Biography
Who is John Lithgow?
Early life and education
John Lithgow was born in Rochester, United States. His mother, Sara Jane Lithgow, was a retired actress, and his father, Arthur Lithgow, worked as a theatrical producer and director. Because of his father's profession, the family moved frequently during his childhood, living in several different towns and cities.
John attended Princeton High School and graduated in 1963. He then enrolled at Harvard College to study history and English literature. During his time as an undergraduate, a campus theatre performance helped him decide to pursue acting. Following his graduation from Harvard, he received a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
Stage and Broadway career
John made his Broadway debut in 1973 in David Storey's play The Changing Room, portraying an English rugby player. His performance earned him a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play. He continued to perform in various theatrical productions throughout the decades, establishing a strong reputation on stage.
In 2002, he won his second Tony Award, taking home the prize for Best Actor in a Musical for playing a fearful columnist in Sweet Smell of Success. He added a third Tony Award to his collection for portraying Roald Dahl in Giant. Over the years, he has also received nominations for his roles in productions such as Requiem for a Heavyweight, M. Butterfly, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
Television and film work
On television, John gained widespread recognition for starring as Dick Solomon in the NBC sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun between 1996 and 2001. This role earned him three Primetime Emmy Awards. He later received additional Emmy recognition for his dramatic work, including a guest role in Dexter and a portrayal of Winston Churchill in the Netflix series The Crown.
In film, John has received two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor for his performances in The World According to Garp and Terms of Endearment. His other well-known film appearances include roles in Footloose, Harry and the Hendersons, Shrek, Interstellar, and Killers of the Flower Moon.
Birthday and age
John Lithgow was born on October 19, 1945, which makes John 81 years old today. That birthday falls under the Libra sign. John shares the date with 19 other famous people.
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