Despite his character-actor looks, Lithgow managed to become an unconventional leading man when he signed on to the sitcom
3rd Rock from the Sun as an eccentric alien patriarch. Of course, the veteran actor had spent the prior two decades as a stage and screen supporting player. The son of a well-known theater producer, Lithgow earned a Tony Award for his 1973 Broadway debut in
The Changing Room. Throughout the '70s, he appeared in at least one show per year on the Great White Way while simultaneously popping up on the big screen in small roles. His Academy Award-nominated turn as a transsexual in 1982's
The World According to Garp captured Hollywood's attention, and suddenly Lithgow became an in-demand screen actor. Incredibly versatile, Lithgow was able to contort himself to fit his parts: His imposing frame and deep-set eyes no longer seemed menacing when he smiled mischievously. And throughout the '80s and '90s, Lithgow used his chameleon-like talents to embody villains and victims, sadists and sad sacks, snagging his second Oscar nod for his sensitive turn in
Terms of Endearment, and generally earning critical raves whether appearing in movies of high quality (
Pelican Brief) or high camp (
Raising Cane). In the '90s Lithgow conquered a third medium, winning three Emmys during his tenure on
3rd Rock. When the series ended, he returned to Broadway after a 14-year absence and won his second Tony for the musical
The Sweet Smell of Success. He has also authored a number of popular books and recordings for children.
John Lithgow Fast Facts:
- Made his stage debut at age 6 in his father Arthur Lithgow's production of Henry VI, Part III.
- Received a Fulbright scholarship to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
- Has written children's books (among them Marsupial Sue and I'm a Manatee), recorded children's albums (including Singin' in the Bathtub, Farkle and Friends) and hosted children's concerts at Carnegie Hall.
- A 2004 Grammy Award nominee in the Best Spoken Word Album for Children category for his Carnival of the Animals.
- Inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in 2005.
- John Lithgow Relationships:
- Arthur Lithgow - Father
- Ian Lithgow - Son
- Jean Taynton - Ex-wife
- Mary Yeager - Wife
- Nathan Lithgow - Son
- Phoebe Lithgow - Daughter
- Sarah Lithgow - Mother
- John Lithgow Awards:
- 1997 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy - Winner
- 1998 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy - Nominee
- 1999 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy - Nominee
- 1986 Emmy: Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series - Winner
- 1996 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series - Winner
- 1997 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series - Winner
- 1998 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series - Nominee
- 1999 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series - Winner
- 2000 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series - Nominee
- 2001 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series - Nominee
- 1986 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Special - Nominee
- 1995 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Special - Nominee
- 1982 Oscar: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role - Nominee
- 1983 Oscar: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role - Nominee
- 1973 Tony: Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play - Winner
- 2002 Tony: Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical - Winner
- 2005 Tony: Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical - Nominee
- 1985 Tony: Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play - Nominee
- 1988 Tony: Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play - Nominee
- 1984 Emmy: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Special - Nominee
- College:
- Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (BA in History and Literature, 1967)
