John Lithgow
In 1973, John Arthur Lithgow received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play, an early recognition that signaled the range of a career that would extend across stage, screen, and beyond.
Born on October 19, 1945, in Rochester, Lithgow attended Princeton High School before going on to Harvard College. After completing his undergraduate education, he pursued further training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, supported by a Fulbright Scholarship. His work as a stage actor earned him a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical, while his presence on the London stage brought him a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor. Lithgow's professional activities have not been confined to acting alone. He has also worked as a musician, playing the banjo among other pursuits, and has taken on roles as a writer and poet. His career in film and television has run alongside his stage work, with his television performances earning him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy.
Lithgow has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and received an honorary doctorate from Harvard University, the institution where he received his undergraduate education. His work as a voice actor has added yet another dimension to an already varied professional profile. The Library of Congress catalogs him under the authorized label "Lithgow, John, 1945-," reflecting the breadth of his output across acting, writing, poetry, and music.
Quotes by John Lithgow
When people are taking something extremely seriously, that's the time to take out the pig's bladder.
My hairline is receding. So my days as a romantic lead - even though I've never had them - are behind me.
I've said no to a lot of things I'd like to have done. My agent has never seen anything like it.
People have expectations from you - and the whole fun of acting is taking expectations and completely upending them. That's how you get laughs in comedy, and that's how you scare the daylights out of people in a horror film.
If you go through your life being completely truthful, everybody will hate you, and something I deeply fear is being hated.
My very first role was when I was 2 1/2 years old; I was one of Nora's children in 'A Doll's House,' with my father playing Torvald.
When I was a teenager, I remember the extraordinary feeling of accomplishment for completing 'Vanity Fair.' I don't think it was even for school.
