John Lithgow wins Emmy Award for Dexter (2010)

John Lithgow's acceptance speech after winning the Emmy Award for "Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series" for playing Arthur Mitchell on Season 4 of Dexter.
The Creative Arts ceremony was on August 21, 2010.

[@vDeparture]

He was by far the best serial killer on Dexter, besides Dexter.

[@mpnl21]

Yep, that season was SO GOOD, and that season finale was brutal

[@justinh6509]

Rudy wasn't too bad either..

[@eightysbaby8798]

Issak sirko? Ice truck killer?? I like Trinity too tho

[@stardustring]

Ice cream truck killer was the best

[@Vergil1876]

Ice truck killer is waaaaaay better than trinity imo

[@struanc95]

its an absolute crime that Dexter only won two emmys

[@stefanstefpetersen4]

AGREE

[@markusherrmann7123]

it won four Emmy awards

[@stefanstefpetersen4]

+Markus Herrmann The two last were creative arts. Although great, they are not as prestigious as other awards the show was nominated for like outstanding drama series or outstanding actor in a leading role

[@markusherrmann7123]

+Stefan thats right. it only won one primetime Emmy award for outstanding directing in a Drama series. the other three were creative Art Emmy awards

[@markusherrmann7123]

+Stefan the last was for outstanding directing -> primetime emmy

[@benjohnson8439]

Hello, Dexter Morgan.

[@jessetaylor7797]

Ben Johnson What do you want?

[@maderayjmada7248]

@Sienna Smith AL0K Whoa, Arthur.

[@ChristianProtossDragoon]

Yes

[@asheisadora]

Eeeek, stop....

[@NRF3703]

@@maderayjmada7248 "Kyle, perhaps it's time for you to go."

[@alancantu2557]

Season 4 of Dexter was a masterpiece

[@gdbssa]

Facts

[@greaterbharat4175]

And sad

[@HerHomeschoolHomestead]

Absolutely!

[@TexasMom1776]

I’m still traumatized over Rita!

[@anpe6524]

EPIC SEASON had everyone biting their nails, EPIC!!

[@Simplejackfade]

Its hard looking at him without thinking he's evil

[@bitflux2]

Exactly! That how brilliantly talented an actor the man is

[@pato20995]

EaterofCarpets I would run if I saw him in person

[@artiezonk]

Just watch 3rd rock from the sun and you'll be good

[@ChristianProtossDragoon]

@@pato20995 I would pulverize him.

[@asheisadora]

Imagine him as Frasier, because he was their first choice.

[@epprk]

Nobody said that he was thankfull for him

[@SuperSaiyanLink093]

Hahaha. Best comment.

[@joshuawhite7339]

;D

[@therealdamienmartin]

Best comment ever! :D

[@landoncarter6365]

***** Kyle, perhaps it's time for you to go

[@joshuawhite7339]

YEAH, WHY DON'T YOU STAY?!? (Forgot the next line.)

[@mokey890]

one the best written and well played characters. He was so creepy. He deserved this.

[@mpnl21]

Yep, and that season finale ending with Dexter finishing Trinity's 4 steps ritual was absolutely brilliant

[@LS4N]

mpnl21 what do you mean finishing 4 step ritual?

[@mpnl21]

I don't remember exactly, but Trinity had a pattern in the way he did the murders, ending every "cycle" with an older man being bludgeoned with a hammer, and Dexter killed him with a hammer in his table, not his usual knife. Then, when Dexter gets home we find that he had killed Rita in the bathtub before and had also kidnapped a little boy a few days prior to that, so it was like he was doing another cycle and Dexter ended it the same way Trinity did everytime, with an older man beaten with a hammer... Idk, I just remember thinking it was poetic at the time, haha

[@SuperSaiyanLink093]

mpnl21 Dexter wasn't really completing it. I mean, you are conveniently missing the "mother" figure that jumps off the building. It is true however that Trinity killing Rita was meant to be a twisted continuation (not a young girl) of his already messed up cycle (since Dexter saved the little boy), and it stopped halfway only because he was murdered.

[@mpnl21]

LinkSword I don't really remember it, I saw it long ago, but there WAS a suicide (forget all the details) the reporter that was his daughter and was dating Quinn shot herself and before that the boy was kidnapped (though he didn't die). Then Dexter bludgeoned an "older man" with a hammer, and we find out after that Trinity had killed Rita in the bathtub. Even though it isn't the pattern exactly you have to admit that was what they were aiming for, Dexter DID end the cycle with the hammer, that's all I was saying (kidnapping - suicide - bleeding out in a bathtub - bludgeoning with a hammer)!!

[@united9266]

imagine if he took the award and then he said "hello michael c hall"

[@thedoc7169]

Jaber Youness haaahaa thatd be awesome

[@SupernovaX360A]

Still to this day John Lithgow is absolutely terrifying each time I rewatch Dexter. Brilliantly well acted, but that last episode... Bastard!

[@mariapalladino2473]

So I know this is a 5 year old comment but with the new season coming out I was super excited and have been checking out old Dexter KZbin videos. Season 4 was just AMAZING and I saw your comment lol. I couldn’t stand Rita. When the last episode happened for season 4 I was yelling at my tv but I was also clapping and laughing (sick, I know) because I was so happy she was dead.

[@anomisidorav6031]

@@mariapalladino2473 She became very annoying by the end. i liked her in a way but i was not sad she was gone. Season 4 is the best one of the series by far. I am very excited about the new season coming :D

[@ciekawypawel1988]

I was very sa about the last episode dexter i very like Rita :(

[@pikkisful]

Hi man, I’m rewatching it now, and it still gets to me how amazing he was as Arthur Mitchell

[@GovernorRiffRaff]

I was so glad Rita got killed off she was the worst part of the show

[@beachstreet101]

Love the Dexter series, but when John Lithgow came on in Season 4, it’s like he pressed the accelerator on the show. He breathed new life into it.

[@connorjohns6484]

Then downhill from there

[@Freshprankstv1]

Are u thankful for him?

[@zegermanscientist2667]

His performance was incredible. He could switch from heartful neighbour to dead eyed killer to vulnerable child in seconds.

[@ivankillz36]

Damn even though hes out of character.. Trinity is still showing lol

[@jessetaylor7797]

Ivan Cas When they handed him the award, he should have grabbed her and said "Don't......TOUCH..... ny sister! "

[@nicktroisi6347]

The Trinity Killer was the greatest villian in Dexter because he won in the end. Like The Ice Truck Killer comes close but Trinity was without the scariest and most menacing villian. John Lithgow's performance as him was incredible

[@peterjones4621]

Can't get enough of Lithgow, incredible actor.

[@Kp-pk9nl]

Me too, watch him on Conan. Totally hilarious

[@missj.d9187]

Trinity should 100% have a spin off show. There is so much material they could use with flashbacks and history!

[@kieronator588]

He deserved an Oscar tbh.

[@kimber5074]

I have loved John Lithgow since first seeing him in Harry and the Hendersons. Then 3RD Rock From The Sun. To see him play such an opposite character in Dexter and nail it has made me love him even more. What a talented actor!

[@jessetaylor7797]

K imber Have you seen Ricochet and Cliffhanger? He plays really sinister bad guys in those movies, too.

[@Bundy72]

Ricochet.

[@martinsorenson1055]

Go back even further, to De Palma's films: Obsession and Blow Out. He's terrific in both. Then, mix it up a little bit to around 1982 with The World According To Garp, where he plays Roberta Muldoon, former tight-end for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is just wonderful and completely the opposite of his evil characters.

[@martinsorenson1055]

And if you want see him play both good AND evil, watch Raising Cain, a really strange Brian De Palma movie from 1992.

[@warthunder8624]

Best performance i've ever seen in a serial killer show ever, this guy was so good.

[@kevinbungles]

He did play a brilliant part though awesome

[@Angelofexecution]

Seeing Robin Willams at 2:35 breaks my heart.

[@3den]

Same 😥

[@CongratulationsOnHaggard]

God dammit 😭

[@josefilho3852]

same

[@davidellwood5974]

World according to Garp is my favourite Robin Williams movie.

[@hateislove3947]

Most deserved Emmy ever.

[@doodoopapah5483]

Love to see talent, class and integrity be awarded. Lithgow is all three.

[@ChristianProtossDragoon]

Trinity!

[@joesphx19]

This does prove that television can be a place where genuine actors can entertain us at a lofty level.

[@mike8pow]

wish dexter had more seasons

[@Rayidla]

+mike8pow Yes and a better ending.

[@mike8pow]

hydro nite hell yeah I was piss off with that ending

[@marcelleaf6920]

+mike8pow well, dexter is alive.. maybe we get new seasons.. you never know. i really want to see them in the future with harrison as a teen and he is searching for his father because he can not believe he died in the storm. e will find him and his secret.. that would be awesome to watch :)

[@jessetaylor7797]

Marcel Kania I doubt it will happen. You can't have a series finale and then bring it back years later. It defeats the purpose of series finales. Of course I would love to see them do it, but I doubt they will.

[@Jonman7502]

You mean too many seasons... It really went downhill after season 4, it should've ended in season 5 differently.

[@drake8168]

One of the best villains ever.

[@UnleashthePhury]

An Emmy nomination for 24. Takes me back. Gregory Itzin is a fantastic character actor

[@britturk123]

Brilliant Brilliant Actor well deserved for playing evil so masterfully.

[@TomAtchleySrA]

One of my all time favorite actors! All of his roles have been amazingly acted. After he left Dexter, the show went downhill faster than the fastest roller coaster. Also, my childhood consisted of the VHS of Harry and the Hendersons, a classic IMHO.

[@chasejackson7248]

It went downhill because of the show runner left after that season.

[@mariapaganmusic]

His role in Dexter was absolutely chilling! I had to see if he won any awards for it and I am glad he did! He deserves it! 💯

[@joshfredr7846]

he did an amazing acting in Dexter.

[@stardustring]

Everyone in Dexter did amazing. Especially Michael c. Hall.

[@PabIoEscobar.]

All know Trinity. *BUT NO ONE REMEMBERS HE IS ALSO BARNEY STINSONS FATHER*

[@aditya5371]

My point exactly.

[@rb1278]

And Lord farquad

[@katelynnova2537]

Dexter was the best show. John definitely deserves this 👏🏻

[@TheCandlekane]

He was so scary in Dexter! Im just watching it now and he is so good in it

[@brianrunyon266]

One of his best roles, I'd say.

[@randallmcgrath9345]

Seeing his range from 3rd Rock compared to this is a testament to his true, raw acting skill itself.

[@bowielondon7515]

One of the greatest performance i had ever see !!!

[@GrassValleyGreg]

Dude. He's SO fucking awesome on Dexter. Legit terrifying.

[@prowelsh56]

Truly an amazing performance.

[@tiffsaver]

There is NOTHING John Lithgow can't do... a total gem.

[@staceyherald7953]

He deserved it. He was terrifying. Which was surprising bc he is such a good comedy actor

[@HevyGee]

I never watched a single episode of Dexter: but seeing that Lithgow (brilliant in everything) was in it (and according to most of the fans, he helped make it the best Season), I am now itching to seek it out.

[@Please_allow_me]

If you've not already then you really should, I'd love to experience it for the first time again

[@JustABroYT]

Arthur Mitchell!

[@TheMikeHunt]

Wow, Arthur Mitchel never died.. he goes by John Lithgow now.. and hes winning awards. The trinity killer really is something else.

[@kylebutler8635]

They should’ve played “ Hey Venus “ song when they announced his name

[@urbangirlparis]

he fucking deserved it ! the guy playing president logan and also Eli Gold are very good guest actors, but john lithgow was like HUGE in dexter, he stole the show in this season

[@libidooverdrive]

He made that easily the best season

[@urbangirlparis]

michael romine yes thats true , i held on to the idea of dexter as a good show because of that season, but then i was disapointed

[@libidooverdrive]

I know what you mean.

[@mrxyz590]

when Dexter's wife died. i was sad for 2 days 😥😩

[@pandajizz5698]

Day 3, I can't watch again after s4.

[@spearbelize]

@@pandajizz5698 haha, if you think rita's death is sad then don't even bother watching end of season 8, you'll probably wanna smash your tv.

[@nealg2355]

@@spearbelize so accurate

[@miguellucero]

@@pandajizz5698 yes, that absolutely broke me. Couldn’t watch it again. Her character reminded me of my wife just a sweetheart. For her to be a victim was just…. Horrible!

[@pandajizz5698]

@@miguellucero that's exactly what was going through my mind. It scared the shit outta me for someone I care about.

[@iamashoe1583]

Lithgow is so amazing as an actor. I really would be terrified if I met him 😂

[@MoneyMac18]

Dexter wouldn't be the same without you, well deserved!

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

Season 4 of Dexter is kind of all you need to see if you haven’t seen the show yet. You’ll be satisfied.

[@waltermalone216]

The rest of the show is good but it doesn't get any better than Season 4 for sure. Not to say the show peaked, because the rest of the show is still fantastic but Season 4 is just such an unobtainable high for most shows at all let alone for a show to do it more than once.

[@ammo7204]

Season. 2 was the best in my opinion. It should have been the final season.

[@SpaceTrades]

@@ammo7204 1-4 were gold

[@fuzzyscarfandmittens4772]

John Lithgow was outstanding in this role. He could play charming and warm and nice and then in an instant become cruel and cold and you believed it. The man is criminally underappreciated as an actor.

[@gibsonstation1292]

Awesome performance.

[@Barnabas45]

Best season on Dexter!

[@pattiharvey1787]

JL was amazing in that role!

[@anpe6524]

TRINITY!! season 4 was EPIC

[@nicbentulan]

i am so thankful for you arthur shut up lol

[@anpe6524]

@@nicbentulan LOL

[@JenX_1973]

After season 4, Dexter really started to go downhill, in terms of storylines and writing. The season wirh John Lithgow was my favorite. He and Michael C. Hall just had such great chemistry onscreen!

[@Bundy72]

Looking back they should have stopped the show, though season 7 was also an exciting season.

[@rh8216]

@@Bundy72 Agreed. Especially since the main writers left after 4.

[@slamdunk2270]

@@Bundy72 The death of his wife leaving his son sitting on blood (like he used to) was the perfect full-circle ending to Dexter. Unfortunately the show was sooo good they had to continue and I don’t blame them for that. Only it just went downhill (obviously it became difficult for him to keep hiding as his wife had been directly targeted by the main killer Miami Metro was investigating on). Anyways, how to top such a climax? The following relationships he had with other women like Lumen and Hannah just felt blend and forced at this point. Dexter New Blood was a brilliant idea to bring him back in a Fargo-like setup. But the season was way too short (and therefore rushed). I wished the show would go and on for many decades as we desperately NEED Michael C. Hall in our lives. Big fan from 🇫🇷

[@rrrr2150]

season 7-8 was so good tho... definitely did not expect the whole hannah thing

[@SuperTiaanBro]

Season 5 and 6 were good though.

[@wesleyharidade5170]

Deserved!

[@_Alex_T_]

I used to hate that actor because of his role of Trinity. Even in HIMYM, I was uncomfortable with seeing him. That's how good his performance of Trinity is.

[@NYD666]

His performance as dick in 3rd rock from the sun will change your mind

[@JordanCarlin-qy5ed]

Just finished season 4 again. John Lithgow's performance is absolutely sublime at recreating a psychopathic serial killer. The grandiose narcissism, glibness, superficial charm, selfishness, lack of remorse and empathy, the manipulation e.t.c His ability to change mask from nice family christian man to a blood thirsty serial killer was just fantastic. Thoroughly deserved to win the Emmy for sure.

[@secretsantababe11]

The greatest part about Lithgow is that because he is an immensely spectacular actor, he carries a little piece of each character that he plays in his own mannerisms. For example, watching this, I definitely see a little bit of Trinity .... but then again I see a bit of Dick from 3rd Rock from the Sun too.

[@DrPlatypus1]

One of the best actors in the world. I am SO happy he won. No one deserved it more.

[@mrgainz7252]

Dexter is my all time favourite series along with Spartacus and SOA

[@arserobinson7118]

John Lithgow is the best thing about Dexter

[@cche16]

deserved it. he was amazing in that role.

[@jwelch5742]

John Lithgow has great acting in Dexter: Road Kill.

[@Ihavthring9]

Never seen this show but as i have seen him as the villain in Cliffhanger i know is well deserved ❤

[@parishj3]

i miss dexter :///

[@jessetaylor7797]

Abrahem Lincologne Same.

[@ChristianProtossDragoon]

@@jessetaylor7797 I write a new season.

[@ToastedToddler]

it came back!

[@libidooverdrive]

Stunning acting

[@KaiM2583]

I knew him from 3rd Rock from the Sun so I didn’t think he’d be that convincing as a serial killer, boy oh boy did he prove me wrong!! He is my favourite guest killer in the show, second only to Dexter himself.

[@eightysbaby8798]

Trinity was like a main character too me. Even tho it was only season 4 they mentioned him in every season after that. Even went too Nebraska too see his son with the ice truck killer Rudy. I fucking love Dexter. Get out the mountains and put some ppl in your table Ock.

[@zzzzzz192]

1:53 It's the Super-Size Me dude! Lol

[@SrenOliverDue]

When you win over Gregory Itzins performance on 24, you know you've done any AMAZING JOB

[@mirrrstery]

WELL DESERVED. Micheal AND John in the same season, both as serial killers?! Amazing.

[@dakotaeaston9775]

This was back when content was worthy of shows like this.

[@kullprit]

Well deserved. He was so chilling in Dexter

[@GardensAndGames]

That man deserves every award he's gotten and then some.

[@ilikebasketball5788]

Dexter deserved way more awards one best show ever made

[@aminemalek4213]

"My coffee is not the issue, my breakfast in the other hand, IS!"

[@anthonycampos8057]

Well deserved. The most shocking ending in a tv series came at the end of season 4 of Dexter.

[@kimkatz2444]

I love this season in glad its back on Netflix ❤

[@ralphiecifaretto8961]

Season 4 was uneven but John Lithgow was by far the best character ever on that show.

[@finwwwfinwww4669]

Transition from 3rd rock from sun to Dexter :Amazing

[@lorijohnson3341]

He's a brilliant actor he really is. Was devastated and heartbroken that he killed Rita though. I never saw it coming.....complete and utter SHOCK!!!! It makes you wonder what Trinity told Rita in her final moments. Poor baby Harrison witnessed his mommy being KILLED. I am thankful he didn't harm Harrison. When Dexter said "It was me!!" He was saying it was his fault because he should have killed Trinity when he first had the chance!! Dexter was a serial killer YES but he only killed people who were murderers and who deserved it. Rita didn't deserve to die that way. Dexter and Rita were a great couple wish they would have let her live. Not gonna lie ....I CRIED FOR RITA, DEXTER AND THEIR CHILDREN!!!-TRINITY SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE TO SUFFER MORE AFTER WHAT HE DID!!!!😢😢😭😭😭😭NEVER LOOKED AT JOHN LITHGOW THE SAME😢😢

[@mrgainz7252]

Lori Johnson Grow up

[@tatumsh9]

She was really annoying though. Every annoying person died in the series

[@machuz607]

I love when actors thank the crew

[@ronniestar8762]

How does this guy do it? I’ve seen him play an alien, a dead beat dad & a serial killer & he nails all of them

[@Dreama40]

If you ever get a chance watch him in the movie "Distant Thunder", great movie, great actor.

[@RiskyKel]

well deserved he pulled off this character so well!

[@kiwiizz8923]

Gaaah, i can't stop thinking of him as a serial killer, what if he uses the job as an actor just as camoflage and really is a serial killer lol

[@ChristianProtossDragoon]

Exactly!

[@SonnyBLightSun]

Arthur Mitchell: "you showed me a kindness"

[@Kajehart]

Lithgow has always been a brilliantly flexible actor. I remember him as the villain in the movie "Ricochet" añd the comedy star in "3rd Rock From The Sun."

[@grannyrice8983]

So awesome and so happy for John...well deserved!

[@AcesPlace22]

Soooooo well deserved!!!

[@norasmith2474]

I really wish they would present these at the main Emmy awards

[@dashriprock8596]

After the Trinity season I couldn't take a bath for the longest time.

[@Gumbocinno]

Wow, he's so good at hiding his real life, he even wins Emmys for acting.

[@Noneofyourbizzzz]

Hey beyond *deserved it* unbelievable talent Mr Lithgow has.

[@sofiafungayi4603]

My #2 favourite serial killer after Dexter of course

[@argotigonzalez1585]

Trinity was such a good character

[@mariapalladino2473]

Someone will be making a surprise appearance on the new season!!!!!

[@jasonroberts9788]

Im sorry but all I see now is the Trinity Killer. He was amazing in that role.

[@darwinbodero7872]

Lithgow absolutely deserved this one. Fantastic villain