John Lithgow

John Lithgow
Biographical information
Birth name	John Arthur Lithgow
Born	19 October 1945 (age 79) Rochester, New York, U.S.
Nationality	American
Gender	Male
Eye colour	Blue
Career
In Harry Potter	Albus Dumbledore (Harry Potter (TV series))

"US actor John Lithgow has said he is "excited" to be playing Dumbledore in the forthcoming Harry Potter TV series, adding that the role is "going to define me for the last chapter of my life"."

— Lithgow taking the role of Albus Dumbledore

John Arthur Lithgow (born 19 October 1945, Rochester, New York, U.S.) is an American actor who will be portraying Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter television series.

Lithgow is known for his versatility across stage, television, and film. Educated at Harvard University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, he built a distinguished career marked by multiple accolades, including six Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes, two Tony Awards, and nominations for two Academy Awards. His contributions to the entertainment industry earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2001 and induction into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2005.

Lithgow has been offered the role of Albus Dumbledore in Max's upcoming Harry Potter series, which he accepted, confirming the long-speculated casting in an interview. His selection marks a departure from the original films' tradition of exclusively casting British actors. With filming expected to begin soon, Lithgow prepares for a long-term commitment, as the series will adapt one book per season, potentially keeping him in the role until 2033.

Personal life

Born on 19 October 1945, in Rochester, New York, Lithgow grew up in a theatrical family. His mother, Sarah Jane, was a retired actress, and his father, Arthur Washington Lithgow III, was a theater producer. His family's frequent relocations exposed him to various cultural experiences, and he spent parts of his childhood in Ohio, where Coretta Scott King was once his babysitter.

Lithgow attended Princeton High School and later Harvard University, where he studied history and English literature. Inspired by a performance of Utopia Limited, he decided to pursue acting. He graduated magna cum laude in 1967 and received a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, further refining his craft.

In 1966, Lithgow married Jean Taynton, a teacher, and they had a son, Ian Lithgow. Their marriage ended after Lithgow had an affair with actress Liv Ullmann, leading to their separation and eventual divorce in 1980. He later married Mary Yeager, a history professor at UCLA, and they had a son and a daughter, Nathan and Phoebe.

Career

His early career saw him making his Broadway debut in The Changing Room (1973) and appearing in David Storey's My Fat Friend (1974). His film debut came with Dealing: Or the Berkeley-to-Boston Forty-Brick Lost-Bag Blues (1972), and he gained recognition for roles in Obsession (1976) and All That Jazz (1979). During this period, he also voiced Yoda in the National Public Radio adaptations of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

The 1980s and 1990s solidified his status as a respected actor. His performances in Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983), 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984), Raising Cain (1992), and Cliffhanger (1993) showcased his range. He was also known for playing villainous roles, such as in Ricochet (1991) and The Pelican Brief (1993).

His career reached new heights with 3rd Rock from the Sun, a role that earned him widespread fame and critical acclaim. In 2001, he voiced Lord Farquaad in Shrek, further cementing his pop culture status. His Broadway performances in Sweet Smell of Success and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels during this period highlighted his versatility.

Lithgow continued to shine in film and television, earning an Emmy for Dexter and widespread praise for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in The Crown. He also portrayed in Bombshell, Killers of the Flower Moon, and Conclave.

Harry Potter

In an interview with "The Times", Lithgow spoke about his casting as Albus Dumbledore and the aftermath. He was surprised at the backlash he received after he was revealed to be portraying the headmaster in the Harry Potter television series. He also received from a friend, an open letter telling him to step away from the role. About the role, he said “it is probably the last major role I’ll play. It is an eight-year commitment”.

Behind the scenes

• Lithgow shares a birthday (19 October) with the late Michael Gambon, who portrayed Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series.