John Lithgow Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

[@grahamkemp5102]

His role as a serial killer in Dexter was totally believable, shocking and scary. I had always thought him as a comedy actor, but his part in Dexter showed that he is a very versatile, talented actor.

[@full_moon_in_blue_water]

You should see him in Raising Cain, equally terrifying

[@azgazr8]

Absolutely bodied that role

[@josephno1347]

I'll always love the parole hearing in Richochet "maybe even your dog" dirty Earl Talbot Blake

[@Natzuya]

I can't see him as anyone else now lmfao

[@SchindlersFiist]

That scene where he stands beneath the scalding shower, screaming as if consumed by a twisted pleasure in the searing pain. Just whoa.

[@dwl815380]

John is among a dying breed of actor. He takes his craft seriously and you can see his love for the craft in the way he remembers and reminisces about his characters.

[@humesspoon3176]

Why is that dying again?

[@the_brallon]

@@humesspoon3176yeah for real, just someone thinking the new generations cant care about their craft and hobbies

[@PeansINbetweens]

@@humesspoon3176have you idk….watched anything in the last 5 years!? Actors don’t care about what they make so long as they’re payed n can tell everyone how they should politically think

[@humesspoon3176]

@@PeansINbetweens Yeah, I have watched much TV as of late (not so much movies), I still don’t see what you’re saying. To think actors have just suddenly stopped caring about their craft is asinine. Does higher pay have a higher chance of creating complacency? Sure. Does that re-write humans as art-producing machines? Not really. On top of this, you act like actors still weren’t filthy rich in his time.

[@Norvo82]

John Lithgow starts talking and before you know it, 27 minutes have gone by and you've had the best time. To capture an audience that effortlessly, what a talent.

[@jojomakes]

I totally agree. I almost skipped it cause it's nearly a half hour long, but it was over before I realized. Wished it was longer!

[@PezQ84]

Agreed. There is just something captivating about him. No wonder he has had an amazing career !

[@kuhkuhkayluh]

Agreed! Something about him just pulls you in, effortlessly…almost therapeutically. Love him dearly. Such heart, warmth, talent, and just genuinely himself.

[@jobiazgarza9571]

Agreed. It is why people like him in movies and TV. There is something compelling and likable about him, and you either have it or you dont - it just cant be taught.

[@marialindell9874]

298 likes

[@polter5195]

Nobody could have played the Trinity Killer like John Lithgow. I'm so glad he ended up accepting the role

[@ftuT]

He's a legend. He's done everything, dumb, evil, charming, and always excelled at it.

[@thediner8929]

He was a terrifying villain in Cliffhanger.

[@MrJaybon]

@@thediner8929 yes he is!!

[@Theomite]

His presence immediately makes any movie 30% better than it already was.

[@peabody2470]

I would have liked to know more about Buckaroo Banzai. I'm sure he's talked about it other interviews.

[@s.k.6100]

And that was only Shrek you described

[@GroovingPict]

Lithgow's hammy almost shatner-like overacting in 3rd Rock was so great and a huge part of what made that show fun to watch. His "oh my GOD! Im GORGEOUS!" reaction when first seeing his dyed hair in the mirror still cracks me up

[@cabexus]

Hilarious comparison since they played the same character in the twilight zone and in the twilight zone movie.

[@rustybungle]

@@cabexus The Lithgow one on the plane terrified child me

[@markp44288]

YES! That scene and the scene where he discovers the tissue box!!

[@edallen1921]

I never realized how much i loved Lithgow until i became an adult. Saw him EVERYWHERE as a child, but now as an adult whos more aware of what a character actor is and the effort it takes. So much respect for this man.

[@davelovesdrums]

He was fantastic in all of these. His Dexter 'Trinity Killer' role really shocked me considering I'd grown up seeing him in 3rd Rock and Harry and the Hendersons but he was absolutely phenomenal! I had seen Cliffhanger but he was a bit more cheesy, moustache-twirling villain in that. As Trinity he was truly horrifying. Man I need to watch that again!

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Institute College Face Of StarHub

[@gracehaven5459]

Oh he was brilliant in that I had no idea he could do those kind of serious roles. He was my favorite villain in Dexter.

[@davelovesdrums]

@@gracehaven5459 mine too! Really really stole the show!

[@itwontcomeout5678]

He also is a cold and vicious assassin in Blow Out (1981) with John Travolta

[@zzirfamo24]

@@gracehaven5459our favorite?? He killed Rita bruh💀, I hated him for that. He is the one that made dexter fail in the end!!! Cuz Dexter would of changed for Rita and he almost did

[@luf4rall]

It can't be said enough how much Shrek has influenced kids that grew up in the early 2000s

[@PeakDennisReynolds]

The first one was great but the second one is the best children's film of all time imo. Even Toy Story doesn't compare.

[@nilobutay7063]

Shrek is love, shrek is life

[@SpaceSkeletonDragon]

"Influenced"? To do what? Be big, green and have a terrible Scottish accent?

[@luf4rall]

@@SpaceSkeletonDragon influenced our sense of humor

[@andyjohnson4907]

Pfft. I grew up in the 80s, and that movie affected me too!

[@kibble24]

He's done so well in his career. The comparison between The Trinity Killer and Churchill really shows his broad range. I could listen to him talk for hours.

[@RachelSitea-mn2qk]

He’s also phenomenal in Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, wonder why it’s rarely cited..

[@zackwilliams9912]

He should get the Kennedy center honors someday for his achievements in film, tv and broadway. He’s been flawless in every role he plays with conviction.

[@AethersMusic]

Is my music hot garbage🗑

[@gnosis6656]

Yes. Absolutely. Understated but what a range. Disappointed that they didn’t include Buckaroo Banzai.

[@tiananesbitt7156]

Great laughs.

[@williamdillard5060]

Agreed.

[@BarrysOfficialVlog]

Calling an actor "unbelievable" is the opposite of a compliment.

[@JasonLdee102]

Darn!! I was waiting for Buckaroo Bonsai. That is a typical 1980s science-fiction classic! 💚

[@gipsyundead]

I love listening to actors talk about their best roles and the stuff behind the scenes. You get so much more depth in the times behind the scenes than when they do press tours for those movies

[@King-ci8sk]

Double bonus when you can tell just by the way they talk about it how in love they are with the craft.

[@MrJaybon]

POISONING MY PERFECT WORLD! what a iconic line hahaha.......

[@oswaldkite2106]

It's because they get to talk about it with time passed. On press junkets, they are just drumming up box office receipts. In hindsight, you get better insight I feel.

[@hectorsmommy1717]

@@King-ci8sk You took the words right out of my mouth. With people like Lithgow, you can tell how much they love what they do. Right away their eyes light up.

[@Zero_Point_Energy1]

I just about burst a blood vessel when he had that “the same thing happened to ME!” line on 3rd Rock. He’s a great actor and seems like a good guy.

[@One_Odd_Ood]

One of the best jokes in TV history. I hope the person who realized the connection and wrote that joke got a raise.

[@nitrosherbert888]

what episode was that

[@TheDefeatest]

Man, his role in that season of Dexter was truly incredible. Truly heart wrenching.

[@RealBadGaming52]

He was a “right basterd” in it and played it to perfection.

[@DPMusicStudio]

Absolutely. He elevated that season with his performance. It is (perhaps) the best season of that show because of his contribution.

[@CHMichael]

Trinity

[@virsianlooms2079]

@@DPMusicStudio yeet

[@falafel1980]

Best season of the whole show

[@schwindsichtigaderechte5293]

I love how intricate Lithgow is in doing research for his characters. It just goes to show that acting is so much more than what you see in the final product, be it a play or a movie.

[@chrisayers2875]

Absolutely loved him in 3rd Rock. His physical comedy was on par with Farley, or Cleese. Legend.

[@PhantomFilmAustralia]

I found similarities between Lithgow and Cleese. Good to see I'm not the only one.

[@brendansheehy8124]

Very similar physical stature to Cleese also

[@bethcosby690]

Hi

[@bethcosby690]

Hi

[@bethcosby690]

Hi

[@katarinakrnjevic8183]

John is one of most underrated actors of his generation , he act can anything.

[@ZdenekLU]

I still contemplate how he was overlooked with big titels that would put him on the spot for grand rewards. It's so strange that so amazing actor with so many skills with every kind of peformance on his hand can be omitted. Earlier it was Alan Alda for me and mr Lithgow is another example. (sorry for my English)

[@Hummerbird99]

I don't think he is underrated. He is widely regarding as one of the finest actors in the last 50 years.

[@chassegunter6915]

hes really the sam rockwell of his time

[@MeleeTiger]

That gingerbread man tidbit was such a great story regardless of length.

[@jessicadutridge9882]

I've loved this man ever since his autobiography and children's CD of songs. I will follow him wherever he goes. He's just so brilliant and humble.

[@noodlessurprise]

Such an underrated actor - he plays every role differently and perfectly.

[@quothetheraven79]

I don’t think he’s underrated at all

[@PezQ84]

Just because we don't see him in EVERYTHING doesn't mean he's underrated necessarily :D I feel like his talent and range is highly regarded.

[@raydonahue1978]

I mean some of his characters are pretty similar.

[@Silks]

I'd say underutilized. But his talent is definitely known and respected by the acting world

[@organicgreenpeace6360]

id only see him as underrated because newer generations don't recognize the old authentic talent. Acting today mostly isnt at all nearly comparable

[@digitalcavalier]

I just love watching actors of John Lithgow’s calibre just….talk. His experiences throughout his career and the awesome anecdotes really are a thrill to listen to. Keep it up GQ, this series just keeps on getting better.

[@ericl9130]

His delivery of “perhaps you’ve heard of… the dictionary!” in 3rd Rock gets me every time

[@MrISabier]

Lord Farquaad was superb in Cliffhanger. Very underrated actor.

[@ZacharyBelanger]

Will never forget the time Lord Farquaad played John Lithgow. Fantastic!

[@sterlingadams5291]

"Underrated." Now, there's a word that's entirely lost its meaning. With 2 Oscar nods, 6 Emmy wins, and 3 SAG wins, among other various wins and nominations, this man is HIGHLY venerated. On top of that, give me anyone who doesn't know who he is, or at least the roles he's played. He's a household name, gets leading roles, and is more decorated than most. What exactly is underrated about that?

[@sphjinx1448]

@@sterlingadams5291 and you sir seem to have missed the joke. They said, “Lord Farquaad” not the actual guy.

[@organicgreenpeace6360]

@@sphjinx1448 agreed they definitely missed the joke lmao. Important people read comments before they get preachy 😂

[@robertelliott2026]

His psycho escaped con in Ricochet was excellent, he was totally chewing the furniture in set, almost Alan Rickman like in Robin Hood!!

[@ketchup016]

As a kid in the 90s, 3rd Rock made me laugh until I cried. His story about Gen Z and Shrek is both hilarious and heartwarming.

[@sazfretz1945]

I am SO glad his role as Roberta Muldoon was included. I absolutely loved both the book and the movie, "Garp." He played her with such dignity and respect, never going campy or stereotypical. Truly this was ahead of its time.

[@moonscar119]

He plaed HIM, not her

[@rhyfeddu]

First movie i saw where I was aware of Lithgow. Very endearing in that role.

[@dwaynepriar4948]

@@moonscar119 Pronouns bother you, don’t they?

[@moonscar119]

@dwaynepriar4948 pronouns are stupid. They don't bother me. When I see someone with pronouns in their bio, it's an easy indicator the person is dilusional when it comes to gender

[@XxnosliwillekxX]

For someone born in the 40s, John Lithgow is still so upbeat and full of life.

[@danielpatrick-crescimentoe8569]

Still can't believe he is the bay harbor butcher .

[@sathya7951]

nah it was doakes

[@JFBBB535]

You mean Trinty killer, Brian Moser was bay harbor butcher

[@terrymenard9410]

He was the Trinity Killer

[@markburrows2858]

Was aching to hear about his three films with Brian DePalma (Obsession, Blow Out and Raising Cain) & possibly his time spent at the National Theatre ln London but listening to Lithgow explore any facet of his career is absolutely riveting. Glad Garp was remembered & glven a shout out

[@flamingbudo]

3 films. DePalma directed Blow Out.

[@NKdidit]

Raising cain was incredible

[@BenAllanCM]

I came here for Raising Cain :(

[@markburrows2858]

@@BenAllanCM Yeah l dld too. Noone can portray the dlsturblng nuances of playlng a multlple personallty psychopath qulte llke John Lithgow

[@eddiecochrane602]

Likewise, glad Garp was remembered. That was the first time I saw John Lithgow, Robyn Williams and Glenn Close and each one of them was brilliant.

[@ajcurtis2813]

I'm so glad he discussed The World According to Garp, one of my favorite movies of all time. My 1st introduction to both John Lithgow and Glenn Close, two extraordinary actors who have never quite had the recognition they deserve.

[@sueadams39]

Yes

[@jeppefrolund1718]

Lithgow is a name on the cast list I will always cherish seeing. He always delivers the best and he always brings his a-game. Effortlessly it feels like. Seeing him chat away about movies he was in like in this video is phenomenal. Clear memory of everything and everyone, and clearly loves his job and bringing characters to life.

[@rototiller345]

"Give the audience a little credit". Best thing I've heard in years... Someone needs to say this to Disney

[@mupoxa]

My favorite role of John Lithgow - guy on a plane in "Twilight zone. the Movie"

[@1978rharris]

Came here to say exactly this! He sold “terrified” like nobody else could, or ever has since. Love that segment in TZ

[@cmorrow0231]

No SMOKING!!! Man what a scene - will never forget it - and still every plane ride I take at night, look out on those engines and wait for that guy to be out there eating the metal!!

[@mairyhuff7102]

I saw him in a really short film years ago. I can't remember the name of it, but it was like a groundhog day type thing where he would do things and then all of a sudden be back at the exact place before it happened every time I wish I could remember it! I don't think it's in his filmography list.

[@derrickbeaubearic4100]

There has to be some good stories behind that one!

[@ronpaul1082]

I liked the Lithgow version but while Shatner isn't exactly the greatest actor he nailed the original Terror at 20,000 ft twilight zone episode

[@sepsism138]

Can't believe what a great villain he was in Cliffhanger (for such a super nice guy). He's so extremely different it's impressive.

[@Ann-wh6oz]

I met him with his role as Winston Churchill in The Crown and I felt so delighted to see such a performance, long life to this man

[@alvarocornejo6771]

Phenomenal actor, he always steals the show when hes on camera. has such gravitas, and he can be despicble and endearing according to his character, one of my favs

[@taylorking4864]

I’m legitimately here to make sure he lists Harry and The Hendersons. John is insanely talented at his craft, but Harry and the Hendersons is one that knocks it out of the ballpark of nostalgia and feels 🖤

[@williamswiniuch7527]

That scene STILL makes me cry

[@matthewboreham205]

he forgot to include santa claus the movie

[@dougwalker4944]

no mention of emilio lizardo or john whorfin...

[@tarbosh917]

It's awesome to hear him speak about all these roles and behind the scenes experiences he had with the direction, production, and co-stars. I love hearing experts go on about their profession, but something like this is a tier above a subject matter expert because of how personal and intimate acting is.

[@ScamLikely9327]

My parents lived through the plot of Footloose. They went to a religious high school in a small town and almost didn’t get to graduate because they went to a party and there was dancing at the party. Dancing. Not cocaine. Not alcohol. Dancing. That movie still rings true all over the Bible Belt.

[@nobodysbaby5048]

Muffled Laughter.

[@MoltenPlastic]

That's insane, but I can believe it. The crazy thing is that everyone else I know loves the movie but finds the premise patently absurd.

[@35yoglenmckenna31]

I really thought that movie was not relatable but wow

[@katrose5179]

I mean, it was based on a real story, so not surprising.

[@m1lst3r89]

Some religious people are hardcore, but we need to be harsh to ourselves

[@RealWolfmanDan]

Makes me cry just hearing him talk about that scene in Harry. One of my favorite childhood movies

[@englishvoiceguy9933]

His portrayal as Churchill, is definitely one of the best, considering he's American, he was amazing in the Crown 👑

[@visualdragon]

I remember thinking "Lithgow as Churchill? But he's like 6 foot 4. Somehow, Lithgow became Churchill and I never questioned the performance once. I'd rate it as his best and especially as he aged.

[@ajroses4267]

If you had to grade his accent quality what would you give it out of curiosity?

[@664chrisman]

@@visualdragon Me too. Sometimes John Lithgow would peek out but most of the time I was convinced I was watching Churchill. My favourite left-field casting choice.

[@fatalxdecaay2817]

Honestly I first saw him in "The Crown" and I was so surprised to find out that he was American. He did such a good job with playing Winston Churchill

[@rangerover06sc]

@@ajroses4267 I'm not British. But I noticed he pronounced Anthony the American way a few time lol. I thought it was pretty good though. His accent is pretty close to an English accent anyways though, for an American. It's funny that two of the most notable PMs in the series were played by Americans though. The other being the actor who played Margaret Thatcher.

[@visiblepixels4632]

He was really a presence in Cliffhanger. He was genuinely terrifying in a small role in "Blow Out," and later as Carter Nix in "Raising Cain." I grew up with him playing "bad guys," but he's so incredibly versatile that he could nail any kind of role.

[@SupermanChampionOfTheOppressed]

Small role? He was basically the primary antagonist

[@davidpumpkinsjr.5108]

I feel John Lithgow gravitated toward 3rd Rock because he could go as big as he wanted and it wouldn't matter because his character wasn't human. I love Harry and the Hendersons; it's the first movie I clearly recall seeing in the theater. There is so much heart in that film. Some cynics have called it a watered-down ET, but I actually like it more.

[@esinach]

Highly agree. Loved Harry and the Hendersons. Underrated. The chemistry between John Lithgow and Harry is what made the film.

[@Dian2Gig]

This has to be the best interview GQ has done! What a wonderful actor and I'm a big fan!

[@uosdwiSrdewoH]

This may have been the best one yet. I adore Joh Lithgow. One of the funniest, most talented people in the known universe while also being so humble and free of any kind of "Hollywood" persona. He's just this normal guy who seems very pleasant to be around. Very thoughtful. No ego. No shame in a way which is what makes him such a great comedic actor. I love the man.

[@RealSoLucien]

"The World According to Garp" is such an amazing movie, so much talent and none of it wasted.

[@PerryDSean]

The sit down videos with actors talking about their careers is the best videos series you guys do. Don’t ever stop

[@concretebuilding]

This man is seriously underrated as a performer. I listened to a children's album of his during long car rides while growing up, and it was all very old-school and wholesome, and everything you'd expect of those things. And then I saw him in Bombshell on a plane back to the States. I wanted to take a shower after that.

[@djknucklez1]

John Lithgow is a gem of an actor. Such talent!

[@AmyBG88]

His portrayal of Roberta in The World According to Garp is one of my favorite performances of all time! So incredibly talented.

[@darthcheeseburger]

Here for Cliffhanger. His portrayal of the villain Qualan elevated the film hugely. One of the most evil, badass villains ever in an action film. Great actor!

[@uuiam]

And considering this guy has played so many goofy characters. Qualen is such a terrifying villain, absolutely love him.

[@TheJuris1973]

@@uuiam he was fantastic there. i really couldnt believe he could be such a great villain. wasnt surprised by Dexter later lol.

[@heathskrabak5214]

Totally agree , a lot of actors would have come off cheesy with that role and script . He owned it and was the most believable part of the movie with the most over the top role .

[@HoustonSoto]

Kill someone and you’re a murderer. Kill a million and you’re a conqueror… go figure.

[@robcreel4257]

Right up there with Hans Gruber.

[@BarrySwords]

The Santa Claus (1984) movie was my first time seeing Lithgow in a movie at about 6 years old and I thought he was great there and have been watching him now for 30 years. A true legend.

[@MultiMelodia]

Such a great movie, and he's priceless in it. He does a great cliché crooked businessman.

[@greywolf393]

John Lithgow is one of those few actors that can play zany, evil, light-hearted, and serious, and you are completely hooked by him, no matter the part. I was really happy they remembered Garp, he did such an amazing job. I was hoping to hear him discuss Raising Cain, definitely one of his most underrated performances.

[@ronaldgray5707]

The 1st movie I saw Jon Lithgow in was "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai". I have enjoyed his performances ever since. Thank You John

[@OriginalGabriel]

Such a great documentary; I'm surprised I had to scroll this far down

[@Therealtonton]

Saw him on a Broadway musical he is literally the best! 3rd Rock will always be my favorite sitcom of all time

[@atticwind0w]

Was it Dirty Rotten Scoundrels? I loved him in that!

[@u_u8522]

Would be amazing to see him live

[@RPJ...NeverHeardOfHer]

He seems so humble and gracious and he almost seems like he is overflowing with emotion that he is nearly breaking down into tears; I do hope this gem of an actor isn't terminally ill, and in his mind this is his personal reflection of his career. I've known too many old men who become uncontrollably sentimental just before death. Grab your phone books and fight on, Occidental Samurai. (Lithgow fans will get it.)

[@TheAverageCloud]

He truly gave his all in this interview. Fascinating chat.

[@half_real]

1:59 I think the milk being poured into the glass was said to be the most difficult shot to make in Shrek.

[@jessannreece5672]

Anything starring John, I watch. Always. Period. Old Man is INCREDIBLE and I'm so happy to see him in a series again.

[@Taj_Fitness]

My introduction to John Lithgow was cliffhanger. And I was terrified of him! He played such a great villain at a time (even though it’s a movie,) I couldn’t distinguish between the real life and movies. Then seeing him in 3rd rock I became a huge fan. To see the levels he has. John, Kelsey Grammar, and Jim Carrey I appreciate them because of their range within theater. Let’s not forget Mr. Lithgow in Shrek.

[@kjh7108]

I remember watching Harry and the Hendersons as a kid. Will hands down be one of my favorites. I loved John in Dexter and in Perry Mason.

[@KD....]

0:46 I like how Lord farquad is actually the tallest one of the bunch.

[@henrylivingstone2971]

“You’re big, he’s small hehehehe he’s short!” 😂😂😂 I love John’s retelling of the animators sense of humor 😂😂😂

[@raydonahue1978]

Around 2012, I met him in a church where he was promoting his then new autobiography. I shook his hand and introduced myself. I told John "You've always been one of my favorite actors". He smiled and said "That's very kind of you". Earlier, when he walked toward the pulpit to speak, I could see that he is indeed tall. He must be around 6'4". I had bought a VHS of Footloose at a Half Price Books. I had it with me and was going to ask John to sign it. But a publicity person told us that John would only be signing copies of his new autobiography. I considered going for it and asking him to sign the Footloose video sleeve anyway. But I didn't want one of my lifelong favorite actors to be upset with me.l, so I didn't ask him to sign it.

[@MumrikDK]

He literally says 6'4" in this video.

[@gldmj55]

Hearing John talk about his career and craft really brightened my mood. Thank you for doing these interviews.

[@joycegeertsma7115]

I could listen to John Lithgow talk about anything. Loved 3rd Rock, (great casting overall), loved him as Roberta in The World According To Garp, also in Blow Out- too bad this one wasn't mentioned here.. lovely person and a great actor.

[@lhart99]

I could listen to John Lithgow tell stories all day. :-)

[@Poochamoo]

3rd Rock, Clinghanger and Raising Cain. I love him in most films and TV he's been in, but those are my favorite.

[@batsukamuro]

One of the most versatile and entertaining actors to ever do it.

[@labmediacasual3368]

I love how he went to the effort to watch and appreciate the animators of Shrek and how much he shows appreciation for the character actors I thought he was gonna blow off and joke about the Harry and the Henderson part but it ended up being so wholesome John is a real class act

[@pearlhadfield2258]

I absolutely adore when these videos are long & detailed. Thank you for just letting Mr Lithgow talk.

[@urbanarmory]

3rd Rock on syndication was a huge part of my high school and college days, John just was always so amazing... And he was terrifying on Dexter, good God.

[@rigsby1454]

Lithgow in Dexter season 4 is immense. What of the best seasons in TV

[@southernpride2003]

I mean he was great but Brian Moser is my personal favorite

[@ckmoore101]

@@southernpride2003 I was shocked to learn that Tamacti Jun was Dexters brother. Jun is the on of the best characters on TV. Such a great arc.

[@qkwnwkw]

6:26 If it wasn't for Harry & The Hendersons. I never would've known who John Lithgow is until the movie Shrek was released.

[@TheDevnul]

“Nice to meet you Dexter Morgan” One of my top 10 seasons of anything.

[@dimwittedecho]

He was absolutely horrifying in Dexter, he’s so talented

[@rocky2332]

John Lithgow is just one of those actors that when you see his name in the credits you smile and know you're going to enjoy what you're about to see. It's the biggest compliment I can give to an actor.

[@KidFresh71]

My favorite Lithgow role was his portrayal as the distressed plane passenger in the Twilight Zone movie. What a tour de force performance.

[@GlennTillema]

The greatest call back was when he was on 30 rock and they were at the airport waiting for the big brain (played by William Shatner) and they both relate to each other ...

[@JimElford]

I love how delighted he was to be in Cliffhanger. Legit awesome film.

[@khalilahd.]

Shrek will always be my favorite movie of his. It’s just such a classic series 😅💜

[@AethersMusic]

Is my music hot garbage🗑

[@shemmy7302]

“Go On!” -Lord Farquaad 😆😆

[@gf6x3gkmfw38]

​@@AethersMusic yeah.

[@yugiohgames104]

@@AethersMusic SOMEBODY ONCE TOLD ME

[@einsUNDcolt]

I actually loved 3rd Rock, despite watching it when I was really young and not really understanding what was going on. John was just a delight to watch even at a young age

[@hamsterjelly8085]

he was truly scary in dexter, great actor in everything

[@PeakDennisReynolds]

He was so good that it ruined the rest of the show tbh.

[@nigeldean3726]

@@PeakDennisReynolds nah I think the writing just went downhill after that season.

[@PeakDennisReynolds]

@@nigeldean3726 The writing was abysmal but I think even if it was amazing writing for every season after 4 ended they still would of probably failed to raise the bar for a main villain after how brilliant he was as the trinity killer. When casting the villains they chose bad actors (Colin Hanks) or chose good actors (Johnny Lee Miller) but terribly miscast them into a role that did not suit them at all.

[@khalidbayzid1233]

@@PeakDennisReynolds Hanks and Miller were good but Lithgow is on another level

[@zombiemom6701]

He’s amazing in everything he’s done. Harry and the Hendersons was my favorite and reminds me of my childhood.

[@murdockscott]

I watched the whole thing assuming he would talk about Buckaroo Bonsai at some point, I’m a bit heartbroken that it didn’t rank. Still, he is always great and I love World According To Garp so much that hearing him speak about that film made up for it a bit. 😀

[@One-ct3xe]

Laff while you can monke boi!

[@toddjordan2198]

Lithgow has said in many interviews that when fans chat with him, they mention Buckaroo Banzai more than any other movie and he loves it.

[@cmcmahon66]

Same!! I love that movie and was bummed it wasn’t mentioned here. It was my first exposure to John Lithgow and he will always be Dr Emilio Lizardo to me!

[@vegasartbum]

3rd Rock made me fall in love with surreal comedy. Long live the high commander

[@SilverCityResistance]

He didn’t mention the insane Dr Emilio in The Adventures of Buckeroo Banzi who gave himself shock treatments by attaching a car battery to his tongue! Classic!

[@2ndGenBastArd]

I'm so glad he talked about The World According to Garp. It's one of my all time favorite movies. I've watched it and quoted it for decades. "Watch out for the Under Toad!"

[@hevykevy316]

Loved this. Could listen to him talk about his roles for hours. So incredibly versatile. Delighted to hear that he had a great time on Cliffhanger.

[@TdT2211]

And with everything he has done, it would need to be hours long. He is pretty legendary in his field.

[@mckenzie.latham91]

One of John’s best scenes in Footloose is where his character sees the towns people burning books, and is alarmed but they are just taking the next logical step in his ideology and seeing that makes him realize what he has done. Best scene!

[@RainaEmms]

He talks about Cliffhanger like it's his only action movie, but Ricochet was a bit of one too. Cliffhanger is more fun, but I remember watching Ricochet on HBO more than a few times and enjoying the performances and interactions between John and Denzel.

[@sithwinch]

Thank you for mentioning Ricochet. He was bad to the bone in that one. He was also in The Pelican Brief with Denzel and Julia. He was Denzel's boss at the newspaper.

[@w.jasonspangler2952]

"You want to kill me, don't you Tucker? Well get a number and get in line." Perfect

[@seanmcmanus9575]

John Lithgow is a national treasure love him especially his Early films with de Palma

[@joshmosh-sx7ej]

He was so excellent in Blow Out, just incredibly menacing

[@robinbeaulieu7700]

I first saw John preform in The World Ac'd'g to Garp & fell in love with his presence, still am & will always be a fan.

[@Shawnsrumi]

I will never forget His performance in Buckaroo Bonzi. John BigBootie is a classic

[@toddjordan2198]

Big-Boo-TAY! TAY!

[@jasontodd9]

John Bigboote was Christopher Lloyd. Lithgow was John Whorfin/Emilio Lazardo.

[@TravisRichey]

I waited so long to hear his insight on “the World According to Garp” and I’m so glad it made it. So wonderful! What a legend! ~Trav

[@daleranger3607]

Love John Lithgow, I wish he'd have spoken about Blow Out and Ricochet which I think are his two best villain roles

[@kristenrock7783]

" My name, my name is George Hen ... george Hen." lol I love Harry and the Henderson's. My brother and I used to watch it every day when we were kid's, we wore that tape out. lol

[@TheKorfish]

This man has shaped most of my childhood and I didn't even know it.

[@jessicaautey169]

John Lithgow is also a legend! I loved him in 3rd Rock and he can play any kind of character and he is very believable!

[@vickybriggs2176]

Never been so scared of a character in a show than his in Dexter he was so compelling to watch just an amazing actor

[@davidlape3325]

I could listen to John Lithgow all day. Phenomenal actor. Pure gold. Love everything he's in. Must protect this national treasure at all costs.