John Lithgow: Actor's Artful Farewell Tour

Actor John Lithgow, who has portrayed nearly 200 distinct characters throughout his extensive career, is finding himself at what he calls the conclusion of his acting journey. His roles have spanned a remarkable spectrum, including King Lear, Winston Churchill (twice), and numerous others that highlight his versatility. Lithgow's artistic endeavors extend beyond the stage and screen; he is also an artist. He has a practice of drawing and painting his co-stars, presenting these works as parting gifts to them.

Approaching 80 years old and having been a performer since his early childhood, Lithgow is now exploring new artistic avenues. His career, which began on stage and expanded to film and television decades ago, is being celebrated through his continued engagement with art. This reflects a deeper interest in the intersection of technique and emotion, a quality he admires in other artists, such as Helene Schjerfbeck, whose self-portraits he recently viewed privately at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.