John Lithgow

Birth Place: Rochester, NY

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John Lithgow BIO

John Lithgow's roots are in the theater. In 1973, he won a Tony Award three weeks after his Broadway debut, in David Storey's The Changing Room. Since then he has appeared on Broadway twenty more times, earning five more Tony nominations, another Tony, four Drama Desk Awards, and induction into the Theatre Hall of Fame. His Broadway performances have included major roles in My Fat Friend, Trelawney of the 'Wells,' Comedians, Anna Christie, Bedroom Farce, Beyond Therapy, M. Butterfly, The Front Page, Retreat from Moscow, All My Sons, The Columnist, and the musicals Sweet Smell of Success (his second Tony) and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. In 2007, Lithgow was one of the very few American actors ever invited to join The Royal Shakespeare Company, playing Malvolio in Twelfth Night at Stratford-upon-Avon. In 2008, he devised his own one-man show Stories by Heart for The Lincoln Center Theater Company, and has been touring it around the country ever since. He played the title role in Arthur Wing Pinero's The Magistrate at London's National Theatre. Lithgow returned to the New York stage in 2014, first as King Lear for The Public's Shakespeare in the Park, and then on Broadway in Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance. In the early 1980's, Lithgow began to make a major mark in film. At that time, he was nominated for Oscars in back-to-back years, for The World According to Garp and Terms of Endearment. In the years before and after, he has appeared in over fifty films. Notable among them have been All That Jazz, Blow Out, Twilight Zone: the Movie, Footloose, 2010, Buckaroo Banzai, Harry and the Hendersons, Memphis Belle, Raising Cain, Ricochet, Cliffhanger, Orange County, Shrek, Kinsey, Dreamgirls, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Campaign, This is 40, Interstellar, Love is Strange, The Accountant, Miss Sloane, and in 2017 the dramatic comedy Beatriz at Dinner with Salma Hayek. Later this year, audiences will see Lithgow again on the big screen in Pitch Perfect 3 and Daddy's Home 2. Lithgow has been nominated for twelve Emmy Awards for his work on television. He has won five: one for an episode of "Amazing Stories," and three for his work on the hit NBC comedy series "3rd Rock from the Sun," as the loopy character of the alien High Commander, Dick Solomon. During the show's six-year run, Lithgow also won a Golden Globe, two SAG Awards, The American Comedy Award, and, when it finally went off the air, a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Additionally, his diabolical turn as the Trinity Killer in a twelve-episode arc on Showtime's "Dexter" won him his second Golden Globe and his fifth Emmy. Most recently, Lithgow starred as Winston Churchill in Netflix's original series, "The Crown," for which he has received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in this year's upcoming Emmy Awards. This past March, Lithgow starred in the new NBC comedy series, "Trial & Error." Since 1998 he has written nine New York Times best-selling children's picture books, most recently Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo. He has performed concerts for children with major American orchestras and has released three kids' albums, Singin' in the Bathtub, Farkle & Friends, and the Grammy-nominated The Sunny Side of the Street. Lithgow has been honored with the New Victory Theater Arts Award for his work "bringing kids to the arts and the arts to the kids." In 2011, HarperCollins published his memoir, Drama: An Actor's Education, presenting his life and career up to the age of 35. John Lithgow was born in Rochester, New York, but grew up in Ohio. He graduated from high school in Princeton, New Jersey, attended Harvard College, and studied at the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art on a Fulbright Grant. Lithgow has been honored with the Fulbright Lifetime Achievement Medal, induction into The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Harvard. On that last occasion, he became the first actor to ever deliver Harvard's Commencement Address. Lithgow has three grown children, two grandchildren, and lives in Los Angeles and New York. He has been married for over thirty five years to Mary Yeager, a Professor of Economic and Business History at UCLA.

John Lithgow Photos

John Lithgow STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2019
Bill

[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company Original Broadway Production, 2018
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2014
Tobias

[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park, 2014
Lear

King Lear

[West End]
National Theatre Production, 2012
The Magistrate

[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Production, 2012
Joseph Alsop

[Off-Broadway]
Second Stage Theatre Production, 2010
Mr. Fitch

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2008
Joe Keller

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2005
Lawrence

[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2004
Lawrence Jamieson

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2003
Edward

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2003
Mystery Guest Star [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
J.J. Hunsecker

[Broadway]
1988
Rene Gallimard

[Broadway]
1986
Walter Burns

[Broadway]
1985
Harlan "Mountain" McClintock

[Broadway]
1982
Bruce

[Off-Broadway]
1981
George S. Kaufman

[Broadway]
1980
Chris

[Off-Broadway]
1980
Joe Hill

[Broadway]
1979
Trevor [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Unknown, 1979
Frank

[Broadway]
1978
George Lewis

[Broadway]
1977
Mat Burke

[Broadway]
1976
Ged Murray

[Broadway]
1976
Captain Thorne

[Broadway]
1975
Mr. Ferdinand Gadd

[Off-Broadway]
1975
Laertes/ Player King

[Broadway]
1974
James

[Broadway]
1973
"Kenny" Kendal

John Lithgow Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2022]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Director

Writing


John Lithgow Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Solo Performance

John Lithgow, John Lithgow: Stories by Heart

Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Actor - Musical

John Lithgow, Sweet Smell of Success

Drama Desk Awards - 1985 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

John Lithgow, Requiem for a Heavyweight

John Lithgow Videos

John Lithgow News


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Video: Kevin Bacon Recreates FOOTLOOSE Dance to Celebrate the End of the Actors Strike

Kevin Bacon took to social media to celebrate the end of the actors strike with a dance many may find familiar! The actor recreated an iconic scene from Footloose, in which he starred, to mark the end of the 118-day strike.

CaixaForum Plus incluye el documental ON BROADWAY en su plataforma

La pieza dirigida por Oren Jacoby del 2019 se puede ver ya en streaming.

Grant Gustin Will Make Broadway Debut in WATER FOR ELEPHANTS; Additional Cast Revealed

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The San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra to Perform Five Concerts In The 2023-24 Season

Don't miss the SF Symphony Youth Orchestra and Daniel Stewart as they take the stage for five incredible concerts in the 2023-24 season. Find out when and where you can catch these talented performers in action.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 19th, 2023

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 19, 2023 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Violin Soloist Midori Will Perform In Concert With Festival Strings Lucerne At Mechanics Hall

Music Worcester presents Midori, one of the most acclaimed violinists of her generation, in concert on Friday, November 3rd at Mechanics Hall in Worcester with the Festival Strings Lucerneorchestra. Learn more about the concert here!

LOVE AMONG THE RUINS Extends at El Portal Theatre

Love Among the Ruins has been extended on additional week.  Learn more about how to get tickets to the new shows here!

Interview: A Most Amiable Joint Effort of James G. Hirsch & Robert A. Papazian to Create LOVE AMONG THE RUINS

James G. Hirsch & Robert A. Papazian’s Love Among the Ruins begins its limited engagement at the El Portal Theatre October 8, 2023 (with previews starting October 6th). Michael Arabian directs the stellar cast of JoBeth Williams and Peter Strauss. After decades in successful careers in television, Love Among the Ruins marks James and Robert’s initial foray into theatre.

Maude Maggart to Present New Show HERE COME THE DREAMERS at Birdland

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present the singular cabaret artist Maude Maggart in the premiere of her new show “Here Come the Dreamers” on Monday, October 16 at 7:00 PM.

DEAD OUTLAW World Premiere, NOBODY CARES Starring Laura Benanti & More Set for Audible Theater Programming

Audible Inc. celebrates the fifth anniversary of Audible Theater with new shows: The Energy Curfew Music Hour, Nobody Cares starring Laura Benanti, and the world premiere of Dead Outlaw. Read more about these upcoming productions and the expansion of Audible Theater's programming.

Audible Theater's New York Premiere of SWING STATE to Begin Previews Tomorrow

Audible Theater’s New York premiere of the Goodman Theatre production of Swing State, written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Rebecca Gilman begins previews this week. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Cheyenne Jackson, Ada Vox, and More to be Featured in LA CAGE at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

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LA CAGE Returns With Cheyenne Jackson and Ada Vox in October

 La Cage, a high-energy, immersive live theatrical experience, will launch at Hollywood Roosevelt’s iconic Cinegrill Theatre on October 5. Inspired by the legendary La Cage Aux Folles nightclub in LA, the variety show promises to bring back the golden age of Hollywood supper clubs to a new generation while paying homage to its rich history.  

Amy Brenneman to Star in the LA Premiere of THE SOUND INSIDE at Pasadena Playhouse

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Irvine Barclay Theatre Reveals Upcoming Season

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Cast Set for QUICK SERVICE at The Cape Cod Theatre Project

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Wake Up With BWW 6/29: CAMELOT Closing, RENT at Kennedy Center Cast, and More!

Top stories: Rent at Kennedy Center casting (Ali Stroker, Myles Frost, Jimmie Herrod, Andrew Barth Feldman, and Alex Boniello), plus Camelot will close next month, and more!

Cape Cod Theatre Project Kicks Off With Sharr White Event On June 22

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Melissa Errico Brings THE LIFE AND LOVES OF A BROADWAY BABY to Crazy Coqs

Tony Award-nominated Broadway star and recording artist and author, Melissa Errico returns to Crazy Coqs for a laughing night of backstage stories & Broadway dreams in her brand new concert, “The Life & Loves of a Broadway Baby,” featuring jazz, swing, theatre and film music from her acclaimed albums, and stage roles.

John Lithgow FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

John Lithgow has appeared on Broadway in 24 shows.

John Lithgow has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

John Lithgow's first West End show was The Magistrate which opened in 2012

John Lithgow has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. These include 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."

John Lithgow has won several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable wins include the 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).

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