John Lithgow is set to headline the Broadway production of Giant, Mark Rosenblatt’s celebrated play about the life of children’s author Roald Dahl. Following its well-received run in London last year, the show arrives on Broadway this March, with Lithgow portraying Dahl, a figure well known for his wit and charm but also marked by controversy due to his complex legacy involving antisemitism and a darker side. Lithgow’s performance promises a layered depiction that captures both Dahl’s brilliance and his flaws, reinforcing Lithgow’s wide-ranging versatility as an actor.
From London Streets to the Broadway Stage
On a bright morning in the London neighborhood of Hampstead, John Lithgow waits for a photo shoot, greeted warmly by passersby who recognize him for his numerous varied roles. Having portrayed characters as diverse as a serial killer in Dexter, a scheming cardinal in Conclave, and Winston Churchill in The Crown, Lithgow’s career spans genres and mediums. Aya Cash, who will co-star with him in Giant, notes,
“You cannot live in this world and consume culture without running into John Lithgow.”
Currently residing in Hampstead with his wife, historian Mary Yeager, Lithgow also prepares for a role as Albus Dumbledore in an upcoming HBO Harry Potter series. His return to the British theater scene is a homecoming of sorts, recalling his studies at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art on a Fulbright scholarship in 1967. Although born in Rochester, New York, Lithgow holds close ties to both the U.S. and the U.K., splitting his time primarily between Los Angeles and London, while also enjoying summers in Montana, Yeager’s home state.
Director Nicholas Hytner’s Vision of John Lithgow as Dahl
Director Nicholas Hytner conceived Lithgow for the role of Roald Dahl based not only on physical resemblance but also on his exceptional capacity for embodying complex characters. Lithgow himself reflects that Hytner sought a
“gangly actor he could think of that was old, bald, six-foot-four-inches tall, and had Dahl’s lantern jaw,”
though Hytner emphasizes that Lithgow’s brilliance as an actor is what truly defined the casting choice. Hytner adds,
“Even though he is the sweetest man, he does have the most extraordinary talent for playing monstrous characters.”
A Glimpse of Lithgow’s Personal Warmth Amidst a Diverse Career
Despite his ability to portray dark or intimidating roles, Lithgow’s genuine warmth shines through in personal moments. He playfully remarked to his stylist,
“You dress me how I wish I had the courage to dress myself,”
while eagerly sharing photographs of his family and encounters, including one with pop icon Boy George during walks around Hampstead. The actor’s engaging personality contrasts with some of his most intense roles, revealing a man who is equally charismatic off-stage.
His rich voice, perhaps shaped by early experiences in his father’s Shakespearean theater work, carries a distinctive charm. Lithgow fondly recalls a chance meeting with Claire Foy during the filming of The Crown, where they portrayed characters connected by history:
“On my first night, I bumped into Claire Foy, who was my queen. It was just wonderful.”
Lasting Relationships and Reflections on a Lifetime in Theater
Celebrating his 80th birthday in London last year, Lithgow was surrounded by many friends from the British theater world. Nicholas Hytner described the event as
“one of the best parties I’ve ever been to because he’s made so many friends in Britain,”
adding that Lithgow’s warmth is authentic and sometimes punctuated by “an acerbic opinion,” showing the depth of his personality. Throughout a career moving effortlessly from comedy to musical theater and from heroes to villains, Lithgow remains a beloved figure, returning now to the stage with a role that challenges and honors the legacy of Roald Dahl.
John Lithgow’s role in Giant underscores his enduring place in both American and British theater, while his upcoming portrayal of Albus Dumbledore indicates continued relevance in popular culture. His presence on Broadway this spring will undoubtedly draw attention from longtime fans and new audiences alike, reflecting a career defined by versatility and depth.
