] in the film '']'' which starred ], ], and ]. | ||
In 2020, Lithgow portrayed the lawyer Elias Birchard "E.B." Jonathan in season one of the ] ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://tvdorks.com/tv/1520308142/perry-mason-season-1|title=Perry Mason, Season 1|access-date=August 28, 2020|website=TVDorks}}</ref> In the story, Mr. Birchard starts out as the employer of Mason, who is his investigator. On June 28, 2021, ] confirmed that Lithgow would reprise his role of Arthur Mitchell in the 10-episode ], with ] returning as the head writer. The series premiered on November 7, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/06/john-lithgow-returns-dexter-revival-showtime-1234782714/title=John|title=Lithgow Joins 'Dexter' Revival; Won Emmy For Role In Showtime Serial Killer Drama|last=Patten|first=Dominic|work=]|date=June 28, 2021|access-date=June 28, 2021}}{{ |
In 2020, Lithgow portrayed the lawyer Elias Birchard "E.B." Jonathan in season one of the ] ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://tvdorks.com/tv/1520308142/perry-mason-season-1|title=Perry Mason, Season 1|access-date=August 28, 2020|website=TVDorks}}</ref> In the story, Mr. Birchard starts out as the employer of Mason, who is his investigator. On June 28, 2021, ] confirmed that Lithgow would reprise his role of Arthur Mitchell in the 10-episode ], with ] returning as the head writer. The series premiered on November 7, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/06/john-lithgow-returns-dexter-revival-showtime-1234782714/title=John|title=Lithgow Joins 'Dexter' Revival; Won Emmy For Role In Showtime Serial Killer Drama|last=Patten|first=Dominic|work=]|date=June 28, 2021|access-date=June 28, 2021}}{{dead link|date=November 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/dexter-revival-premiere-date-trailer-1235026998/|title='Dexter' Revival Series Unveils First Look Trailer and November Premiere Date|last=Turchiano|first=Danielle|work=]|date=July 25, 2021|access-date=July 25, 2021}}</ref> In 2022 Lithgow portrayed Harold Harper in the ] series '']'' opposite ]. For his performance he received a nomination for the ]. In 2022, Lithgow presented ] with the ] at the ].<ref>{{cite web |date=June 7, 2022 |title=John Lithgow honors Liv Ullmann at the 2022 Governors Awards |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-2qX2ak7lo |accessdate=June 16, 2022 |website=Youtube}}</ref> In 2023, Lithgow acted in ]'s '']'' as Prosecutor Peter Leaward.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/08/john-lithgow-joins-martin-scorsese-apple-original-film-killers-of-the-flower-moon-1234812267/|title=John Lithgow Joins Martin Scorsese Apple Original Film 'Killers Of The Flower Moon'|date=August 10, 2021}}</ref> The film co-starred ], ], and ] and received ten ] nominations including for ].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/2024-oscars-nominees-list-1235804181/|title= Oscars: Full List of Nominations|website= ]|date= January 23, 2024|accessdate= July 21, 2024}}</ref> | ||
In May 2024 it was announced that Lithgow would be starring alongside ] in the film '']'', directed by Australian director ] and filmed in ], |
In May 2024 it was announced that Lithgow would be starring alongside ] in the film '']'', directed by Australian director ] and filmed in ], Amsterdam, and ].<ref>{{cite web | title=Olivia Colman and John Lithgow to star in new South Australian film Jimpa from director Sophie Hyde | website=] | date=May 7, 2024 | url=https://www.safilm.com.au/latest-news/olivia-colman-and-john-lithgow-to-star-in-new-south-australian-film-jimpa-from-director-sophie-hyde/ | access-date=May 8, 2024}}</ref> That same year he starred in the conspiracy thriller '']'' (2024) directed by ]. The film revolves around a fictional story about ] who are tasked in finding a successor to a deceased Pope. Lithgow starred opposite ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/2024/film/news/conclave-trailer-ralph-fiennes-catholic-conspiracy-pope-1236076374/|title= 'Conclave' Trailer: Ralph Fiennes Is a Cardinal at the Center of a Papal Conspiracy in Edward Berger's New Thriller|website= Variety|date= July 18, 2024|accessdate= July 21, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.indiewire.com/news/trailers/conclave-trailer-ralph-fiennes-edward-berger-1235025363/|title= 'Conclave' Trailer: Ralph Fiennes Uncovers a Religious Conspiracy in Edward Berger's Latest|website= ]|date= July 18, 2024|accessdate= July 21, 2024}}</ref> Also in 2024, he will participate in the animated movie ] with ], ], ] and ], to be released on ].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://deadline.com/2022/06/nicole-kidman-javier-bardem-john-lithgow-nathan-lane-more-join-spellbound-1235049176/|title= Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Nathan Lane, Jenifer Lewis & More Board Animated Pic 'Spellbound' From Apple & Skydance Animation|website= ]|date= June 21, 2022|accessdate= November 29, 2023}}</ref> | ||
== Other work == | == Other work == | ||
===Children's work=== | |||
] | ] | ||
Lithgow has done extensive work for children, including several books and albums. He even took the children to some performances of ] Hungarian Dance Ballet and ]'s '']'' where he was the conductor of the orchestra while the kids were performing. Some of his book titles are ''Marsupial Sue'', ''Marsupial Sue Presents "The Runaway Pancake"'', ''Lithgow Party Paloozas!: 52 Unexpected Ways to Make a Birthday, Holiday, or Any Day a Celebration for Kids'', ''Carnival of the Animals'', ''A Lithgow Palooza: 101 Ways to Entertain and Inspire Your Kids'', ''I'm a Manatee'', ''Micawber'', ''The Remarkable Farkle McBride'', ''Mahalia Mouse Goes to College'' and ''I Got Two Dogs''. He also appeared as a guest on '']'', a Canadian children's program. | Lithgow has done extensive work for children, including several books and albums. He even took the children to some performances of ] Hungarian Dance Ballet and ]'s '']'' where he was the conductor of the orchestra while the kids were performing. Some of his book titles are ''Marsupial Sue'', ''Marsupial Sue Presents "The Runaway Pancake"'', ''Lithgow Party Paloozas!: 52 Unexpected Ways to Make a Birthday, Holiday, or Any Day a Celebration for Kids'', ''Carnival of the Animals'', ''A Lithgow Palooza: 101 Ways to Entertain and Inspire Your Kids'', ''I'm a Manatee'', ''Micawber'', ''The Remarkable Farkle McBride'', ''Mahalia Mouse Goes to College'' and ''I Got Two Dogs''. He also appeared as a guest on '']'', a Canadian children's program. | ||
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Lithgow launched into a career as a recording artist with '']'', a 1999 album of children's music. In June 2002, Lithgow released his second children's album ''Farkle and Friends''; however, ] died four months before its release, and it was dedicated to his memory. It was the musical companion to his book ''The Remarkable Farkle McBride'', which tells the story of a young musical genius. ''Farkle and Friends'' features the vocal talents of Lithgow and ], backed by the Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra as well. In August 2006, Lithgow released ''a ] tribute album, ]'', his third children's album and first with ]. This album features versions of classic songs from the ], including "Getting to Know You" and "Ya Gotta Have Pep". Produced by ], the album features guest appearances by ], ], ] and ]. Lithgow also makes occasional appearances on stage and television singing children's songs, accompanying himself on guitar. | Lithgow launched into a career as a recording artist with '']'', a 1999 album of children's music. In June 2002, Lithgow released his second children's album ''Farkle and Friends''; however, ] died four months before its release, and it was dedicated to his memory. It was the musical companion to his book ''The Remarkable Farkle McBride'', which tells the story of a young musical genius. ''Farkle and Friends'' features the vocal talents of Lithgow and ], backed by the Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra as well. In August 2006, Lithgow released ''a ] tribute album, ]'', his third children's album and first with ]. This album features versions of classic songs from the ], including "Getting to Know You" and "Ya Gotta Have Pep". Produced by ], the album features guest appearances by ], ], ] and ]. Lithgow also makes occasional appearances on stage and television singing children's songs, accompanying himself on guitar. | ||
=== Satirical works and political portrayals === | |||
In 2022, Lithgow presented ] with the ] at the ].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-2qX2ak7lo|title= John Lithgow honors Liv Ullmann at the 2022 Governors Awards|website= Youtube|date= June 7, 2022|accessdate= June 16, 2022}}</ref> | |||
'''Satirical works''' | |||
] | ] | ||
'''Political portrayals''' | |||
In June 2019, Lithgow portrayed ] in '']'', a live reading of special counsel ] on Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. Staged on the altar of New York City's ], the reading was created by playwright ] and narrated by ]. It also featured ] as Mueller, ] as ], ] as ] and ] as ].<ref name="Trump portrayal">{{cite news |last=Campione |first=Katie|date=June 24, 2019 |title=Lithgow, Bening and more stars perform Mueller report |publisher=] |access-date=October 31, 2019 |url=https://apnews.com/ccbda9a5150747869a048624689a36d3}}</ref> He also portrayed ] in a series of skits on '']''.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} | In June 2019, Lithgow portrayed ] in '']'', a live reading of special counsel ] on Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. Staged on the altar of New York City's ], the reading was created by playwright ] and narrated by ]. It also featured ] as Mueller, ] as ], ] as ] and ] as ].<ref name="Trump portrayal">{{cite news |last=Campione |first=Katie|date=June 24, 2019 |title=Lithgow, Bening and more stars perform Mueller report |publisher=] |access-date=October 31, 2019 |url=https://apnews.com/ccbda9a5150747869a048624689a36d3}}</ref> He also portrayed ] in a series of skits on '']''.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} | ||
In October 2019, Lithgow published ''Dumpty: The Age of Trump in Verse'', a book of poems and illustrations. The project originated when Lithgow was asked to perform a ]–style song he wrote about ].<ref name="Dumpty">{{cite news |last=Lithgow |first=John|date=October 17, 2019 |title=The Birth of 'Dumpty': A Song, a Sunset and a Talk Show |publisher=]|work=Blog |access-date=October 31, 2019 |url=https://www.powells.com/post/original-essays/the-birth-of-dumpty-a-song-a-sunset-and-a-talk-show}}</ref> The book charted at number three on '']'' hardcover nonfiction bestsellers in its first week.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/2019/11/10/hardcover-nonfiction/ |title=Hardcover Nonfiction Books |work=The New York Times |date=November 10, 2019 |access-date=August 26, 2021 }}</ref> A follow-up book title ''Trumpty Dumpty Wanted a Crown'' was released on September 29, 2020, by ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trumpty-dumpty-wanted-a-crown-john-lithgow/1136809109 |title=Trumpty Dumpty Wanted a Crown: Verses for a Despotic Age |work=Barnes & Noble |access-date=August 26, 2021 }}</ref> Lithgow contributed voiceover work for the audio book version of '']'', a 2018 children's book written by ], a comedy writer for ]'s television show '']''. The book is a loose parody of '']'', a children's book written by then–Vice President of the United States ]'s daughter ] and illustrated by his wife ]. |
In October 2019, Lithgow published ''Dumpty: The Age of Trump in Verse'', a book of poems and illustrations. The project originated when Lithgow was asked to perform a ]–style song he wrote about ].<ref name="Dumpty">{{cite news |last=Lithgow |first=John|date=October 17, 2019 |title=The Birth of 'Dumpty': A Song, a Sunset and a Talk Show |publisher=]|work=Blog |access-date=October 31, 2019 |url=https://www.powells.com/post/original-essays/the-birth-of-dumpty-a-song-a-sunset-and-a-talk-show}}</ref> The book charted at number three on '']'' hardcover nonfiction bestsellers in its first week.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/2019/11/10/hardcover-nonfiction/ |title=Hardcover Nonfiction Books |work=The New York Times |date=November 10, 2019 |access-date=August 26, 2021 }}</ref> A follow-up book title ''Trumpty Dumpty Wanted a Crown'' was released on September 29, 2020, by ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trumpty-dumpty-wanted-a-crown-john-lithgow/1136809109 |title=Trumpty Dumpty Wanted a Crown: Verses for a Despotic Age |work=Barnes & Noble |access-date=August 26, 2021 }}</ref> Lithgow contributed voiceover work for the audio book version of '']'', a 2018 children's book written by ], a comedy writer for ]'s television show '']''. The book is a loose parody of '']'', a children's book written by then–Vice President of the United States ]'s daughter ] and illustrated by his wife ]. | ||
==Personal life== | ==Personal life== | ||
Lithgow married Jean Taynton, a teacher, in 1966. They had one son together,<ref name =interview2015/> ].<ref name =hill>{{Cite news|title=Hill therapist/actor carries on family tradition|last=Groome |first=Clark| url=https://www.chestnuthilllocal.com/stories/hill-therapistactor-carries-on-family-tradition,2434 | Lithgow married Jean Taynton, a teacher, in 1966. They had one son together,<ref name =interview2015/> ].<ref name =hill>{{Cite news|title=Hill therapist/actor carries on family tradition|last=Groome |first=Clark| url=https://www.chestnuthilllocal.com/stories/hill-therapistactor-carries-on-family-tradition,2434 | ||
|work=Chestnut Hill Local |date=October 19, 2012 |access-date=May 28, 2024}}</ref> The couple separated following an affair between John Lithgow and actress ], and divorced in 1980.<ref name =interview2015>{{cite interview |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/love-is-strange/john-lithgow-interview/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/love-is-strange/john-lithgow-interview/ |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |
|work=Chestnut Hill Local |date=October 19, 2012 |access-date=May 28, 2024}}</ref> The couple separated following an affair between John Lithgow and actress ], and divorced in 1980.<ref name =interview2015>{{cite interview |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/love-is-strange/john-lithgow-interview/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/love-is-strange/john-lithgow-interview/ |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=John Lithgow: 'I just can't say no' | interviewer-first=Hermione |interviewer-last=Hoby |first =John|last =Lithgow|work=] |date=February 19, 2015 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |quote =He and his wife, Mary Yeager, a history professor at UCLA, have been together for 34 years... He has three children – a son from his first marriage (to Jean Taynton, a teacher; they separated after he had an affair with Liv Ullmann) and another son and a daughter with Yeager.}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Lithgow subsequently married ] history professor<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.history.ucla.edu/faculty/mary-yeager/ |title=Faculty: Professor Mary Yeager |work=] Department of History |access-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref> Mary Yeager and they had a son and daughter together.<ref name =interview2015/> | ||
== Acting credits and accolades == | == Acting credits and accolades == | ||
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Latest revision as of 02:54, 30 December 2024
American actor (born 1945) For other people named John Lithgow, see John Lithgow (disambiguation).
John Lithgow | |
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Lithgow in 2008 | |
Born | John Arthur Lithgow (1945-10-19) October 19, 1945 (age 79) Rochester, New York, U.S. |
Education | Harvard University (BA) London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art |
Occupations |
|
Years active | 1972–present |
Works | Full list |
Spouses |
|
Children | 3, including Ian Lithgow |
Awards | Full list |
Website | www |
John Arthur Lithgow (/ˈlɪθɡoʊ/ LITH-goh; born October 19, 1945) is an American actor. He studied at Harvard University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art before becoming known for his diverse work on stage and screen. He has received numerous accolades including six Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and two Tony Awards as well as nominations for two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, and four Grammy Awards. Lithgow received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2001 and was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2005.
Lithgow made his Broadway debut in The Changing Room (1972) for which he received his first Tony Award. In 1976 Lithgow acted alongside Meryl Streep in the plays 27 Wagons Full of Cotton, A Memory of Two Mondays and Secret Service at The Public Theatre. He received Tony Award nominations for Requiem for a Heavyweight (1985), M. Butterfly (1988), and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (2005). In 2002, Lithgow received his second Tony Award, this time for a musical, Sweet Smell of Success. In 2007, he made his Royal Shakespeare Company debut as Malvolio in Twelfth Night. He returned to Broadway in the plays The Columnist (2012), A Delicate Balance (2014), and Hillary and Clinton (2019).
He starred as Dick Solomon in the television sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996–2001), winning three Primetime Emmy Awards for Best Actor in a Comedy Series. He received further Primetime Emmy Awards for his performances as Arthur Mitchell in the drama Dexter (2009) and as Winston Churchill in the Netflix drama The Crown (2016–2019). He also starred in HBO's Perry Mason (2020) and FX's The Old Man (2022).
Lithgow's early film roles include in All That Jazz (1979) and Blow Out (1981) before receiving Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor nominations for his roles as a transexual ex-football player in The World According to Garp (1982) and a lonely banker in Terms of Endearment (1983). He also acted in films such as Footloose (1984), Harry and the Hendersons (1987), A Civil Action (1998), Shrek (2001), Kinsey (2004), Love Is Strange (2014), Interstellar (2014), Beatriz at Dinner (2017), Late Night (2019), Bombshell (2019), Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), and Conclave (2024).
Early life and education
Lithgow was born on October 19, 1945, in Rochester, New York. His mother, Sarah Jane (née Price), was a retired actress. His father, Arthur Washington Lithgow III, was a theatrical producer and director who ran McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey. His father was born in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, to a European-American family; his great-grandfather was a vice consul and vice commercial agent in the country. He is the third of four children and has three siblings: an older brother David Lithgow, an older sister Robin Lithgow, and a younger sister Sarah Jane Bokaer. On the show Finding Your Roots, Lithgow discovered that he is a descendant of eight Mayflower passengers, including colonial governor William Bradford.
Because of his father's job, the family moved frequently during Lithgow's childhood. He spent his childhood years in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where activist Coretta Scott King was his babysitter. He spent his teenage years in Akron (living at Stan Hywet Hall) and Lakewood, Ohio, followed by Princeton, New Jersey.
Lithgow graduated from Princeton High School in 1963. He then studied history and English literature at Harvard College. Lithgow lived in Adams House as an undergraduate and later served on Harvard's Board of Overseers. He credits a performance at Harvard of Gilbert and Sullivan's Utopia Limited with helping him decide to become an actor. He was a pupil of dramatist Robert Chapman who was the director of Harvard's Loeb Drama Center. Lithgow graduated from Harvard in 1967 with an A.B. magna cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
After he graduated, Lithgow won a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Also after graduation, he served as the Director of the Arts and Literature Department at WBAI, the Pacifica radio station in New York City.
Career
Main article: John Lithgow on screen and stage1972–1995: Rise to prominence
In 1972, Lithgow made his film debut in Dealing: Or the Berkeley-to-Boston Forty-Brick Lost-Bag Blues. In 1976 he starred in a pivotal role in Brian De Palma's Obsession with Cliff Robertson and Genevieve Bujold as Robertson's long time business partner Robert Lasalle. In 1973, Lithgow debuted on Broadway in David Storey's The Changing Room at the Morosco Theatre, earning him his first Tony nomination for Featured Actor in a Play and his first win. He also won a Drama Desk Award. The following year he starred again on Broadway in the comedy play My Fat Friend opposite Lynn Redgrave at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. In 1976 he starred on Broadway in Arthur Miller's A Memory of Two Mondays opposite Meryl Streep and Tom Hulce at the Playhouse Theatre. In 1979, Lithgow appeared in Bob Fosse's semi-autobiographical movie All That Jazz as Lucas Sergeant. The character was loosely based on the real-life Broadway director and choreographer Michael Bennett, known for his work on Follies, Company, Dreamgirls and A Chorus Line. Between 1978 and 1980, Lithgow appeared in ten episodes of the radio drama revival series CBS Radio Mystery Theater. Lithgow voiced the character of Yoda in the National Public Radio adaptations of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
In 1982 and 1983, Lithgow was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performances as Roberta Muldoon in The World According to Garp and as Sam Burns in Terms of Endearment. Both films were screen adaptations of popular novels. In 1983, Lithgow appeared in a remake of the classic Twilight Zone episode "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" in Twilight Zone: The Movie as the paranoid passenger made famous on the television show by William Shatner. In an interview with Bill Moyers, Lithgow reveals this role as his favorite of his film career. Also in 1983 Lithgow appeared in a minor role in the nuclear apocalypse TV film The Day After. In 1984, he starred in the film The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension as Dr. Emilio Lizardo / Lord John Whorfin. Also in 1984, he starred in 2010: The Year We Make Contact and played a pastor who condemns dancing in Footloose. In 1985, he starred opposite Jodie Foster in Mesmerized. Also in 1985, he starred in Santa Claus: The Movie alongside Dudley Moore. In 1986, he starred in The Manhattan Project directed by Marshall Brickman. In 1987, Lithgow starred in the Bigfoot-themed family comedy Harry and the Hendersons. In 1985, he starred in Requiem for a Heavyweight written by Rod Serling at the Martin Beck Theatre. In 1988 he starred in David Henry Hwang's M. Butterfly alongside BD Wong at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre.
In 1986, Lithgow received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his appearance in the episode The Doll of the Amazing Stories anthology series. Additionally, Lithgow has been nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Special for The Day After (1983) and two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Special for Resting Place (1986) and My Brother's Keeper (1995). Lithgow was approached about playing Dr. Frasier Crane on Cheers, but turned it down. In 1991, he starred in the movie Ricochet opposite Denzel Washington as Earl Talbot Blake, a criminal seeking revenge against the policeman who sent him to prison. Also in 1991, he played missionary Leslie Huben in the film adaptation of Peter Matthiessen's novel At Play in the Fields of the Lord. In 1992, he starred as a man with multiple personality disorder in Brian De Palma's film Raising Cain. In 1992, he became the narrator in the Dr. Seuss video classic, Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories. In 1993, he starred in Renny Harlin's film Cliffhanger opposite Sylvester Stallone as terrorist leader Eric Qualen, and reunited with Washington in Alan J. Pakula's film The Pelican Brief. In 1994, Lithgow played Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the NBC miniseries World War II: When Lions Roared (also known as Then There Were Giants) directed by Joseph Sargent starring alongside Michael Caine and Bob Hoskins. He provided narration for the IMAX film Special Effects: Anything Can Happen (1996).
1996–2015: Established actor
In television, Lithgow is probably most widely known for his starring role as Dick Solomon in the 1996–2001 NBC sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun. He received six consecutive nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and won three times (1996, 1997, 1999). His son Ian regularly appeared alongside him as Leon, one of his physics students. In 1998, he appeared in the film A Civil Action as Judge Walter J. Skinner. He lent his voice to the character Jean Claude in the 2000 Nickelodeon Movies animated film Rugrats in Paris: The Movie. In 2001, Lithgow gained recognition for voicing the evil but dwarfish Lord Farquaad in the Academy Award-winning DreamWorks Animation film Shrek alongside Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz. In 2002, he narrated Life's Greatest Miracle, a documentary about human embryonic development. That same year Lithgow returned to Broadway portraying J.J. Hunsecker in the adaptation of the 1957 film Sweet Smell of Success acting alongside Brian d'Arcy James. Lithgow won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his performance. In 2005, he starred on Broadway in the musical-comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels alongside Norbert Leo Butz at the Imperial Theatre. While both were nominated for the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical, Butz won over Lithgow. That same year Lithgow was elected into the American Theater Hall of Fame for his work on Broadway, as well as for his operas by Verdi and Wagner. In 2003, Lithgow wrote the narrations for Christopher Wheeldon ballet Carnival of the Animals and appeared as the elephant character—nurse Mabel Buntz—with the New York City Ballet.
In 2004, he portrayed the moralistic, rigid father of Alfred Kinsey in that year's biopic Kinsey; Liam Neeson also starred. In 2006, Lithgow had a small role in the Academy Award-winning film Dreamgirls as Jerry Harris, a film producer offering Deena Jones (Beyoncé Knowles) a film role. In 2005, Lithgow became the first ever actor to deliver a commencement speech at Harvard University and received an honorary Doctor of Arts from his alma mater. He was featured at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on December 4–6, 2009 for performances of Mozart's Requiem with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. He narrated some letters written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, some poems and sections from the Book of Revelation in certain parts of the performance. He returned for a 2005 revival, the Houston Ballet production of the same show in 2007, and the Pennsylvania Ballet production of it in 2008. In 2007, Lithgow played Malvolio in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Twelfth Night, at The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, in the United Kingdom.
Lithgow starred with Jeffrey Tambor in the NBC sitcom Twenty Good Years. Since 2006, he has starred in Progresso commercials, advertising their soup brand. On March 5, 2009, Lithgow made a cameo on NBC's 30 Rock acting in the episode "Goodbye, My Friend" with several references to his role in Harry and the Hendersons. In September 2009, Lithgow joined the cast of Dexter as Arthur Mitchell, a serial killer and Dexter Morgan's nemesis. He won a Golden Globe Award for this role and won an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series. He guest starred on How I Met Your Mother in the role of Barney Stinson's father, Jerry. In 2008 through 2009, Lithgow played Joe Keller in a Broadway revival of Arthur Miller's All My Sons directed by Simon McBurney. Lithgow starred alongside Dianne Wiest, Patrick Wilson and Katie Holmes in her Broadway debut at the Schoenfeld Theatre. He hosted Paloozaville, a children's Video on demand program on Mag Rack based on his bestselling children's books. Lithgow also appears in Books By You, a children's computer game and guides them through the steps to personalize a pre-designed book.
In 2010, Lithgow starred in the Off-Broadway production of Douglas Carter Beane's comedy Mr & Mrs Fitch alongside Jennifer Ehle at the Second Stage Theater which ran from February 22, 2010, to April 4, 2010. The same year, he appeared briefly in the romantic comedy Leap Year playing Amy Adams' father. On October 1, 2010, Lithgow appeared on Doug Benson's podcast Doug Loves Movies, with fellow guests Paul F. Tompkins and Jimmy Pardo. He has appeared on Chris Hardwick's show The Nerdist Podcast in 2012 and the WTF with Marc Maron podcast in 2019. In September 2011, Lithgow was featured in a one-night only production of Dustin Lance Black's play 8, a staged reenactment of the federal trial that overturned California's Prop 8 ban on same-sex marriage—as Attorney Theodore Olson to raise money for the American Foundation for Equal Rights. In 2015, Lithgow did the voice over work for Gore Vidal in the documentary film Best of Enemies with Kelsey Grammer. On October 18, 2017, Lithgow coauthored the New York Times daily crossword puzzle. In 2012 Lithgow returned to Broadway in David Auburn's play The Columnist, which played at the Manhattan Theatre Club. The performance earned him a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. In the winter of 2012–13 he appeared in the London revival of Arthur Wing Pinero's The Magistrate as Police Magistrate Aeneas Posket at the National Theatre.
In 2014, he returned to Central Park's Delacorte Theater and Shakespeare in the Park for the 2014 summer season in the title role of Shakespeare's King Lear, directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan. The production was the first play at the theater since 1973 and Lithgow's first time there since 1975 when he had played Laertes. In fall 2014, Lithgow returned to Broadway as Tobias in a revival of Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance. He starred opposite Glenn Close, Martha Plimpton, Lindsay Duncan, Bob Balaban and Clare Higgins. Pam MacKinnon directed the limited 18-week production at the John Golden Theatre. Lithgow gained critical attention for starring in Ira Sachs' independent romance film Love Is Strange (2014). The film received a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes with the consensus reading "Held aloft by remarkable performances from John Lithgow and Alfred Molina, Love Is Strange serves as a graceful tribute to the beauty of commitment in the face of adversity." The film also received four Independent Spirit Award nominations, including for both Lithgow and Molina. Lithgow during the 2010s appeared in Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), Jay Roach's The Campaign (2012), Judd Apatow's This Is 40 (2012), Christopher Nolan's Interstellar (2014), and Tommy Lee Jones' The Homesman (2014). In 2015, Lithgow made a cameo on Louis C.K.'s Louie in the season five episode "Sleepover" alongside Glenn Close, Michael Cera and Matthew Broderick.
2016–present
In 2016, Lithgow appeared in the first season of The Crown (2016) portraying Winston Churchill. Lithgow won numerous awards for his performance including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Lithgow then starred in the independent film Beatriz at Dinner (2017). Lithgow starred in the solo play John Lithgow: Stories by Heart, which opened on Broadway on January 11, 2018, at the American Airlines Theatre, written by Lithgow. Lithgow has performed this play around the U.S. starting at the Lincoln Center Theater with Willie Nelson in 2008, with a return performance at Lincoln Center slated for April to May 2019. During this time he also acted in Gavin O'Connor's The Accountant, John Madden's Miss Sloane (2016), Sean Anders's Daddy's Home 2 (2017), Trish Sie's Pitch Perfect 3 (2017), and a new adaptation of Stephen King's novel, Pet Sematary (2019).
In 2017, Lithgow starred in Trial & Error as a professor who becomes implicated in the murder of his wife in the first season (spring 2017) of the mockumentary series. In 2018, Lithgow was one of the actors who voiced the audiobook A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo. In 2019, Lithgow lent his voice for an audio play If You Win by Emily Chadick Weiss for Playing on Air and was released in spring 2020. Lithgow starred as Bill Clinton opposite Laurie Metcalf as Hillary Clinton in the Lucas Hnath play Hillary and Clinton on Broadway at the John Golden Theatre. The play opened on April 18, 2019, and closed on June 23, 2019. In 2019, Lithgow co-starred in Mindy Kaling's comedy Late Night. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival was released June 7, 2019. That same year he portrayed Fox News CEO Roger Ailes in the film Bombshell which starred Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie, and Nicole Kidman.
In 2020, Lithgow portrayed the lawyer Elias Birchard "E.B." Jonathan in season one of the HBO reboot of Perry Mason. In the story, Mr. Birchard starts out as the employer of Mason, who is his investigator. On June 28, 2021, Showtime confirmed that Lithgow would reprise his role of Arthur Mitchell in the 10-episode Dexter limited series, with Clyde Phillips returning as the head writer. The series premiered on November 7, 2021. In 2022 Lithgow portrayed Harold Harper in the Hulu series The Old Man opposite Jeff Bridges. For his performance he received a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film. In 2022, Lithgow presented Liv Ullmann with the Academy Honorary Award at the Governors Awards. In 2023, Lithgow acted in Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon as Prosecutor Peter Leaward. The film co-starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, and Robert De Niro and received ten Academy Award nominations including for Best Picture.
In May 2024 it was announced that Lithgow would be starring alongside Olivia Colman in the film Jimpa, directed by Australian director Sophie Hyde and filmed in South Australia, Amsterdam, and Helsinki. That same year he starred in the conspiracy thriller Conclave (2024) directed by Edward Berger. The film revolves around a fictional story about cardinals who are tasked in finding a successor to a deceased Pope. Lithgow starred opposite Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini. Also in 2024, he will participate in the animated movie Spellbound with Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem and Nathan Lane, to be released on Netflix.
Other work
Children's work
Lithgow has done extensive work for children, including several books and albums. He even took the children to some performances of Brahms Hungarian Dance Ballet and Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker where he was the conductor of the orchestra while the kids were performing. Some of his book titles are Marsupial Sue, Marsupial Sue Presents "The Runaway Pancake", Lithgow Party Paloozas!: 52 Unexpected Ways to Make a Birthday, Holiday, or Any Day a Celebration for Kids, Carnival of the Animals, A Lithgow Palooza: 101 Ways to Entertain and Inspire Your Kids, I'm a Manatee, Micawber, The Remarkable Farkle McBride, Mahalia Mouse Goes to College and I Got Two Dogs. He also appeared as a guest on Ants in Your Pants, a Canadian children's program.
Lithgow launched into a career as a recording artist with Singin' in the Bathtub, a 1999 album of children's music. In June 2002, Lithgow released his second children's album Farkle and Friends; however, Waylon Jennings died four months before its release, and it was dedicated to his memory. It was the musical companion to his book The Remarkable Farkle McBride, which tells the story of a young musical genius. Farkle and Friends features the vocal talents of Lithgow and Bebe Neuwirth, backed by the Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra as well. In August 2006, Lithgow released a Franz Schubert tribute album, The Sunny Side of the Street, his third children's album and first with Razor & Tie. This album features versions of classic songs from the Great American Songbook, including "Getting to Know You" and "Ya Gotta Have Pep". Produced by J. C. Hopkins, the album features guest appearances by Madeleine Peyroux, Wayne Knight, Sherie Rene Scott and Maude Maggart. Lithgow also makes occasional appearances on stage and television singing children's songs, accompanying himself on guitar.
Satirical works and political portrayals
In June 2019, Lithgow portrayed Donald Trump in The Investigation: A Search for the Truth in Ten Acts, a live reading of special counsel Robert Mueller's report on Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. Staged on the altar of New York City's Riverside Church, the reading was created by playwright Robert Schenkkan and narrated by Annette Bening. It also featured Kevin Kline as Mueller, Joel Grey as Jeff Sessions, Jason Alexander as Chris Christie and Alfre Woodard as Hope Hicks. He also portrayed Rudy Giuliani in a series of skits on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
In October 2019, Lithgow published Dumpty: The Age of Trump in Verse, a book of poems and illustrations. The project originated when Lithgow was asked to perform a Gilbert and Sullivan–style song he wrote about Michael Flynn. The book charted at number three on The New York Times hardcover nonfiction bestsellers in its first week. A follow-up book title Trumpty Dumpty Wanted a Crown was released on September 29, 2020, by Chronicle Books. Lithgow contributed voiceover work for the audio book version of A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, a 2018 children's book written by Jill Twiss, a comedy writer for HBO's television show Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. The book is a loose parody of Marlon Bundo's A Day in the Life of the Vice President, a children's book written by then–Vice President of the United States Mike Pence's daughter Charlotte Pence and illustrated by his wife Karen Pence.
Personal life
Lithgow married Jean Taynton, a teacher, in 1966. They had one son together, Ian Lithgow. The couple separated following an affair between John Lithgow and actress Liv Ullmann, and divorced in 1980. Lithgow subsequently married UCLA history professor Mary Yeager and they had a son and daughter together.
Acting credits and accolades
Main articles: John Lithgow on screen and stage and List of awards and nominations received by John LithgowLithgow has received two Tony Awards, six Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, an American Comedy Award, four Drama Desk Awards and has also been nominated for two Academy Awards and four Grammy Awards. Lithgow has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and he was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.
Lithgow was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 2019.
Discography
- Singin' in the Bathtub (1999, Sony Wonder)
- Farkle & Friends (2002, Kid Rhino)
- The Sunny Side of the Street (2006, Razor & Tie)
Bibliography
- The Remarkable Farkle McBride (2000, Simon & Schuster)
- Marsupial Sue (2001, Simon & Schuster)
- Micawber (2002, Simon & Schuster)
- I'm a Manatee (2003, Simon & Schuster)
- A Lithgow Palooza (2004, Simon & Schuster)
- Carnival of the Animals (2004, Simon & Schuster)
- Lithgow Party Paloozas!: 52 Unexpected Ways to Make a Birthday, Holiday, or Any Day a Celebration for Kids (2005, Simon & Schuster)
- Lithgow Paloozas!: Boredom Blasters (2005, Running Press)
- Marsupial Sue Presents "The Runaway Pancake" (2005, Simon & Schuster)
- Mahalia Mouse Goes to College (2007, Simon & Schuster)
- I Got Two Dogs (2008, Simon & Schuster)
- Dumpty: The Age of Trump in Verse (2019, Chronicle Prism)
- Trumpty Dumpty Wanted a Crown: Verses for a Despotic Age (2020, Chronicle Books)
References
- Contemporary Newsmakers: Cumulation. Gale Research Company. 1985. ISBN 9780810322011.
- "American Theatre". July 2005.
- "John Lithgow Biography (1945–)". Filmreference.com. Retrieved February 26, 2013.
- "John Lithgow Biography – Yahoo! Movies". Movies.yahoo.com. Retrieved February 26, 2013.
- ^ Stated on Finding Your Roots, April 13, 2021
- Ryzik, Melena (May 9, 2008). "A Story Shared by Father and Son, and Now by Audiences". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
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He and his wife, Mary Yeager, a history professor at UCLA, have been together for 34 years... He has three children – a son from his first marriage (to Jean Taynton, a teacher; they separated after he had an affair with Liv Ullmann) and another son and a daughter with Yeager.
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- HFPA Nominations and Winners HFPA Nominations and Winners Archived January 8, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
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External links
- Official website
- John Lithgow at the Internet Broadway Database
- John Lithgow at the Internet Off-Broadway Database
- John Lithgow at IMDb
- John Lithgow at the TCM Movie Database
- 1945 births
- 20th-century American male actors
- 21st-century American male actors
- Alumni of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
- American banjoists
- American humorists
- American male film actors
- American male musical theatre actors
- American male radio actors
- American male Shakespearean actors
- American male stage actors
- American male television actors
- American male voice actors
- American people of Dominican Republic descent
- American people of English descent
- Audiobook narrators
- Best Musical or Comedy Actor Golden Globe (television) winners
- Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe (television) winners
- Drama Desk Award winners
- Harvard College alumni
- Living people
- Male actors from Princeton, New Jersey
- Male actors from Rochester, New York
- Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Primetime Emmy Award winners
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series Screen Actors Guild Award winners
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series Screen Actors Guild Award winners
- Princeton High School (New Jersey) alumni
- Royal Shakespeare Company members
- Tony Award winners