John Lithgow Talks About His Career at Dallas Art of Film

John Lithgow has played diverse roles in close to 100 different movies and TV shows in his career. I had the opportunity to interview this diverse actor as he walked the red carpet to be honored by the Dallas Film Society at a gala dinner event.

How does it feel to be honored by the Dallas Film Society? I heard you haven't had much of a chance to enjoy Texas. Will you be back?

I certainly feel honored and welcomed. I'll be back. I've been back to Texas about four times in the last couple of years. [I've been here] three times doing my one-man show and now this. I've been to Tyler, Galveston, Austin, and now Dallas.

You were born into this business. Your parents were both into theater and acting so this is what you've done. I also know that you've published quite a few books as well. Tell us about your books.

It all grew out of just entertaining my own children. One thing led to another. I taught myself the guitar to sing them lullabies. Before I knew it, I was giving little concerts in their classrooms, their assemblies, and their fundraisers. Then [I played] Carnegie Hall with the Chicago Symphony and Pittsburgh Symphony. Children remain for me the most exhilarating audience. They're a wonderful counterpoint to adult audiences. You know you're good when you can keep their attention for an hour.

You play a great bad guy and a great good guy. Which is your favorite?

I love to do something as different as possible from the last thing I did. My two big performances on television were "3rd Rock From the Sun" and "Dexter." I'm convinced that a lot of the impact of "Dexter" had to do with the expectations that were set up by people's default impression of me from "3rd Rock."

What sort of research and preparation did you do for your role in "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"?

I actually went to an [Alzheimer's] center. My own mom is 94 now and she's frail. It's very much a tribute to both my mom and dad. My dad died at 88. At 94, my mom isn't all she used to be mentally. She's doing well but she's kind of like that Dad [in "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"]. I visited a center and talked to specialists. I didn't have a lot of time to prepare.

As it happens with roles like this, I just sort of drained my brain for a few of weeks, think more slowly, and lose track. I was working with James Franco. We created a wonderful father/son relationship together without even talking about it or plotting it. It just sort of happened.

What are the challenges you face when you flip back and forth like your character in "Raising Cain"?

It's trickery and theatrics. It's my job. I'm a character actor. People are surprised that I'm rather boringly ordinary in person. I come to life as soon as I play a part. I love switching around. I think I played my own identical twin more than any other actor just with "Raising Cain."

What sort of projects do you have coming up?

I just finished a film for Judd Apatow called "This Is 40" with Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, and Albert Brooks. It's going to be sweet. I've just closed a deal on a wonderful film in January. I can't tell you about that. On March 1, I'm starting a big play in New York by David Auburn who wrote the play "Proof."

For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:

'Alphas' Actor Ryan Cartwright Talks About His Role as Gary

Batman Arch Nemesis Ra's Al Ghul Returns in Action-packed 'Young Justice' Episode

'Star Wars: The Clone Wars': Young Darth Vader Tells us What to Expect in Season 4

Eric Shirey is the founder and former editor of Rondo Award nominated movie news websites MovieGeekFeed.com and TheSpectralRealm.com. His work has been featured on Yahoo!, DC Comics, StarWars.com, and other entertainment websites. Eric has interviewed and worked with actors like Harrison Ford, Brooke Shields, Gerard Butler, Brendan Fraser, Selena Gomez, and many more.

Heading to the movies? Get an instant mobile coupon to use at select theaters for free popcorn!