John Lithgow, an American actor, musician, and author, has built a successful career in the entertainment industry. In this article, we’ll explore John Lithgow’s net worth, his life, and career.
Early Life and Education
John Lithgow was born on October 19, 1945, in Rochester, New York, to Arthur, a theatrical producer and director, and Sarah, a retired actress. He is of European-American ancestry and is a descendant of eight Mayflower passengers. Due to his father’s job, Lithgow moved around the country with his family, settling for a while in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he and his siblings were babysat by activist Coretta Scott King. As a young teenager, Lithgow lived in Akron and Lakewood, Ohio, before moving to Princeton, New Jersey, where he attended Princeton High School. Lithgow graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1967 with a degree in history and literature. After his graduation, Lithgow received a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
Theatrical Career
Lithgow began his esteemed acting career on Broadway in 1973. He earned a Tony Award for his debut performance in David Storey’s “The Changing Room.” In the following years, he starred in numerous Broadway productions, including “My Fat Friend,” “A Memory of Two Mondays,” “Secret Service,” “Comedians,” “Anna Christie,” and “Once in a Lifetime.” After a 12-year hiatus from the stage, Lithgow returned to great acclaim in the 2002 musical adaptation of “Sweet Smell of Success,” for which he won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical.
Film Career
Lithgow made his feature film debut in 1972’s “Dealing: Or the Berkeley-to-Boston Forty-Brick Lost-Bag Blues.” Later in the decade, he had significant roles in Brian De Palma’s psychological thriller “Obsession,” the political comedy “The Big Fix,” and the Bob Fosse musical “All That Jazz.” Lithgow continued to flourish on the big screen in the 80s with critically-acclaimed roles in “The World According to Garp,” “Terms of Endearment,” and “Harry and the Hendersons,” among others. In the 90s, Lithgow appeared in films such as “Ricochet,” “The Pelican Brief,” and “Cliffhanger.” In the 2010s, Lithgow starred in acclaimed films such as “Interstellar,” “Miss Sloane,” and “Bombshell.”
Television Career
Early in his television career, Lithgow received an Emmy Award nomination for the 1983 television film “The Day After.” He went on to earn more nominations for his performances in the anthology series “Amazing Stories” and the television film “Resting Place.” Lithgow is best known for his starring role in the NBC sitcom “3rd Rock from the Sun,” for which he won three Emmy Awards. In recent years, he has appeared in shows such as “Dexter,” “How I Met Your Mother,” and “The Crown,” for which he won yet another Emmy.
John Lithgow’s Net Worth
As of 2023, John Lithgow has a net worth of $50 million, making him one of the wealthiest actors in Hollywood. Lithgow’s successful career in film, television, and theater has earned him critical acclaim and financial success.
Other Projects and Personal Life
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Lithgow has also authored numerous children’s books and recorded albums for children. He has also published a poetry collection called “Dumpty: The Age of Trump in Verse” and a follow-up book, “Trumpty Dumpty Wanted a Crown.” Outside of his creative work, Lithgow has been married twice. His first marriage was to teacher Jean Taynton, with whom he had a son named Ian. They divorced in 1980 after Lithgow had an affair with actress Liv Ullmann. Lithgow is currently married to UCLA history professor Mary Yeager, with whom he has two children: Nathan and Phoebe.
Conclusion
John Lithgow has had a successful and varied career in the entertainment industry, spanning film, television, and theater. He has won numerous awards and accolades, including six Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards. His net worth of $50 million reflects his success and talent. Lithgow’s creative pursuits, both within and outside of the entertainment industry, demonstrate his multifaceted talents and passions.