John Lithgow: From Aspiring Artist to Acclaimed Actor

John Lithgow, the acclaimed actor known for his Emmy and Tony-winning performances, initially aspired to be an artist before family influence led him to pursue acting. Despite his successful career on stage and screen, Lithgow's passion for the arts has remained a constant throughout his life.

At 78 years old, Lithgow shows no signs of slowing down. He recently appeared in the Academy Award-nominated film "Killers of the Flower Moon" and starred alongside Jeff Bridges in the FX series "The Old Man." Lithgow's impressive acting career is built upon a strong educational foundation, which includes an undergraduate degree from Harvard and a Fulbright Scholarship at the London School of the Arts.

In a recent project, Lithgow went back to school to explore various art forms with high school students in the Los Angeles area. The experience, filmed for the PBS series "Art Happens Here with John Lithgow," saw the actor learning dance, ceramics, silk-screen printing, and vocal jazz ensemble alongside the talented students. Lithgow, who wanted to immerse himself in situations where he still had a lot to learn, found the experience to be incredibly enjoyable and fulfilling, despite the hard work involved.

Why this matters: Lithgow's advocacy for arts education highlights the importance of creativity and self-expression in the development of young minds. By showcasing the joy of learning and the process of failing and succeeding, Lithgow's PBS series aims to inspire a new generation of artists and emphasize the value of arts education in schools.

The students, who were serious about their craft, welcomed Lithgow's presence and helped him learn and succeed in his new endeavors. Lithgow believes that arts education is vital for getting kids excited about learning and eager to go to school, especially in the wake of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. "While science and math are important subjects, art and creativity can make kids excited about going to school in the first place," Lithgow stated, drawing from his own experience of having the best arts education in his formative years.

Key Takeaways

• John Lithgow initially aspired to be an artist before pursuing acting.
• Lithgow has an impressive educational background, including a Harvard degree and Fulbright Scholarship.
• Lithgow explored various art forms with high school students for a PBS series.
• Lithgow believes arts education is vital for getting kids excited about learning.
• Lithgow's advocacy highlights the importance of creativity and self-expression in education.