John Lithgow: "Drama: An Actor's Education"
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2011-09-29/john-lithgow-drama-actors-education
Courtesy Harper Collins
John Lithgow is well known for his oddball roles. He’s played a trans-gender ex-football player, an extra-terrestrial professor, and a serial killer, among scores of other roles. What’s less known is his life before becoming a star of stage, film, and television. John Lithgow spent a childhood on the move as the son of an itinerant actor and director. After graduating from Harvard, he eventually found success in the theater worlds of New York and London. He says it was the trappings of that success that led him to finally face adulthood in his thirties. John Lithgow talks with Diane about his backstage history and what drives him to perform.
Guests
John Lithgow
actor and author of eight books for children.
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Read an Excerpt
Excerpted from "Drama" by John Lithgow. Copyright 2011 by John Lithgow. Excerpted here by permission of Harper Collins:
Comments
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I will be unavailable due to Rosh Hashana service during the time you air this show. However I wish to share this story. In 1980ish, Arthur Lithgow directed and starred in a production of Henry the 4th, Part II in Dayton, Ohio. I auditioned, at 17 and a young girl, knowing there was no real part in the play for me. After my reading, I told Mr. Lithgow that I was willing to be a horse, or a tree, anything to be a part of the production. A week later he called me and told me I was a tree, laughing. Then he asked me to come back and read for him and cast me as Prince John, with five lines in the entire play, but present in most scenes. He helped me research my role and how to play a young boy. I cut my hair in a pageboy, bound my chest, and learned a new way to walk. He believed in my passion, gave me a chance to express it, and validated me in a way I had never experienced before. I ultimately did not pursue theater, but his confidence in me enabled me to make that choice without any regret. I hope you will share this story. Leah Paskin, 336-392-3746
I remember the first time I ever saw Mr. Lithgow in "Terms of Endearment" and the last time I saw him in "Dexter". You can't take your eyes off him when he's on screen, even when he's scaring you senseless! What does he think he possesses that draws your attention so thoroughly?
The film "Footloose" was mandatory watching for all Children of the 80's and considered an anthem of our youth. But one element of the film that I think is often overlooked is the performance of Mr. Lithgow. His protrayal of a rural pastor deeply greiving the loss of his son and his genuine, albeit misguided pursuit of protecting his daughter was touching, multi-dimensional and believable. It was a refreshing departure from the cliche "bad guy" role and raised the level of that film from just another teen flic to a interesting story about community and conflict. Thank you so much for sharing your extraordinary talent with us.
Hello John and Diane.
I went to elementery school with John in Yellow Springs, Ohio. I want to thank John for the idea of reading to parents. My Mom lives with me and I think this will be great for her as it was for Arthur.
I am very grateful to John's father. The summer festival meant so much to me and many other people. I am a performer, too. A musician. That tiny little town produced an amazing number of musicians. The festival brought wonderful musicians to town every summer to write and play original music for the plays. Thank you.
Ann Rabson
I've been a big fan of John Lithgow since "Garp" and "Blow Out" (at least as creepy as the Trinity Killer). And I've been lucky enough to see him on Broadway in "M Butterfly" and "The Front Page." But, with this interview, I feel most connected to Mr. Lithgow through his description of his final times with his parents.
My mother lives with us and, while many people thank me for my service to her, I try to explain to them that the honor and pleasure of having Mom with us is all mine. This late in our lives, I get to know my mother as a woman and a friend, not just a parent. It sounds like Joh had much the same experience. We, both, are lucky people...
John Lithgow took the time to write me a personal note, many years ago. He had written an article for Glamour magazine about his experience playing a transgender female role in "The World According to Garp." I found the article so honest, insightful, and endearing, I wrote to Glamour to thank him for it. His reply, thanking me (on his professor wife's college stationery!), was completely unexpected and confirmed my impression of him as a wonderful person. Thank you again, John!
Just wanted to say that Mr. Lithgow is one of my favorite actors of all time and I have a tremendous fan. I saw him in public, with his family at Rancho Park in Cheviot Hills. Someone I was with said hello to him and express the same and John was very kind and humble and thanked my friend! Thank you for all the laughs over the years, Mr. Lithgow!!!
A favorite movie of mine in which john Lithgow plays a several memorable roles is Buckaroo Banzai in the eight Dimension. I have often wondered how much fun it must have been to make that movie. Penny Strockbine, Middle Island , NY
I had the privilege to study acting with your father at Ithaca College. His advice was always inspirational. His love of his students, even those who were unable to fully appreciate him, was always perfect and complete. He will remain, in my mind, the best proof of a higher consciousness that I have ever encountered on this planet.
I am a great admirer of your work and look forward to reading your book and having my heart break (in the very best of ways) at every mention of your father. Thank you!
Heather
Thanks for this wonderful program! I am currently caring for my elderly parents and i am astounded by John's beautful, personal sharing! In the age of "professional" elder care, it is often forgotten that the touch of a hand, sharing of a story and the invaluable act of LISTENING is one of the greatest gifts. Thank you for bringing this to light!
John Lithgow is such a DELIGHTFUL guest! Diane, I learn from you every week!
I just listened to this entire program on the internet, and was struck by what a wonderful human being John Lithgow appears to be. Of course, I don't know him personally, but I have admired his work for so long in so many roles. In each of his roles, he brings an intensity and humanity that is utterly riveting. Coincidently, last week, on a lark, I happened to pick up a DVD set of Season Two of 3rd Rock from the Sun -- I am enjoying this show again immensely. Anyway, I felt compelled to post this comment (something I almost never do) simply to express what an American treasure John Lithgow truly is. Bravo!