John Lithgow Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 26 май 2024
- John Lithgow breaks down his most iconic characters, including his roles in 'Shrek,' '3rd Rock From The Sun,' 'Dexter,' 'Harry & the Hendersons,' 'The Crown,' 'Footloose,' 'Cliffhanger,' 'The Changing Room,' 'Bombshell,' 'The Old Man,' 'M. Butterfly' and 'The World According to Garp.'
FX’s The Old Man airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on FX and streams the next day on Hulu.
00:00 Intro
00:25 Shrek
02:27 3rd Rock From The Sun
04:59 Dexter
06:25 Harry & the Hendersons
08:27 The Crown
11:03 Footloose
12:35 Cliffhanger
14:50 The Changing Room
16:37 Bombshell
18:49 The Old Man
22:07 M. Butterfly
23:21 The World According to Garp
Still haven’t subscribed to GQ on RUclips? ►► bit.ly/2iij5wt
Subscribe to GQ magazine and get rare swag: bit.ly/2xNBH3i
ABOUT GQ
For more than 50 years, GQ has been the premier men’s magazine, providing definitive coverage of style, culture, politics and more. In that tradition, GQ’s video channel covers every part of a man’s life, from entertainment and sports to fashion and grooming advice. Welcome to the modern guide to style advice, dating tips, celebrity videos, music, sports and more.
/ gqvideos 
Развлечения
He's a legend. He's done everything, dumb, evil, charming, and always excelled at it.
He was a terrifying villain in Cliffhanger.
@@thediner8929 yes he is!!
His presence immediately makes any movie 30% better than it already was.
I would have liked to know more about Buckaroo Banzai. I'm sure he's talked about it other interviews.
And that was only Shrek you described
It can't be said enough how much Shrek has influenced kids that grew up in the early 2000s
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.
Shrek is love, shrek is life
"Influenced"? To do what? Be big, green and have a terrible Scottish accent?
@@SpaceSkeletonDragon influenced our sense of humor
Pfft. I grew up in the 80s, and that movie affected me too!
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
Hilarious comparison since they played the same character in the twilight zone and in the twilight zone movie.
@@cabexus The Lithgow one on the plane terrified child me
YES! That scene and the scene where he discovers the tissue box!!
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!
Lies again? Institute College Face Of StarHub
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.
@@gracehaven5459 mine too! Really really stole the show!
He also is a cold and vicious assassin in Blow Out (1981) with John Travolta
@@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
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.
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!
Agreed. There is just something captivating about him. No wonder he has had an amazing career !
Agreed! Something about him just pulls you in, effortlessly…almost therapeutically. Love him dearly. Such heart, warmth, talent, and just genuinely himself.
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.
298 likes
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.
Is my music hot garbage🗑
Yes. Absolutely. Understated but what a range. Disappointed that they didn’t include Buckaroo Banzai.
Great laughs.
Agreed.
Calling an actor "unbelievable" is the opposite of a compliment.
Darn!! I was waiting for Buckaroo Bonsai. That is a typical 1980s science-fiction classic! 💚
Nobody could have played the Trinity Killer like John Lithgow. I'm so glad he ended up accepting the role
Absolutely loved him in 3rd Rock. His physical comedy was on par with Farley, or Cleese. Legend.
I found similarities between Lithgow and Cleese. Good to see I'm not the only one.
Very similar physical stature to Cleese also
Hi
Hi
Hi
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.
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.
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 of the best jokes in TV history. I hope the person who realized the connection and wrote that joke got a raise.
That gingerbread man tidbit was such a great story regardless of length.
Man, his role in that season of Dexter was truly incredible. Truly heart wrenching.
He was a “right basterd” in it and played it to perfection.
Absolutely. He elevated that season with his performance. It is (perhaps) the best season of that show because of his contribution.
Trinity
@@DPMusicStudio yeet
Best season of the whole show
Lord Farquaad was superb in Cliffhanger. Very underrated actor.
Will never forget the time Lord Farquaad played John Lithgow. Fantastic!
"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?
@@sterlingadams5291 and you sir seem to have missed the joke. They said, “Lord Farquaad” not the actual guy.
@@sphjinx1448 agreed they definitely missed the joke lmao. Important people read comments before they get preachy 😂
His psycho escaped con in Ricochet was excellent, he was totally chewing the furniture in set, almost Alan Rickman like in Robin Hood!!
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.
Such an underrated actor - he plays every role differently and perfectly.
I don’t think he’s underrated at all
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.
I mean some of his characters are pretty similar.
I'd say underutilized. But his talent is definitely known and respected by the acting world
id only see him as underrated because newer generations don't recognize the old authentic talent. Acting today mostly isnt at all nearly comparable
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
Double bonus when you can tell just by the way they talk about it how in love they are with the craft.
POISONING MY PERFECT WORLD! what a iconic line hahaha.......
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.
@@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.
John is one of most underrated actors of his generation , he can everything.
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)
Lithgow in Dexter season 4 is immense. What of the best seasons in TV
I mean he was great but Brian Moser is my personal favorite
@@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.
His portrayal as Churchill, is definitely one of the best, considering he's American, he was amazing in the Crown 👑
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.
If you had to grade his accent quality what would you give it out of curiosity?
@@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.
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
@@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.
His delivery of “perhaps you’ve heard of… the dictionary!” in 3rd Rock gets me every time
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.
He plaed HIM, not her
First movie i saw where I was aware of Lithgow. Very endearing in that role.
@@moonscar119 Pronouns bother you, don’t they?
@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
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.
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
3 films. DePalma directed Blow Out.
Raising cain was incredible
I came here for Raising Cain :(
@@BenAllanCM Yeah l dld too. Noone can portray the dlsturblng nuances of playlng a multlple personallty psychopath qulte llke John Lithgow
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.
For someone born in the 40s, John Lithgow is still so upbeat and full of life.
I love how delighted he was to be in Cliffhanger. Legit awesome film.
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.
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 🖤
That scene STILL makes me cry
he forgot to include santa claus the movie
My favorite role of John Lithgow - guy on a plane in "Twilight zone. the Movie"
Came here to say exactly this! He sold “terrified” like nobody else could, or ever has since. Love that segment in TZ
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!!
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.
There has to be some good stories behind that one!
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
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.
Makes me cry just hearing him talk about that scene in Harry. One of my favorite childhood movies
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.
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.
Muffled Laughter.
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.
I really thought that movie was not relatable but wow
I mean, it was based on a real story, so not surprising.
Some religious people are hardcore, but we need to be harsh to ourselves
3rd Rock, Clinghanger and Raising Cain. I love him in most films and TV he's been in, but those are my favorite.
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.
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.
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.
Highly agree. Loved Harry and the Hendersons. Underrated. The chemistry between John Lithgow and Harry is what made the film.
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
Hearing John talk about his career and craft really brightened my mood. Thank you for doing these interviews.
John Lithgow is a gem of an actor. Such talent!
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
Pure talent with not a trace of pompousness, what a stud.
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.
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. 😀
Laff while you can monke boi!
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.
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!
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!
And considering this guy has played so many goofy characters. Qualen is such a terrifying villain, absolutely love him.
@@uuiam he was fantastic there. i really couldnt believe he could be such a great villain. wasnt surprised by Dexter later lol.
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 .
Kill someone and you’re a murderer. Kill a million and you’re a conqueror… go figure.
Right up there with Hans Gruber.
“Nice to meet you Dexter Morgan”
One of my top 10 seasons of anything.
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.
Small role? He was basically the primary antagonist
“You’re big, he’s small hehehehe he’s short!” 😂😂😂 I love John’s retelling of the animators sense of humor 😂😂😂
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.
Fell in love with him way back with Terms of Endearment
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.
Saw him on a Broadway musical he is literally the best! 3rd Rock will always be my favorite sitcom of all time
Was it Dirty Rotten Scoundrels? I loved him in that!
Would be amazing to see him live
My favorite Lithgow role was his portrayal as the distressed plane passenger in the Twilight Zone movie. What a tour de force performance.
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 ...
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.
Such a great movie, and he's priceless in it. He does a great cliché crooked businessman.
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.
he was truly scary in dexter, great actor in everything
He was so good that it ruined the rest of the show tbh.
@@peakdennis1 nah I think the writing just went downhill after that season.
@@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.
@@peakdennis1 Hanks and Miller were good but Lithgow is on another level
I could listen to John Lithgow tell stories all day. :-)
The 1st movie I saw Jon Lithgow in was "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai". I have enjoyed his performances ever since. Thank You John
Such a great documentary; I'm surprised I had to scroll this far down
His portrayal of Roberta in The World According to Garp is one of my favorite performances of all time! So incredibly talented.
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.
Anything starring John, I watch. Always. Period. Old Man is INCREDIBLE and I'm so happy to see him in a series again.
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
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.
He truly gave his all in this interview. Fascinating chat.
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!
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.
And with everything he has done, it would need to be hours long. He is pretty legendary in his field.
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!
One of the most versatile and entertaining actors to ever do it.
John Lithgow is a national treasure love him especially his Early films with de Palma
He was so excellent in Blow Out, just incredibly menacing
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.
John Lithglow is a national treasure... Have loved everything he's been in!! Thank you for many, many wonderful evenings of movie watching!
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.
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.
The sit down videos with actors talking about their careers is the best videos series you guys do. Don’t ever stop
This has to be the best interview GQ has done! What a wonderful actor and I'm a big fan!
He’s amazing in everything he’s done. Harry and the Hendersons was my favorite and reminds me of my childhood.
Shrek will always be my favorite movie of his. It’s just such a classic series 😅💜
Is my music hot garbage🗑
“Go On!” -Lord Farquaad 😆😆
@@AethersMusic yeah.
@@AethersMusic SOMEBODY ONCE TOLD ME
Love John Lithgow, I wish he'd have spoken about Blow Out and Ricochet which I think are his two best villain roles
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.
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.)
I will never forget His performance in Buckaroo Bonzi. John BigBootie is a classic
Big-Boo-TAY! TAY!
John Bigboote was Christopher Lloyd. Lithgow was John Whorfin/Emilio Lazardo.
I absolutely adore when these videos are long & detailed. Thank you for just letting Mr Lithgow talk.
John Lithgow is a legend. Such a lovely personality and real passion for his craft.
John Lithgow will always be George Nathan Henderson to me ❤️ Bigfoot is my first memory of going to the movies, and yes, that scene at the end where he tells Harry to leave them alone broke my little heart too 💔
I looove The World According to Garp. I really wish more people knew about this movie it's one of Robin Williams best and it's never talked about. John is also great in it. If you haven't seen it definitely check it out. Be prepared to cry.
Lithgow was capable of bringing respect to the transgendered character. I'm happy that it was made back then and that I got to see it as a kid. I agree that Garp could be released today and be even more relivent and up to date with 2022 issues. It does have that depressing scene but it was done well.
His kids album Singin in the Bathtub was my entire childhood. I still remember all the lyrics to Triplets hahaha thank you sir!
SAME I didn’t know it was John Lithgow growing up! In fact I didn’t even know who he was at the time!
Aww was waiting for his memories of Buckaroo Banzai... guess it didn't stack up to those other major movies he did. Excellent actor.
The performance in Dexter is incredible so many layers and definitely the series at the highest point
*_Ricochet_* is absolutely one of my most favorite Lithgow movies.
3rd Rock was my favorite as a child and still is at 30 years old just a great show
I love this guy. Everything he does is hilarious. It was a joy growing up with him in the comedy scene.
I discovered John via 30rd Rock, and I was blown away by his acting skills! Now it's my mission to watch every movie he is in.
Lithgow was amazing in Dexter. You didn't see him coming. Great performance.
💙This discussion with John is my favorite "iconic characters" video yet! He is such a treat and a talent. Enjoyed him in soo many roles over the years but my favorite has to be his hilarious, over the top performance of the insane Dr. Lizardo in the Adventures of Bukaroo Banzai (w Peter Weller)! 🤣
Over the top is an understatement. More like completely unhinged.
I can't even explain how giddy I felt when he said Cliffhanger was the best job he ever had. That was one of my favorite movies to watch with my dad when I was a kid. Most people got introduced to Stallone through Rambo or Rocky, but Cliffhanger was always my favorite.
It was a good storytelling
0:41 I always see George Henderson 👍🏻👍🏻😂 also first thing I remember seeing him in was Manhattan Project 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Great actor. Really enjoyed listening to him. He comes across as very honest and not too egotistical. Lovely to hear how he and Jeff Bridges clicked. It’s interesting to hear him talk about the actors/actresses he enjoyed working with.
This man has shaped most of my childhood and I didn't even know it.
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
John Lithgow is incredible, an absolute legendary actor and awesome guy (it seems). I will watch anything with him in it. Truly fabulous.