John Lithgow
Birth Place: Rochester, NY
2026 Tony Awards Guide - How to Watch, Who is Nominated & More (Jun 5, 2026)
Photos: Red Bull Theater's Gala Honors John Lithgow and Joanna Cole (Jun 3, 2026)
Video: 2026 Theatre World Awards Red Carpet (Jun 2, 2026)
BIO
JOHN LITHGOW has long been regarded as one of America's most distinguished performers. He has made an indelible impression on audiences with his work in film, television and the theater, receiving two Tonys, six Emmys, two Golden Globes, four SAG Awards and two Oscar nominations. Lithgow has appeared in a long list of critically acclaimed films, as far back as The World According to Garp and as recent as Conclave. He most recently starred in The Rule of Jenny Pen with Geoffrey Rush, and in the title role of JIMPA with Olivia Colman, which debuted at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Lithgow has starred in the hit TV shows “3rd Rock from the Sun,” “Dexter,” “The Crown,” and the recent “The Old Man” on FX. On stage, he has appeared on Broadway twenty-five times, including award-winning appearances in “The Changing Room,” “M. Butterfly,” “Requiem for a Heavyweight,” and the musicals “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” and “The Sweet Smell of Success.” Upcoming, Lithgow will be seen as ‘Dumbledore’ in the “Harry Potter” series for HBO. In November, Lithgow concluded a sold-out run of “Giant” at London’s Royal Court Theatre, where he starred as Roald Dahl. The production then transferred to the Harold Pinter Theatre on the West End for a limited run in Spring 2025. Lithgow won an Olivier Award for Best Actor for his performance, with “Giant” also earning the award for Best New Play. For children, Lithgow has written several best-selling children’s picture books for Simon & Schuster. His recordings for kids have landed him four Grammy nominations , and he has appeared with a dozen major American orchestras in children’s concerts that feature many of his own songs. He wrote the narration for the New York City Ballet’s “Carnival of the Animals” in 2003 and danced the role of The Elephant. In 2011, a warm reception greeted Lithgow’s memoir “Drama: An Actor’s Education,” published by Harper Collins. Since 2019, he has written and illustrated the “Dumpty Trilogy,” three books of political satire from Chronicle Prism which achieved the remarkable feat of landing Lithgow on the New York Times non-fiction bestseller list for three consecutive years. Mr. Lithgow recently completed his term as co-chair of the Commission on the Arts of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, producing authoritative reports on America’s creative workforce and arts in education. The Commission’s deliberations also spawned Art Happens Here, a PBS documentary which highlights the importance of all the arts in the lives of young people.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Writing
Awards and Nominations
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John Lithgow, Giant
John Lithgow, Giant
John Lithgow, Giant
John Lithgow, John Lithgow: Stories by Heart
John Lithgow, The Columnist
John Lithgow, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
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John LithgowMrs. Farnsworth
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John Lithgow, Sweet Smell of Success
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John Lithgow , Sweet Smell of Success
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John Lithgow, Sweet Smell of Success
John LithgowM. Butterfly
John Lithgow, M Butterfly
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John Lithgow, M. Butterfly
John Lithgow, M. Butterfly
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John Lithgow, Requiem for a Heavyweight
John Lithgow, Requiem for a Heavyweight
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John Lithgow, The Changing Room
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John Lithgow, The Changing Room
Videos
Video: HARRY POTTER Special Will Go Behind the Scenes of HBO Series with John Lithgow, Janet McTeer & More
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-04-02 10:39:11
Video/Photos: HARRY POTTER Teaser Unveils First Look at New HBO Series
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-03-25 15:25:29
Video: John Lithgow Talks Roald Dahl and Bringing GIANT to Broadway
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-03-10 10:44:37
Video: Phillip Johnson Richardson Sings Acoustic 'Gramercy Park' from HELL'S KITCHEN
by Michael Major - 2025-06-20 11:12:50
Video: Kevin Bacon Visits FOOTLOOSE High School Prior to Demolition
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-04-21 09:54:48
VIDEO: Katie Holmes & Alan Cumming Star in RARE OBEJCTS Film Trailer
by Michael Major - 2023-02-23 13:16:21
VIDEO: Stephen Colbert Pays Tribute to Frank Galati on THE LATE SHOW
by Stephi Wild - 2023-01-06 08:12:03
VIDEO: TODAY Goes Behind the Scenes of MURDER IN STUDIO ONE Off-Broadway
by Michael Major - 2022-05-18 14:27:37
VIDEO: Krysta Rodriguez Sings and Signs from SPRING AWAKENING
by Taylor Brethauer-Hamling - 2021-11-07 15:51:06
VIDEO: Krysta Rodriguez Visits Backstage with Richard Ridge- Watch Now!
by Backstage With Richard Ridge - 2021-11-05 13:30:20
VIDEO: THE CROWN's Josh O'Connor and Emma Corrin Discuss How They Met, Other Roles They'd Like to Play, and More!
by Stephi Wild - 2020-11-22 19:14:23
VIDEO: The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Holds Virtual Benefit Gala Featuring Jonathan Groff, Carole King, and More!
by Stephi Wild - 2020-09-19 09:33:33
VIDEO: Krysta Rodriguez Sings 'Good Kisser' By Lake Street Dive at Feinstein's/54 Below
by Stephi Wild - 2020-03-16 07:37:41
VIDEO: John Lithgow Talks Dissecting Roger Ailes' Personality on LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS
by Sarah Leiber - 2019-12-20 21:08:23
VIDEO: John Lithgow Talks About His BOMBSHELL Transformation on THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JIMMY FALLON
by Sarah Leiber - 2019-12-18 20:14:18
News
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 5, 2026
Something's coming! The best of Broadway will take the stage Sunday night at Radio City Music Hall for the 79th Annual Tony Awards, hosted by P!nk. Need a refresher on how to watch and when? We've got you covered!
by Stephi Wild - Jun 3, 2026
Red Bull Theater honored John Lithgow with the Matador Award for Achievement in Classical Theater, and Joanna Cole with the George Mayer Award for Extraordinary Service to Classical Theater. Check out photos!
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 2, 2026
The 80th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony will be held today, June 2, 2026 at 2pm at The Longacre Theatre. Watch highlights from the red carpet in this video.
by Team BWW - Jun 2, 2026
This is the final chance to vote for the 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large - allowing YOU to have your say during the most exciting time of the year for the theater community.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 1, 2026
GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics kicked off Pride Month by bestowing Prince Faggot and Ragtime top honors in the group’s fourth annual Dorian Theater Awards.
by Alex Freeman - Jun 1, 2026
On the legal and legislative front, a federal judge ordered the removal of President Trump's name from the Kennedy Center and temporarily blocked its planned closure, while New York State added $150 million to its theatrical production tax credit program. Broadway closed out its 2025–2026 season with a new all-time box office record of $1.91 billion, and the Broadway League and Actors' Equity announced a new audition initiative called LEAP.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 1, 2026
The Drama Bookshop is partnering with the Broadway production of GIANT to give students a free copy of Mark Rosenblatt's Tony-nominated play with a valid student ID, while supplies last.
by Joshua Wright - May 29, 2026
The newly enacted New York State Fiscal Year 2027 Budget includes a $150 million increase to the New York City Musical and Theatrical Production Tax Credit, extending the program's runway and clearing the way for shows that opened in recent months to apply retroactively.
by Team BWW - May 29, 2026
There's just four days left to vote for the 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large - allowing YOU to have your say during the most exciting time of the year for the theater community.
by Nicole Rosky - May 27, 2026
The Authors Guild Foundation (AGF) will launch “Page to Stage”, an intimate salon series on bringing literary works and the figures behind them to the stage with bestselling author Harlan Coben in conversation with playwright Mark Rosenblatt.
by Alex Freeman - May 26, 2026
On the business side, ATG Entertainment is reportedly being prepared for a possible sale by its private equity owner, while Pittsburgh Public Theater terminated its staff ahead of its merger with Pittsburgh CLO — two stories that speak to the consolidation and financial pressures reshaping the industry. Against that backdrop, Milwaukee Repertory Theater stands out as a striking counterexample: the company has nearly doubled its operating budget since 2020, opened a landmark $80 million theater complex, and is expanding its season to 13 productions, fueled by a philosophy of investing in artists and audiences rather than contracting.
by Team BWW - May 22, 2026
The first standings have been revealed for the 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large.
by Luka Vonier - May 25, 2026
Watch in this video as 2026 Tony Awards nominee John Lithgow chats more about seeing old friends, his giant journey with the company of Giant, and so much more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 20, 2026
Red Bull Theater will honor John Lithgow, Tony Award nominee for this season’s Giant, with the Matador Award for Achievement in Classical Theater, and Joanna Cole, will receive the George Mayer Award for Extraordinary Service to Classical Theater.
by Luka Vonier - May 19, 2026
Watch in this video as 2026 Tony Awards nominee Aya cash chats more about her bonkers Giant cast, what an honor it is to be in this Broadway season, and so much more.
by Nicole Rosky - May 19, 2026
Four-time Tony nominated and Olivier Award-winning Best Play, GIANT, has recouped its $5.6 million Broadway capitalization just 10 weeks into its planned 16-week limited engagement on Broadway.
by Josh Sharpe - May 18, 2026
Stage actress Gracie Cochrane, who stars as Ginny Weasley in the first season of HBO's Harry Potter series, will depart the series after the first season. The character will be recast for future seasons.
by Ben Waterhouse - May 19, 2026
Tony Nominations were announced earlier this month Tuesday, providing many shows, particularly new musicals, with a shot in the arm, as many had been previously struggling.
by Alex Freeman - May 18, 2026
In New York, awards season rolls on: Schmigadoon! and Ragtime led the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards, Dorian Award nominations have been announced, and John Lithgow is slated for a lifetime achievement honor. Chicago’s Jeff Awards have halted non-Equity adjudication to overhaul policies following community backlash, while the UK’s National Theatre is launching a 12-venue partnership to rescue a collapsing regional touring network. We round out the news with a wave of key executive appointments in Massachusetts, Dallas, and London, a breakdown of Australia’s complex new $1.1 billion arts budget, and the return of BroadwayWorld's My Show’s Curtain Call for the 2025-2026 season.
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - May 18, 2026
The best of the New York City theatre community gathered at Town Hall for the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards. Stars in attendance included John Lithgow, Norbert Leo Butz, Alex Brightman, Beth Leavel, Donna McKechnie, and more. Check out photos here!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
John Lithgow has appeared on Broadway in 25 shows.
John Lithgow has appeared on London's West End in 3 shows.
John Lithgow's first West End show was The Magistrate which opened in 2012
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Giant, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Giant, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Giant, Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for John Lithgow: Stories by Heart, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Columnist, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Outstanding Featured Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Mrs. Farnsworth, Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Sweet Smell of Success, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Sweet Smell of Success , Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sweet Smell of Success, Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for M. Butterfly, Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for M Butterfly, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for M. Butterfly, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for M. Butterfly, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Requiem for a Heavyweight, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Requiem for a Heavyweight, Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for The Changing Room and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Changing Room.
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Giant; Outstanding Featured Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Mrs. Farnsworth; Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Sweet Smell of Success; Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Sweet Smell of Success; Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sweet Smell of Success; Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for M. Butterfly; Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Requiem for a Heavyweight; Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for The Changing Room; and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Changing Room.
John Lithgow has written 1 shows including John Lithgow: Stories By Heart (Playwright).
Videos
