John Lithgow
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In general, my basic rule of thumb is just act in things you would want to see yourself in. I have a taste for all kinds of movies. Usually, it`s a question of whether it will be fun, whether I respect the people behind it, whether I would like to work with them. I`m sure I`m a serious-minded actor, but I still value the frivolity of acting. It`s a real exuberant, entertaining thing to do. I never lose track of that.
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Birthdate :October 19, 1945
Location :Rochester , New York
Country : United States of America
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Job :actors
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John Lithgow Timeline
1917
Parents are Sarah Jane Price (b. 1917) and theater director/producer Arthur Lithgow (1915-2004).1950
His father ran a Shakespearian Acting company in the 1950s which included David Carradine.1967
Graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University (1967).1982
Graduated from Harvard University, with a BA in history and literature. Daughter, Phoebe (b. 1982).1983
Claims that his most difficult performance was in Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983) because he had to portray fear of the monster, although he couldn't really see it.1983
Was called in to replace another actor in Terms of Endearment (1983), and his role was filmed in 3 days during a break from filming Footloose (1984).1983
Provided the voice of Yoda in the NPR radio dramatizations of "The Empire Strikes Back" (1983) and "Return of the Jedi" (1996).1985
Was considered for the role of Doc Brown in Back to the Future (1985). The role went to Christopher Lloyd instead.1985
Has won two Tony Awards: in 1973, as Best Supporting or Featured Actor (Dramatic) for David Storey's "The Changing Room"; and in 2002, as Best Actor (Musical) for "Sweet Smell of Success." He has also been nominated on three occasions for Tonys -- two for Best Actor (Play): for "Requiem for a Heavyweight" (1985) and "M. Butterfly." (1988), and once for Best Actor (Musical): for "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" (2005).1988
Three of his non-film roles have been based on movies involving Frank Oz and Ian McDiarmid. Most of Oz's and McDiarmid's collaborations are the Star Wars films, in which they play Yoda and Darth Sidious, respectively. Lithgow played Yoda on the radio. Oz also directed McDiarmid in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988). Lithgow appeared in the stage musical.1991
Was considered for the role of Hannibal Lector in The Silence of the Lambs (1991).2002
Wins both the Tony award and Drama Desk award as best actor in a Broadway musical, for performance in "Sweet Smell of Success" May/June 2002.2004
Biography in: "Contemporary Authors". Volume 217, pg. 219-223. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale, 2004.
