Overview of profiles brief
| Full Name | John Arthur Lithgow |
|---|---|
| Age | 77 years old |
| Birthday | October 19, 1945 |
| Birth Sign | Libra |
| Born | Rochester, New York, United States |
| Relationship | Married to Mary Yeager (1981–present) |
| Height | 6′ 4′′ |
| Net Worth | $45 million |
| Social Media | Facebook / Twitter / Instagram |
John Lithgow‘s Background
John Arthur Lithgow was born in Rochester, New York on October 19, 1945. From a young age, he expressed great interest in performance and storytelling. As a teenager, Lithgow began acting in plays at Harvard University where he was an undergraduate student. He later trained at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art to hone his skills as a dramatic actor.
Lithgow made his Broadway debut in 1973 in David Storey‘s The Changing Room, for which he won the Tony and Drama Desk Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play. This marked the beginning of a prolific theater career including acclaimed performances in Requiem for a Heavyweight, M. Butterfly, and many others.
Rise to Fame on Screen
Though the theater was his first love, Lithgow soon transitioned to the big screen as well. He was nominated for an Academy Award and won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Roberta Muldoon in 1982‘s The World According to Garp. Other memorable early film roles include Terms of Endearment, Footloose, Cliffhanger, and Love is Strange.
Lithgow‘s major breakout television role came in 1996 when he starred as the hilarious alien High Commander Dick Solomon in NBC‘s hit sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun. His comedic genius earned him multiple Emmy Awards and cemented his status as a beloved sitcom star. Since then, he has continued to shine on the small screen with acclaimed performances in Dexter, The Crown, Perry Mason, and countless others.
Why We Love John Lithgow
His Unparalleled Range
Lithgow has portrayed everything from cruel villains to naïve aliens over his career, demonstrating an incredible ability to fully inhabit wildly different psyches. This immense range has allowed him to bring honesty, complexity, and heart to every kind of character imaginable.
His Skills as a Consummate Storyteller
Whether performing on the stage or screen, Lithgow draws his audience into rich story worlds with ease. His emotional intelligence and total commitment make each character‘s inner life palpable and real.
His Masterful Command of the Craft
Lithgow brings both intellect and instinct to each acting role. His meticulous technique is grounded in deep emotional availability and connection, allowing him to craft performances of enormous impact.
His Enduring Passion
Now over 50 years into his acting career, Lithgow retains a youthful energy and dedication to his craft. He remains fascinated by the magic of performance and storytelling, staying sharply committed to every new project.
Interesting Facts About John Lithgow
- Made Broadway history by starring in roles ranging from Mame to Macbeth within one single six-month theater season.
- Provided the voice and physical movements for Lord Farquaad, the comically evil antagonist in 2001‘s hit animated film Shrek.
- His father Arthur Lithgow was a pioneering theater director and producer who profoundly shaped John‘s path.
- Has written nine children‘s books and released several music albums for kids over the years.
- Remains an outspoken advocate for arts education and enriching the lives of children through the arts.
- At 6 feet 4 inches tall, he stands as one of the tallest stars in Hollywood.
- Fluent in French after living in France as a teenager.
John Lithgow Continues to Captivate Audiences
Whether starring in a new film or TV project, treading the boards on Broadway, or supporting a cause he‘s passionate about, John Lithgow remains a captivating, one-of-a-kind performer. His tremendous love for storytelling and dedication to his craft is evident in every endeavor he undertakes. For his ability to speak to the full spectrum of human experience through his artistry, Lithgow will always maintain his rightful place as a giant in the cultural landscape.