News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
John Lithgow Headshot

John Lithgow

Birth Place: Rochester, NY

Get John Lithgow Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

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.

Photos

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

Productions

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

Writing


Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Solo Performance

John Lithgow, John Lithgow: Stories by Heart

Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

John Lithgow, The Columnist

Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

John Lithgow, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Featured Actor - Play

John LithgowMrs. Farnsworth


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Actor - Musical

John Lithgow, Sweet Smell of Success


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

John Lithgow , Sweet Smell of Success


winner
Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

John Lithgow, Sweet Smell of Success

Helen Hayes Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production

John LithgowM. Butterfly

Drama Desk Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Actor - Play

John Lithgow, M Butterfly


winner
Drama League Awards - 1988 - Distinguished Performance Award

John Lithgow, M. Butterfly

Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

John Lithgow, M. Butterfly


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1985 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

John Lithgow, Requiem for a Heavyweight

Tony Awards - 1985 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

John Lithgow, Requiem for a Heavyweight


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Performance

John Lithgow, The Changing Room


winner
Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

John Lithgow, The Changing Room

Videos

News


Jennifer Holliday & More to Perform With The San Francisco Symphony This Holiday Season

The San Francisco Symphony’s 2024 holiday season, December 1–21, will feature a festive lineup of programs, including performances of traditional Christmas classical music, family-friendly events and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: New Trailer for SPELLBOUND Musical Feat. Rachel Zegler, Nathan Lane, & More

Netflix has released the first full trailer for Spellbound, the animated musical by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater also featuring the voice of Rachel Zegler. Watch it now!
Netflix to Release New SPELLBOUND Trailer Tomorrow

Tomorrow October 29, Netflix will release the first full trailer for Spellbound, the animated musical by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater which features the voice of Rachel Zegler. Netflix has teased the trailer on X, sharing a new poster of the film. Take a look at the post here!
San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra And Music Director Radu Paponiu Kick Off First Season Together In November

The SF Symphony Youth Orchestra announced Radu Paponiu as the new Wattis Foundation Music Director for the 2024–25 season, marking a new chapter in the orchestra's leadership.
Kelli O'Hara to Perform at Steppenwolf Theatre in April

Kelli O'Hara is set to perform at Steppenwolf Theatre in spring 2025. The Tony Award-winning actress will bring her Broadway talents to Chicago for two special nights. Learn more about the performance and see how to purchase tickets.
Phillip Johnson Richardson Joins HELL'S KITCHEN as 'Knuck' This Month

Broadway’s HELL’S KITCHEN will welcome Phillip Johnson Richardson (The Wiz) as “Knuck”, starting on Tuesday, October 22. Chris Lee, who originated the role, will play his final performance on Sunday, October 20.
John Lithgow Hopes Roald Dahl Play GIANT Will Have a Run in America

In a new interview John Lithgow has revealed that he hopes Giant, the play about Roald Dahl in which Lithgow stars in the West End, will cross the pond and have a run in America.
Review: Moonbox Productions DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS is a Devilish Delight

What did our critic think of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS at Moonbox Productions? Read the review...
Review Roundup: GIANT at The Royal Court Theatre

See what the critics are saying about Giant at the Royal Court Theatre. Mark Rosenblatt’s debut play Giant, is directed by Nicholas Hytner. Learn more about the production and read the reviews.
Review: GIANT, Royal Court

John Lithgow impresses as Roald Dahl in an unconvincing drama that is unlikely to change many minds
Danny Burstein Will Join Audra McDonald in GYPSY

Tony Award Winner Danny Burstein will star as “Herbie” opposite six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald “Rose” in GYPSY. We have all of the details here!
Meet the Cast of OUR TOWN, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway

Thornton Wilder’s Our Town will begin previews on Tuesday, September 17 ahead of an opening on Thursday, October 10 at the Barrymore Theatre for a strictly limited engagement. Meet the cast of Our Town here!
Everything We Know About Netflix's SPELLBOUND Musical

Spellbound, an animated fantasy musical, will be arriving on November 22. Ahead of its release, BroadwayWorld has collected all the information available about the upcoming film including who's lending their voices to the characters, who wrote the new songs, and where to see it in November.
Video: First Trailer for Animated Musical SPELLBOUND Featuring Rachel Zegler

Netflix has released the first teaser trailer for Spellbound, the animated musical by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater featuring the voice of Rachel Zegler. Spellbound follows the adventures of Ellian, the tenacious young daughter of the rulers of Lumbria who must go on a daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters. Watch the new teaser!
Additional Cast Set For John Lithgow-Led GIANT at the Royal Court

The Royal Court Theatre has announced the full cast and creative team for the world premiere of Mark Rosenblatt’s debut play Giant, directed by Nicholas Hytner.
Video/Photos: See New Look at Menken/Slater Animated Musical SPELLBOUND Featuring Rachel Zegler

New details have been released for Netflix's Spellbound, the animated musical by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater and featuring the voices of Rachel Zegler and Nathan Lane. Spellbound is directed by Vicky Jenson with an original score from EGOT-winning composer Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater. Take a look at the new images and a short clip!
Cape Cod Theatre Project Announces 30th Season of Plays

The Cape Cod Theatre Project has announced its 30th Season of New Plays, running weekend nights in July from July 5 through July 28 at Falmouth Academy's Simon Center for the Arts.
New 42 To Host Annual Gala - CELEBRATING TIMES SQUARE: EVERY CORNER TELLS A STORY

xNew 42 will present the return of their annual gala at the Plaza Hotel, which will be taking place on Monday, June 3 at 6PM.
Marcy Carsey To Be Honored at LATW 50th Anniversary Gala at The Broad

Marcy Carsey will be honored at LATW's 50th Anniversary Gala on June 2 at The Broad in Santa Monica. Learn more and join the celebration of her contributions to the entertainment industry.
Tribeca Festival Unveils Lineup With Guests Including Andy Cohen, Steven Spielberg, and More

The 2024 Tribeca Festival has unveiled its lineup of talks with iconic artists, critically acclaimed directors, and multi-hyphenate entertainers, as well as reunions and retrospectives of venerable and lauded films and TV series. See the full lineup here!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has John Lithgow been in?

John Lithgow has appeared on Broadway in 24 shows.

How many West End shows has John Lithgow been in?

John Lithgow has appeared on London's West End in 2 shows.

What was John Lithgow's first West End show?

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

What awards has John Lithgow been nominated for?

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.

What awards has John Lithgow won?

John Lithgow has won several prestigious awards throughout his career. These include: - 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 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Changing Room.

How many shows has John Lithgow written?

John Lithgow has written 1 shows including John Lithgow: Stories By Heart (Playwright).

Get John Lithgow Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos