John Lithgow is a name synonymous with versatility, talent, and an enduring presence in the entertainment industry. With a career spanning over five decades, this veteran actor has captivated audiences on stage, screen, and television with his ability to seamlessly transition between comedy, drama, and everything in between. From his Emmy-winning turn as the eccentric alien Dick Solomon in 3rd Rock from the Sun to his chilling portrayal of the Trinity Killer in Dexter, Lithgow has proven time and again that he’s a force to be reckoned with. The question on everyone’s mind is: What’s next for this legendary performer? In this article, we’ll dive into Lithgow’s latest projects, explore his illustrious career, and look ahead to what’s on the horizon for the 79-year-old actor.
A Career Built on Diversity and Excellence
Born on October 19, 1945, in Rochester, New York, John Lithgow was practically destined for a life in the arts. His mother, Sarah Jane Price, was an actress, and his father, Arthur Washington Lithgow III, was a theatrical producer and director who ran Shakespeare festivals across the Midwest. Growing up in a nomadic family that followed his father’s career, Lithgow’s early exposure to the theater planted the seeds for his future success. However, it wasn’t until he attended Harvard University—initially intending to pursue visual arts—that he truly caught the acting bug.
After graduating magna cum laude from Harvard in 1967, Lithgow earned a Fulbright scholarship to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. This rigorous training laid the foundation for a career that would see him excel in every medium he touched. His Broadway debut in 1973’s The Changing Room earned him his first Tony Award, signaling the arrival of a major talent. From there, Lithgow’s career took off, with standout roles in films like The World According to Garp (1982) and Terms of Endearment (1983)—both of which earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor.
Lithgow’s ability to tackle diverse roles has kept him relevant across generations. Whether he’s playing a paranoid airline passenger in Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983), a villainous Lord Farquaad in Shrek (2001), or the stoic Winston Churchill in The Crown (2016), he brings depth and authenticity to every character. With six Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two Tony Awards, and countless other accolades, Lithgow’s legacy is already cemented. But at 79, he shows no signs of slowing down.
Recent Highlights: Where Lithgow Has Been
In recent years, Lithgow has continued to take on challenging and varied roles, proving that age is no barrier to creativity. In 2023, he appeared in Martin Scorsese’s critically acclaimed Killers of the Flower Moon, portraying a Midwestern prosecuting attorney. The film, which delves into the Osage murders of the 1920s, was a departure from the types of roles typically associated with Scorsese’s gritty urban crime dramas. Lithgow himself noted in a 2021 Variety interview, “I’m not exactly Scorsese material, but I’m playing a Midwestern prosecuting attorney in this one, so it’s like, now you’re talking.” His performance added another layer to an already stellar ensemble cast that included Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.
Following that, Lithgow lent his voice to the animated film Spellbound, which premiered on Netflix in November 2024. In this whimsical tale, he voices a character in a story about a princess navigating a magical kingdom turned upside down by a mysterious spell. The project aligns with Lithgow’s long history of engaging younger audiences, from his children’s books like Marsupial Sue to his Grammy-nominated albums for kids. Posts on X from outlets like Criterion celebrated his involvement, noting his “wonderful visit” to promote the film.
Lithgow also returned to the stage in 2024 with Giant, a provocative play at London’s Royal Court Theatre. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, the production saw Lithgow embody the complex and controversial figure of Roald Dahl, the beloved children’s author whose legacy was marred by anti-Semitic remarks. The role earned him a nomination for the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor, further solidifying his reputation as a theatrical powerhouse. As This Is London magazine highlighted, Giant was one of the most talked-about plays of the year, blending sharp social commentary with Lithgow’s commanding presence.
What’s Next: The Harry Potter Series and Beyond
As we look to the future, one of the most exciting developments in Lithgow’s career is his confirmed role as Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series. Announced in February 2025 by outlets like IGN, Lithgow will step into the iconic role previously portrayed by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the blockbuster film franchise. In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow shared his excitement—and a touch of trepidation—about the part: “It came as a total surprise to me… It’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited.”
The Harry Potter series, set to begin filming in the summer of 2025, promises a “more in-depth” adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s seven-book saga. Lithgow revealed in a podcast (as noted in an X post by @mathsantarello) that he’ll start shooting his first scenes in August, splitting his time between England and the U.S. over the coming years. Currently halfway through reading Chamber of Secrets, he’s immersing himself in the wizarding world to bring a fresh yet faithful take on Dumbledore, the wise and enigmatic headmaster of Hogwarts.
This role is a significant milestone for Lithgow, marking his first major foray into a long-form fantasy series. Fans are buzzing with anticipation, eager to see how his nuanced acting style will breathe new life into a character beloved by millions. Given his track record with historical figures like Winston Churchill, Lithgow is poised to deliver a Dumbledore that balances gravitas, warmth, and a hint of mischief.
But that’s not all. Lithgow is also set to reprise his role in the second season of FX’s The Old Man, alongside Jeff Bridges. In a February 2024 X post, he shared a photo with Bridges, captioning it, “Back to work with @TheJeffBridges. Old Man Season 2 on its way #theoldmanfx.” The series, which follows a retired CIA operative drawn back into the world of espionage, has been praised for its gripping narrative and stellar performances. Lithgow’s return promises more thrilling moments as the show continues to build on its first season’s success.
Additionally, rumors are swirling about a potential Dexter spinoff centered on the Trinity Killer, Lithgow’s Emmy-winning role from the original series. According to a December 2024 X post by @DexterDaily, showrunner Clyde Phillips has already written the entire prequel, with Lithgow slated to voice the inner thoughts of a younger Arthur Mitchell. While not yet officially confirmed, this project would bring Lithgow back to one of his most iconic characters, offering fans a deeper look into the mind of the chilling serial killer.
Beyond Acting: Lithgow’s Creative Pursuits
Lithgow’s talents extend far beyond the screen and stage. He’s an accomplished author, having penned best-selling children’s books and the satirical “Dumpty Trilogy,” which took aim at political figures with sharp wit and landed him on the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list for three consecutive years. His memoir, Drama: An Actor’s Education (2011), offers a heartfelt look at his early career and personal growth, while his musical endeavors—like the Grammy-nominated The Sunny Side of the Street—showcase his versatility as a performer.
This multifaceted creativity keeps Lithgow engaged and relevant, appealing to audiences of all ages. Whether he’s recording albums for kids, writing poetry, or delivering a commencement address at Harvard (a historic first for an actor), he remains a cultural force with an insatiable drive to explore new challenges.
Why John Lithgow Remains a Hollywood Icon
What makes John Lithgow’s career so remarkable is his refusal to be pigeonholed. He’s as comfortable in a zany sitcom as he is in a Shakespearean tragedy, as adept at voicing animated villains as he is at portraying real-life legends. His latest roles—Dumbledore, The Old Man, and potentially the Trinity Killer prequel—reflect this enduring versatility. At 79, Lithgow isn’t just coasting on past achievements; he’s actively shaping the next chapter of his legacy.
For fans and newcomers alike, Lithgow’s upcoming projects offer plenty to look forward to. The Harry Potter series will introduce him to a new generation, while The Old Man and the Dexter spinoff will satisfy long-time admirers of his dramatic chops. As he continues to balance high-profile roles with personal passions like writing and music, Lithgow proves that his love for storytelling is as strong as ever.
Final Thoughts
John Lithgow’s latest role as Albus Dumbledore is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting phase in his already storied career. With a slate of projects that span television, film, and animation, he’s showing no signs of slowing down. Whether you know him from 3rd Rock from the Sun, The Crown, or his Broadway triumphs, there’s no denying that Lithgow remains one of the most dynamic actors of our time.
So, what’s next for John Lithgow? A magical journey to Hogwarts, a tense return to espionage, and perhaps a chilling revisit to Dexter’s dark world—all while continuing to inspire with his boundless creativity. As we await these releases, one thing is clear: the veteran actor’s star shines as brightly as ever, and his next act is sure to be unforgettable.
