John Lithgow: All About His Best Roles Through The Years

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John Lithgow

Born October 19, 1945 in Rochester, New York, John Lithgow was destined for the acting world! Raised by his mother, a retired actress, and his father, a theatre director, John grew up surrounded by inspiration to pursue a career in drama! After graduating from Harvard with a degree in history and literature, John Lithgow would study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art with the Fulbright Program. From there it wouldn't take long for John to begin his rise to fame!

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'Secret Service'

Upon completion of his studies in London, John Lithgow returned to New York and would make his Broadway debut in 1973's production of The Changing Room. His first play was a huge success, earning him his first Tony Award, and he would go on to star in a number of plays with Meryl Streep in the 1970s, including Secret Service, 27 Wagons Full of Cotton, and A Memory of Two Mondays.

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'The World According to Garp'

While John Lithgow would make his film debut in 1972, his film career wouldn't pick up steam until the 1980s when he starred in comedy-drama The World According to Garp. The 1982 film cast Lithgow into the role of "Roberta Muldoon" alongside late actor and comedian Robin Williams. For his performance, John Lithgow would be nominated for his first Academy Award!

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'Terms of Endearment'

John Lithgow's second Academy Award nomination would follow close behind for his performance in 1983's comedy-drama Terms of Endearment. Over the course of his career, Lithgow has been nominated for two Academy Awards and four Grammy Awards, and has won two Tony Awards, six Emmy Awards, and two Golden Globes!

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'Footloose'

Over the years John Lithgow has starred in a number of hit films including: as the "Reverend" in Footloose (1984), The Pelican Brief (1993), Kinsey (2004), and Dreamgirls (2006). Taking on a variety of different roles, John Lithgow is one of the most versatile actors around!

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'3rd Rock from the Sun'

In addition to Broadway and film, John Lithgow is also a successful television star! His first major role in a TV series would come in 1996 when he was cast as "Dick Solomon" in 3rd Rock from the Sun. John played the part for the sitcom's entire run until it ended in 2001, winning three Primetime Emmys for his work!

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'The Sweet Smell of Success'

While building his on-screen career, John Lithgow has continued to stay true to his theatre roots performing regularly on Broadway over the years! He would win his second Tony Award in 2002 for a production of The Sweet Smell of Success and in 2007, John Lithgow also made his debut with the Royal Shakespeare Company in their production of Twelfth Night.

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'Dexter'

Another big television role for John Lithgow, and one of our personal favorites, was as the "Trinity Killer" in season four of crime drama Dexter. While only on the series for a season, John Lithgow made quite the impression on both critics and fans earning himself another Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama!

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'The Crown'

Most recently, John Lithgow has played the part of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill on Netflix's The Crown. Lithgow won yet another Primetime Emmy for the part and critics had nothing but praise for his portrayal of the legendary figure!

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'Bombshell'

At 79, John Lithgow is showing no signs of slowing down! In recent years, you can catch John continuing to play legendary roles such as the notorious "Roger Ailes" in 2019's 'Bombshell' and on HBO's period drama 'Perry Mason' as "Elias Birchard Jonathon". With his impressive resume, John Lithgow has left a huge mark on the acting world, and we wish the talented actor a very Happy Birthday!