John Lithgow is a celebrated American actor, born on October 19, 1945, in Rochester, New York.
He studied at Harvard University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, launching a distinguished career in theater and film.
Lithgow has won multiple awards, including two Academy Award nominations for The World According to Garp and Terms of Endearment.
He gained fame for his role in the TV series 3rd Rock from the Sun and has recently voiced characters in animated films like Shrek and Spellbound.
Siblings
John has one sister namely Robin Lithgow.
Growing up in a theatrical family, they were often influenced by their parents’ careers in acting and theater.
Lithgow has mentioned that during his childhood, he and his sister were occasionally babysat by Coretta Scott King in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Career
Lithgow’s career spans over five decades, showcasing his versatility across film, television, and theater.
He made his Broadway debut in 1973 with The Changing Room, a performance that earned him his first Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play.
Lithgow has won two Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Play, with the second coming from his acclaimed role in M. Butterfly in 1984.
His early work on stage established him as a formidable talent in dramatic roles.
In film, Lithgow gained significant recognition for his performances in notable movies such as The World According to Garp and Terms of Endearment.
For his role as Roberta Muldoon in The World According to Garp, he received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
He garnered a second Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Daryl in Terms of Endearment.
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His filmography also includes memorable roles in Footloose and Harry and the Hendersons, as well as more recent appearances in films like Interstellar, where he played Professor Brand.
Lithgow’s television career has been equally impressive. He became a household name with his role as Dick Solomon in the sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun, This performance earned him three Primetime Emmy Awards and solidified his status as a comedic actor.
Later, he took on the role of Arthur Mitchell, the Trinity Killer, in the critically acclaimed series Dexter.
His portrayal is often regarded as one of the show’s highlights and earned him another Emmy nomination.
More recently, Lithgow portrayed Winston Churchill in the Netflix series The Crown, a performance that won him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
In addition to his acting career, John Lithgow has found success in voice acting.
He has lent his distinctive voice to animated characters in films such as Shrek, where he voiced Lord Farquaad, and has made various guest appearances on shows like How I Met Your Mother and The Simpsons.
Lithgow is also an accomplished author, having written several children’s books and memoirs, including Drama: An Actor’s Education, which reflects on his experiences in theater.
Awards and accolades
Lithgow has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his distinguished career, reflecting his versatility and talent across film, television, and theater.
He has been nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his performances in The World According to Garp and Terms of Endearment.
Lithgow’s television work has garnered him six Primetime Emmy Awards from thirteen nominations, with notable wins for his roles in 3rd Rock from the Sun, Dexter, and The Crown.
In addition to his Emmy wins, he has received two Golden Globe Awards and three Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Lithgow’s stage performances have earned him two Tony Awards, one for The Changing Room and another for Sweet Smell of Success.
He has also been recognized with various nominations, including four Grammy Awards for his contributions to children’s music and spoken word albums.
Furthermore, Lithgow was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy in the entertainment industry.
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