John Lithgow

John Lithgow Profile Photo

Characters played by John Lithgow

Dick Solomon — 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996)

The High Commander and leader of the extraterrestrial expedition. He poses as a physics professor at Pendelton University and serves as the family provider. Most episodes are named after him.

Donald — Interstellar (2014)

Cooper's father-in-law who helps raise Cooper's children, Murph and Tom, while Cooper works as a farmer. He is present during the early Earth-bound events before the space mission begins.

Lord Farquaad — Shrek (2001)

The vain, short ruler of Duloc who banishes fairy tale creatures and seeks a royal bride.

Don — Daddy's Home 2 (2017)

Dusty's loyal friend and frequent companion.

Elias Birchard 'E.B.' Jonathan — Perry Mason (2020)

An aging lawyer who mentors Perry Mason and hires him to investigate the kidnapping case.

Lamar Blackburn — The Accountant (2016)

CEO of Living Robotics who hires Christian and covers up corporate theft.

Harold Harper — The Old Man (2022)

Harold Harper is the FBI Assistant Director for Counterintelligence assigned to apprehend Dan Chase because of Chase’s complicated history during the Soviet–Afghan War. He directs the pursuit with Angela Adams and Raymond Waters, and hires Julian Carson to kill Chase.

Charles Rodman — Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Will Rodman's father suffering from Alzheimer's who inspires the ALZ-113 research

Tremblay — Conclave (2024)

Canadian Cardinal and moderate candidate. Denied resignation by the late pope, he secretly buys votes and manipulates staff transfers. Exposed and eliminated from the conclave after his corruption is publicized.

Roger Ailes — Bombshell (2019)

The powerful and controversial head of Fox News who systematically sexually harasses and makes sexist remarks toward female employees, including Gretchen Carlson and Kayla Pospisil. Despite his initial denials and attempts to suppress allegations, he is ultimately fired by Rupert Murdoch following mounting accusations.

Sam Burns — Terms of Endearment (1983)

Aurora's friend, offers humor and grounded perspective

Burke — Blow Out (1981)

Burke is an operative who causes the car crash by shooting its tire and then works to erase the evidence. He manipulates Sally into meeting him, steals the film proving the shooting, and attacks her on a rooftop. Jack Terry interrupts him and kills him with his own weapon, but cannot save Sally.

Career Overview

John Lithgow has 198 screen credits in a career dating back to 1952. Their work spans 16 cinematic universes — most prominently Pet Sematary with 1 titles. Signature works include 3rd Rock from the Sun, Interstellar, Shrek. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
male
Known Credits
198
Birth Date
1945-10-19
Birth Place
Rochester, New York, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 16 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q311271), public domain (CC0).