What do you think?
Rate this book
Drama: An Actor's Education
This “warm and generous” memoir is “brisk . . . packed with funny stories. . . . A buoyant, heartwarming account of coming into one’s own” (New York Times Book Review).Award–winning actor John Lithgow presents a charming, witty, and revealing memoir about his family, his work, and his life in Drama—an intimate story of insights and inspirational reflections from one of America’s most beloved actors. Lithgow pays tribute to his father, his greatest influence, and relives his collaborations with renowned performers and directors including Mike Nichols, Bob Fosse, Liv Ullmann, Meryl Streep, and Brian De Palma. A compelling reflection on the trials, triumphs, and changes across his long career, Lithgow’s Drama illuminates the inner life of a celebrated talent, and points the way forward for anyone aspiring to greatness in their own life.“Drama is a cut above?touching, self-aware, and beautifully written.” —People “Anyone interested in an actor’s life?especially backstage?will find this book enlightening.” —USA Today“A memoir as finely crafted as one of Lithgow’s performances.” —Steve Martin“Finely articulated as it is heartfelt . . . moving and candid.” —John Irving“A great read.” —Mary Karr, New York Times bestselling author of The Liar’s Club“Unflinching and irresistible.” —Gay Talese“Drama recounts in graceful, considered prose a life that after a few wrong turns is now happier and more well-adjusted than most.” —Charles McGrath, New York Times“Lithgow rises to the occasion with courageous honesty and fairness.’” —Los Angeles Times“John Lithgow’s memoir, Drama, reminded me that the world is indeed all a stage and that professionals have some great ideas about how to perform on it.” —Drew Gilpin Faust, The Wall Street Journal
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2011
154 people are currently reading
2783 people want to read
About the author
John Lithgow
104 books307 followersJohn Lithgow is a prolific actor with two Tonys, six Emmys, two Golden Globes, and two Oscar nominations to his name. He has starred in the hit TV series 3rd Rock from the Sun, Dexter, and The Crown, and in beloved films like The World According to Garp, Shrek, and Terms of Endearment. Lithgow has appeared on Broadway twenty-five times and in England with both the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. He is also the bestselling author of nine children’s picture books, and his recordings for kids have landed him four Grammy nominations.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 399 reviews
April 30, 2018
John Lithgow is one of the best human beings I have ever met. Turns out he is also a superb writer. This autobiography covers his career primarily up to about 1980, which leaves me in hopes that there will be a follow-up volume. He writes passionately about his love of theater and his upbringing in it. There is much for the novice actor to learn in these pages and I recommend it highly. Lithgow does not spare himself when describing his failings and he admits justifiable pride in his successes. For anyone who loves the theater, this is a wonderful read by a wonderful man.
January 31, 2013
If I knew anything about acting or plays, I might give this 5 stars. Maybe I should anyway since I have no interest in either & yet really enjoyed this autobiography that is full of both.
How did he do that?!!!
Part of it was his voice. It's great for an audio book, but mostly Lithgow was amazingly honest - not brutally, though. There wasn't anything shocking or particularly horrible, just a pretty typical man who didn't always measure up to his own standards, but still managed to make a good, successful life for himself. I wondered if he'd had therapy since there were some great self-insights. He did mention some, but he didn't use this to excuse anything, just told it like he thought it was & why.
How it was was pretty interesting. With a father who was in the theater, he went into it too, but went on to become quite a success. It wasn't easy. In fact, it was horrifyingly difficult to make a living as an actor. I had no idea there were so many theater groups tossed together the way he describes. His several meetings with Meryl Streep, a short segment toward the end, was very well done. I played it for my wife, too. Anyway, it was fantastic.
Thanks for turning me on to it, Joy!
How did he do that?!!!
Part of it was his voice. It's great for an audio book, but mostly Lithgow was amazingly honest - not brutally, though. There wasn't anything shocking or particularly horrible, just a pretty typical man who didn't always measure up to his own standards, but still managed to make a good, successful life for himself. I wondered if he'd had therapy since there were some great self-insights. He did mention some, but he didn't use this to excuse anything, just told it like he thought it was & why.
How it was was pretty interesting. With a father who was in the theater, he went into it too, but went on to become quite a success. It wasn't easy. In fact, it was horrifyingly difficult to make a living as an actor. I had no idea there were so many theater groups tossed together the way he describes. His several meetings with Meryl Streep, a short segment toward the end, was very well done. I played it for my wife, too. Anyway, it was fantastic.
Thanks for turning me on to it, Joy!
January 11, 2012
I have always been intrigued by John Lithgow, but I truly was amazed at his versatility when I heard some of his performances of children's songs that he wrote. I grew up in a small town with one big celebrity - Pete Seeger, who is a master musical storyteller. John Lithgow can match him stride for stride with the songs he has performed/written for children. Anyway, I was curious when I saw this at the library, and I had been sort of casting about for something on CD to play in the car and I saw this.
Well, I cried during the introduction. One of the most touching "bits" I've ever heard. I'm not a real theater person, but I have seen my share of plays and musicals (and wallowed in Rogers and Hammerstein stuff as a kid with my four sisters - prancing and dancing around in the living room to my dad's occaisional bellow "this ain't a goddamn gymnasium"). And I've been impressed with Lithgow since I saw him as Roberta Muldoon in "The World According to Garp" in the early 80's.
This is just a marvelous telling of a remarkable life and how that life was shaped by many things, but most importantly, his father, Arthur Lithgow.
I really recommend listening to this (it is probably a good read, also, but I can't imagine it being any better than as read by the author). You won't be sorry.
Well, I cried during the introduction. One of the most touching "bits" I've ever heard. I'm not a real theater person, but I have seen my share of plays and musicals (and wallowed in Rogers and Hammerstein stuff as a kid with my four sisters - prancing and dancing around in the living room to my dad's occaisional bellow "this ain't a goddamn gymnasium"). And I've been impressed with Lithgow since I saw him as Roberta Muldoon in "The World According to Garp" in the early 80's.
This is just a marvelous telling of a remarkable life and how that life was shaped by many things, but most importantly, his father, Arthur Lithgow.
I really recommend listening to this (it is probably a good read, also, but I can't imagine it being any better than as read by the author). You won't be sorry.
March 12, 2022
Started slow but once Lithgow got past his childhood, I loved the intelligently written stories of his adventures on stage, TV and movies.
August 28, 2024
Another good actors memoir in an audiobook.
August 24, 2011
John Lithgow had no intention of becoming an actor. What he wanted most was to be an artist. He pursued that path with rigor, while participating in theater productions just for the fun of it. One night after a particularly fine performance, he was seduced by the roar of the crowd. That adulation from the audience was more than he could resist, and it changed his life plans. Art became an avocation, and acting became a full-time pursuit.
Lithgow writes well and generally keeps things moving quickly. He tells some great stories from on and off the stage, and a few times he had me laughing so hard I had to put the book down. Sometimes things even move a little too quickly, perhaps, as he hews closely to the book's subtitle---An Actor's Education. He focuses primarily on his development as an actor, making only cursory mention of many life events that made him the person he is outside the theater. He does own his mistakes, though, and goes into some detail about how his infidelity destroyed his first marriage.
The most moving thing about the book is the way John pays tribute to his father. Arthur Lithgow's consuming passion for live theater was what paved the way for John's success. Arthur devoted his whole life to acting, directing, and producing, but never received much acclaim. He always thought of himself as a failure, but very late in life he was allowed to see himself through the lens of his son's admiration.
Lithgow ends the book rather abruptly, leaving off the second half of his life. Having read some unwieldy celebrity memoirs, I do appreciate Lithgow's efforts at keeping this one short and readable, but a little more about the time between 1980 and the present would have tied things up nicely. Maybe he's saving that material for another book.[3.5 stars]
Lithgow writes well and generally keeps things moving quickly. He tells some great stories from on and off the stage, and a few times he had me laughing so hard I had to put the book down. Sometimes things even move a little too quickly, perhaps, as he hews closely to the book's subtitle---An Actor's Education. He focuses primarily on his development as an actor, making only cursory mention of many life events that made him the person he is outside the theater. He does own his mistakes, though, and goes into some detail about how his infidelity destroyed his first marriage.
The most moving thing about the book is the way John pays tribute to his father. Arthur Lithgow's consuming passion for live theater was what paved the way for John's success. Arthur devoted his whole life to acting, directing, and producing, but never received much acclaim. He always thought of himself as a failure, but very late in life he was allowed to see himself through the lens of his son's admiration.
Lithgow ends the book rather abruptly, leaving off the second half of his life. Having read some unwieldy celebrity memoirs, I do appreciate Lithgow's efforts at keeping this one short and readable, but a little more about the time between 1980 and the present would have tied things up nicely. Maybe he's saving that material for another book.[3.5 stars]
November 3, 2011
Every time I see John Lithgow in a real situation, like an interview or game show, I never fail to come away impressed about how genuinely nice he seems. That is why I was very excited to get this autobiography as soon as possible. So I went into this a little biased too really like this and I can say it met all my expectations.
This book should be handed out to every aspiring teenager who sees all the glittering lights and want s to be an actor. It will completely dispel the myth of overnight success and show you the hard work and time required to have a chance at your dream. More than that, it clearly demonstrates the amount of love you must have to every aspect of your profession.
John Lithgow was a stage rat since he was a little boy working on his father’s productions. He grew up working backstage, building sets, making costumes, and being an all around dog’s body. Then as he grew up he began with nonspeaking parts and eventually having a few lines. Lithgow delights with a series of stories from his life that lead you through his progression as an actor.
He covers both the proud and the shameful with equal honesty. From his Tony award to his infidelity, in the end you come away liking him all the more. What sticks with me is the new respect I have for any successful actor and who manages to stay a nice person. Acting is a profession and it is hard work. It sort of justifies my dislike for reality stars who try to skip all the education (as Lithgow puts it) and just be famous for nothing; or failing that, a sex tape.
What you won’t find in this book is gossip and lurid tales of all the people Lithgow has met or worked with. This is definitely not a glorified tabloid.
This book should be handed out to every aspiring teenager who sees all the glittering lights and want s to be an actor. It will completely dispel the myth of overnight success and show you the hard work and time required to have a chance at your dream. More than that, it clearly demonstrates the amount of love you must have to every aspect of your profession.
John Lithgow was a stage rat since he was a little boy working on his father’s productions. He grew up working backstage, building sets, making costumes, and being an all around dog’s body. Then as he grew up he began with nonspeaking parts and eventually having a few lines. Lithgow delights with a series of stories from his life that lead you through his progression as an actor.
He covers both the proud and the shameful with equal honesty. From his Tony award to his infidelity, in the end you come away liking him all the more. What sticks with me is the new respect I have for any successful actor and who manages to stay a nice person. Acting is a profession and it is hard work. It sort of justifies my dislike for reality stars who try to skip all the education (as Lithgow puts it) and just be famous for nothing; or failing that, a sex tape.
What you won’t find in this book is gossip and lurid tales of all the people Lithgow has met or worked with. This is definitely not a glorified tabloid.
April 17, 2018
John Lithgow's telling of his life as he grew to be the actor we recognize was, at times poignant, very funny, and a surprise, but entertaining and interesting throughout. I'm not a big movie buff and have only seen a few of his movies, as well as the very funny TV series, but what I have seen was enough to know what a good actor he is—enough that seeing the audiobook at the library piqued my interest. He has led a long and venerable career that began on stage long before most of the world had the opportunity to see him.
The story of his life revolves around his family, the people he met at Harvard, and the actors he worked with on stage and in movies and tell of how those events and dealings helped shaped him as a person and an actor. He name drops, but almost offhandedly, and he is circumspect enough to protect those for whom he did not have the most flattering story (though, if pressed, it's not to hard to figure them out.)
The book is well-written and, in the case of the audiobook, well-read. He is self-deprecating at times, proud in others, but the love of his profession is clear and the love of his family is paramount.
I learned a lot about the actor and the man and my respect for him is greater for the knowledge.
The story of his life revolves around his family, the people he met at Harvard, and the actors he worked with on stage and in movies and tell of how those events and dealings helped shaped him as a person and an actor. He name drops, but almost offhandedly, and he is circumspect enough to protect those for whom he did not have the most flattering story (though, if pressed, it's not to hard to figure them out.)
The book is well-written and, in the case of the audiobook, well-read. He is self-deprecating at times, proud in others, but the love of his profession is clear and the love of his family is paramount.
I learned a lot about the actor and the man and my respect for him is greater for the knowledge.
June 22, 2018
This is a partial autobiography of John Lithgow. The first thing I remember him in was 'Twilight Zone: the Movie." And I've been a fan ever since. He is funny and kind. His humor is clean. What's not to like?
I liked the latter half of this more than the first half. He talked a lot about Shakespeare's plays, his childhood and his father. I found it interesting how he just kind of fell into acting as a career, even with growing up in the arts. The best part of this was that John Lithgow narrated his own audio.
This felt honest, well written, and informative. But with all that, the beginning was slow and a lot of this was a little on the superficial side. So 3 stars.
I liked the latter half of this more than the first half. He talked a lot about Shakespeare's plays, his childhood and his father. I found it interesting how he just kind of fell into acting as a career, even with growing up in the arts. The best part of this was that John Lithgow narrated his own audio.
This felt honest, well written, and informative. But with all that, the beginning was slow and a lot of this was a little on the superficial side. So 3 stars.
October 14, 2015
Audio version is the way to experience this book. His wonderful voice and clever writing expresses more than I ever understood about acting, family, storytelling and the fragile experience of being human. I never was a fan of John Lithgow, in fact I hated Third Rock from the Sun enough that I still can't shake that annoyance. But after having read his experiences with theater and acting I admire him greatly. Anyone who appreciates Shakespeare will love John for his father's legacy and who he embodied in his many forms as an actor.
January 25, 2025
'Drama' by John Lithgow exceeded my expectations, which were close to nil. I certainly have seen him in a few movies or TV shows here or there but nothing like a 'fan'. I did remember him in 'At Play in the Fields of the Lord' which was a powerful movie, though I cannot recall his role. Funny that I might have guessed he was English and he goes into the story of how he came to be perceived that way by many, I was not alone in that mistake.
Anyway, I found it a very absorbing tale of his life, itinerant upbringing, personal struggles, travails in the acting world and eventual success, although that phase of his life is treated in much less detail. The book is aptly subtitled 'Actor's Education' and that is where the focus is, not an 'Actor's Walk of Fame'. He dedicated the book to his second wife but perhaps should have been to his father, Arthur Lithgow, who had a profound influence in his life. Though he does recognize the debt to his father throughout which was both interesting and touching. Or he might have dedicated it to his first wife who actually made much of his success possible but was dumped like a sack of, whatever, when it became convenient. We all have things not to be proud of in our closets and at least he did not fully omit the darker shades. But his love of the theater is infectious even for one who has not spent much time sitting in front of live actors and it was quite educational on some of what goes on behind the curtain. I'd highly recommend it to theater buffs and fans. I even tried to watch some reruns of 'Third Rock From the Sun' which turned out to be not so easy. 3.5 stars, rounded up for its candor and general humility.
Anyway, I found it a very absorbing tale of his life, itinerant upbringing, personal struggles, travails in the acting world and eventual success, although that phase of his life is treated in much less detail. The book is aptly subtitled 'Actor's Education' and that is where the focus is, not an 'Actor's Walk of Fame'. He dedicated the book to his second wife but perhaps should have been to his father, Arthur Lithgow, who had a profound influence in his life. Though he does recognize the debt to his father throughout which was both interesting and touching. Or he might have dedicated it to his first wife who actually made much of his success possible but was dumped like a sack of, whatever, when it became convenient. We all have things not to be proud of in our closets and at least he did not fully omit the darker shades. But his love of the theater is infectious even for one who has not spent much time sitting in front of live actors and it was quite educational on some of what goes on behind the curtain. I'd highly recommend it to theater buffs and fans. I even tried to watch some reruns of 'Third Rock From the Sun' which turned out to be not so easy. 3.5 stars, rounded up for its candor and general humility.
September 16, 2011
Upon picking up Lithgow’s memoir, I was surprised to find him, not only charming, but kind-hearted and caring. In the forward, Lithgow describes the difficulties of moving in with his parents after his father undergoes a difficult surgery, yet refuses to move to a retirement community. Finding the task of caring for his parents far more difficult than anticipated and with his father in a deep depression, Lithgow brings out the stories that his father had read to him as a child. And thus opens the door to long-forgotten, but fond memories.
If you’ve read Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers (or about the 10,000 hours of practice it takes to successfully master a skill) Drama will certainly drive the point home. The child of a Shakespearian actor, Lithgow was immersed in theatre, although he didn’t claim it as a profession until adulthood.
The strength of the book lies in Lithgow’s memories of his nomadic childhood and loses steam during his early career while he recounts the plays and projects he worked on and the directors and actors he with whom he worked. Because most of these names are unknown to me, the narrative lost its impact here, but I suspect those well-versed in theatre will appreciate the relationships.
As Lithgow brings his memoir to a close, he describes his tribute to his father: Stories by Heart, a one-man act of PG Wodehouse’ Uncle Fred Flits By, the fondly remembered story Lithgow read to his father as his father had done for him.
If you’ve read Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers (or about the 10,000 hours of practice it takes to successfully master a skill) Drama will certainly drive the point home. The child of a Shakespearian actor, Lithgow was immersed in theatre, although he didn’t claim it as a profession until adulthood.
The strength of the book lies in Lithgow’s memories of his nomadic childhood and loses steam during his early career while he recounts the plays and projects he worked on and the directors and actors he with whom he worked. Because most of these names are unknown to me, the narrative lost its impact here, but I suspect those well-versed in theatre will appreciate the relationships.
As Lithgow brings his memoir to a close, he describes his tribute to his father: Stories by Heart, a one-man act of PG Wodehouse’ Uncle Fred Flits By, the fondly remembered story Lithgow read to his father as his father had done for him.
October 20, 2013
_Drama: An Actor's Education_ (2011)by John Lithgow
Added 9/30/11
I first heard about this book from the New York Times Books Update, 9/30/11.
The NY Times review is at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/02/boo...
It says: "_Drama_ is a buoyant, heartwarming account of coming into one’s own."
It also says: "Lithgow ... is relentlessly likable."
I agree. I'm looking forward to reading this book.
Edit 1/22/13 :
I am currently listening to an audio version of this book, read by the author himself! WONDERFUL! Lithgow is gifted with words!
I had tried to read the book back in November, 2011, when it was new, but it was due back at the library. So I couldn't finish it. That was a good thing because now, as a solution, I'm enjoying the audio-version so much more than I would have the book, because I'm listening to Lithgow himself. "Sweet are the uses of adversity." (Lithgow refers to this Shakespeare quote in his book. So true!)
Edit 2/19/13 :
I finished listening to this audio-book a few weeks ago. It was great! Lithgow's writing is wonderful. He's a great wordsmith. He writes with great style and has a lot of interesting things to say about his life and about the performance-world. His charismatic personality shines through the entire book. He's sort of self-deprecating, being honest about his downs as well as his ups.
Added 9/30/11
I first heard about this book from the New York Times Books Update, 9/30/11.
The NY Times review is at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/02/boo...
It says: "_Drama_ is a buoyant, heartwarming account of coming into one’s own."
It also says: "Lithgow ... is relentlessly likable."
I agree. I'm looking forward to reading this book.
Edit 1/22/13 :
I am currently listening to an audio version of this book, read by the author himself! WONDERFUL! Lithgow is gifted with words!
I had tried to read the book back in November, 2011, when it was new, but it was due back at the library. So I couldn't finish it. That was a good thing because now, as a solution, I'm enjoying the audio-version so much more than I would have the book, because I'm listening to Lithgow himself. "Sweet are the uses of adversity." (Lithgow refers to this Shakespeare quote in his book. So true!)
Edit 2/19/13 :
I finished listening to this audio-book a few weeks ago. It was great! Lithgow's writing is wonderful. He's a great wordsmith. He writes with great style and has a lot of interesting things to say about his life and about the performance-world. His charismatic personality shines through the entire book. He's sort of self-deprecating, being honest about his downs as well as his ups.
June 22, 2014
I would give this a *3.5* this is a memoir by John Lithgow. He talks a lot about his childhood growing up with a dad in the theater business. his father Arthur Lithgow arranged and put Plays on In Ohio and on the East Coast. Mostly Shakespeare. Mr. Lithgow moved a lot during his childhood because of his dad's line of work. It could be very difficult for him starting school in new towns. He also grew up watching his dad act and taking roles in his father's plays. He goes to Harvard, and even earns a scholarship for acting in England{ pretty impressive.
parts of the book were more interesting than others. I liked reading about the Broadway plays he was in during the 1970s. He shared a bit about some of the directors, writers, and actors he worked with but Only a bit. He also wrote briefly about his work in movies and Television. what i found very disappointing is he spoke very little about those movies and tv shows.I did not expect any mudslinging or tell all. but i would have liked to read more about being on those movie and tv sets. this was a fairly good read. I like memoirs just wished he shared more about his experiences working with some of those actors and actresses,directors etc. Nothing mean spirited just more facts.
parts of the book were more interesting than others. I liked reading about the Broadway plays he was in during the 1970s. He shared a bit about some of the directors, writers, and actors he worked with but Only a bit. He also wrote briefly about his work in movies and Television. what i found very disappointing is he spoke very little about those movies and tv shows.I did not expect any mudslinging or tell all. but i would have liked to read more about being on those movie and tv sets. this was a fairly good read. I like memoirs just wished he shared more about his experiences working with some of those actors and actresses,directors etc. Nothing mean spirited just more facts.
July 4, 2018
I've been a fan of John Lithgow for quite awhile and I thought I knew him. But in this memoir, he reveals how his father influenced all facets of his life, including acting. Witty, honest and addictive to read, Drama: An Actor's Education is a must read!
My Rating: 5 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
January 18, 2020
John Lithgow was born in my city, Rochester, NY. His father ran various regional theaters throughout the Northeast as opportunities waxed and waned. His mother often worked as a teacher and was the real breadwinner of the family. John acted, danced and sang in multiple theatrical productions. He attended Harvard College and worked hard in the theater department. He says he didn’t do much work but his grades were good and graduated Summa cume laude. He married a local teacher 16 years older than he was and traveled around acting in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. They had two children, one died. After an affair with Liv Ullmann, the marriage broke up. A year later he married his current wife. The major focus of his book is his experience in acting so that is the story he tells. It’s very good and has some interesting and funny antidotes in it. I liked that he says that Terms of Endearment was a film that seemed a disaster to make and one that would barely see the light of day but turned out to be the best film he’s ever made. It’s one of my favorites too. Great book. Narrated by himself.
September 11, 2022
Always enjoy autobiographies read by the author and this book by Lithgow does not fail to entertain and enlighten.
May 5, 2018
I suppose one might compare this memoir to a fine cigar. You fire it up and you're not sure immediately where it's going flavor-wise. Eventually it settles down and hopefully gets mellow, not bitter.
I enjoyed this (Lithgow's Drama: An Actor's Education) though I might have enjoyed it more if I were a psychiatrist and could have real insight into Lithgow's pathologies. Being of his generation (we might have even passed each other by on the Princeton campus, where I use to go to party with my betters in 1969), I've been aware of him and his work for a long time. But the thing is, I sort of avoided most of his stuff, because, in his early days (including early movies) he frankly gave me the creeps. Dressing in drag (Garp) or brutally murdering women (Blow Out) or just being stone cold brutal in a few flicks, his strangeness and coldbloodedness was just too...creepy.
So, after I see he has a sense of humor (3rd Rock) and can play something other than strange or brutal it was with renewed interest that I rechecked his work and dove into Drama. The book (I got the audio version, because with an actor or comedian it adds a lot to hear the author read their own work) goes a long way toward giving a picture of a guy from a fairly elite background, privileged by dint of his father's somewhat exalted place in the theater world as he grew up, later acting in decidedly sophisticated works (Royal Shakespeare Company, et al), who starts scraping bottom (unemployed for a good stretch -- though still living in NYC's Upper West Side; yeah -- problems of the well-off), gets a bit anti-establishment (WBAI), and finally finds his niche in Hollywood.
So good for him, and judging by his work, good for us -- Lithgow is a dependable and eminently watchable actor. Sure, he comes off a bit snobby, which he honestly admits to; he may be over-analytical here and there; and he could have easily infused his story with more humor. But he also comes off as very genuine, thoughtful and kind, though reading between the lines -- or listening between the words -- he seems to dole the kindness out rather conservatively. He is also unafraid to look back at his mistakes and face the realities of temporary failures (the draft dodging...occasionally treating others a bit shabbily...his fecklessness during his first marriage...cluelessness re finances), while also examining the nature of his relationship with his father, which for writers and actors has always been and will always be one of the great themes.
Needless to say, Olivier never did a sitcom on the order of Third Rock, nor offered a soliloquy from Harry and the Hendersons. And his Twilight Zone appearance? Pure pulp. So how did this snobby Shakespearean wind up doing such lowbrow stuff? Sure, it was a paycheck. But otherwise there's no real answer here. For this reason, Lithgow, who puts so much on the line and reveals himself unabashedly in Drama comes off as an enigma. And the thing about enigmas -- they're always interesting; at least to me. But I wonder what Lithgow's father would have thought of some of the "entertainments" his boy found himself in.
I enjoyed this (Lithgow's Drama: An Actor's Education) though I might have enjoyed it more if I were a psychiatrist and could have real insight into Lithgow's pathologies. Being of his generation (we might have even passed each other by on the Princeton campus, where I use to go to party with my betters in 1969), I've been aware of him and his work for a long time. But the thing is, I sort of avoided most of his stuff, because, in his early days (including early movies) he frankly gave me the creeps. Dressing in drag (Garp) or brutally murdering women (Blow Out) or just being stone cold brutal in a few flicks, his strangeness and coldbloodedness was just too...creepy.
So, after I see he has a sense of humor (3rd Rock) and can play something other than strange or brutal it was with renewed interest that I rechecked his work and dove into Drama. The book (I got the audio version, because with an actor or comedian it adds a lot to hear the author read their own work) goes a long way toward giving a picture of a guy from a fairly elite background, privileged by dint of his father's somewhat exalted place in the theater world as he grew up, later acting in decidedly sophisticated works (Royal Shakespeare Company, et al), who starts scraping bottom (unemployed for a good stretch -- though still living in NYC's Upper West Side; yeah -- problems of the well-off), gets a bit anti-establishment (WBAI), and finally finds his niche in Hollywood.
So good for him, and judging by his work, good for us -- Lithgow is a dependable and eminently watchable actor. Sure, he comes off a bit snobby, which he honestly admits to; he may be over-analytical here and there; and he could have easily infused his story with more humor. But he also comes off as very genuine, thoughtful and kind, though reading between the lines -- or listening between the words -- he seems to dole the kindness out rather conservatively. He is also unafraid to look back at his mistakes and face the realities of temporary failures (the draft dodging...occasionally treating others a bit shabbily...his fecklessness during his first marriage...cluelessness re finances), while also examining the nature of his relationship with his father, which for writers and actors has always been and will always be one of the great themes.
Needless to say, Olivier never did a sitcom on the order of Third Rock, nor offered a soliloquy from Harry and the Hendersons. And his Twilight Zone appearance? Pure pulp. So how did this snobby Shakespearean wind up doing such lowbrow stuff? Sure, it was a paycheck. But otherwise there's no real answer here. For this reason, Lithgow, who puts so much on the line and reveals himself unabashedly in Drama comes off as an enigma. And the thing about enigmas -- they're always interesting; at least to me. But I wonder what Lithgow's father would have thought of some of the "entertainments" his boy found himself in.
August 14, 2011
I had the good luck of seeing John Lithgow give a reading from his memoir, Drama: An Actor's Education, at Book Expo 2011. Lithgow is a likable, popular performer, and the event was packed. He gave a great reading that I really enjoyed. I didn't stick around afterward to get a signed copy of the book (and regretted it later). When it showed up on my Amazon Vine list (Amazon's invitation-only review program) I grabbed it right away. I'm glad I did.
Lithgow's writing is clean, revealing, honest, and engaging. The bulk of this book covers his early years as a student of theater (his father was a theater director). It's a wonder Lithgow decided to become an actor after witnessing firsthand the hardships his father had to endure--the constant uprooting, insecurity, money concerns--but really, he had no other choice; this was the life he was born into. Lithgow spends a lot of time chronicling these early days of his childhood, the plays that he helped out on (mostly as a stagehand, then slowly but surely easing in as an actor), and his relationship with his father, Arthur. Lithgow's father was an eccentric character, and the (literal) cast of characters that made up Arthur's repertory theater gave me a peek into a world I'd never known. At times Litgow's early life reads like a John Irving novel, which is fitting since Irving actually wrote a blurb for the book.
The second half of the book deals with Lithgow striking out on his own, away from the warm embrace of his father's theater group (and the sure work John would've gotten there). Instead he and his first wife head to New York, and the competitive Broadway and commercial scene that awaits them. Here, despite his experience, it is hard to find work, and the young couple struggle to make ends meet. Of course the reader knows it all works out in the end, but it is fascinating to see all the steps along the way, as told to us by Lithgow's funny, friendly voice.
Drama: An Actor's Education covers up to 1980, when Lithgow successfully made the transition from Broadway stage actor to Hollywood TV and film star. There is just a quick summation of what came after, which opens the door to (hopefully) a second memoir. I look forward to reading it!
Lithgow's writing is clean, revealing, honest, and engaging. The bulk of this book covers his early years as a student of theater (his father was a theater director). It's a wonder Lithgow decided to become an actor after witnessing firsthand the hardships his father had to endure--the constant uprooting, insecurity, money concerns--but really, he had no other choice; this was the life he was born into. Lithgow spends a lot of time chronicling these early days of his childhood, the plays that he helped out on (mostly as a stagehand, then slowly but surely easing in as an actor), and his relationship with his father, Arthur. Lithgow's father was an eccentric character, and the (literal) cast of characters that made up Arthur's repertory theater gave me a peek into a world I'd never known. At times Litgow's early life reads like a John Irving novel, which is fitting since Irving actually wrote a blurb for the book.
The second half of the book deals with Lithgow striking out on his own, away from the warm embrace of his father's theater group (and the sure work John would've gotten there). Instead he and his first wife head to New York, and the competitive Broadway and commercial scene that awaits them. Here, despite his experience, it is hard to find work, and the young couple struggle to make ends meet. Of course the reader knows it all works out in the end, but it is fascinating to see all the steps along the way, as told to us by Lithgow's funny, friendly voice.
Drama: An Actor's Education covers up to 1980, when Lithgow successfully made the transition from Broadway stage actor to Hollywood TV and film star. There is just a quick summation of what came after, which opens the door to (hopefully) a second memoir. I look forward to reading it!
September 24, 2012
In this memoir, Lithgow writes of how his early years shaped him as an actor, from his childhood, to his time at Harvard, to his studies in the UK as a Fulbright scholar, and on to his breakthrough on Broadway and film.
I truly enjoyed listening to Lithgow narrate his own personal history. I don't know how much of his work I've actually seen, but I do like his voice. He took my thoughts and feelings exactly where he wanted them to go. I was quiet and pensive as he spoke about the power of story in his father's last days, I was howling with laughter alone in my car as he wrote about his father telling off a decidedly unpassionate Romeo, and I was interested enough not to notice as I listened and worked my way through yet another week of the Couch to 5K training program.
You could probably accuse Lithgow of name-dropping, but when he's speaking of his work, it's impossible not to name-drop. I was very interested to learn that he was at Harvard with Tommy Lee Jones and that he saw some of Meryl Streep's earliest Broadway auditions.
He doesn't hold much, if anything, back. His first marriage was rocky and he acknowledges his role in that. He writes honestly about his great love and respect for his father, how confused he felt to sort of surpass his work, and how determined he became to disassociate himself from his father's influence.
If you like memoirs at all, I do recommend this as audio. It's wonderfully narrated by a fascinating man.
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy in a contest I won during Audiobook Week at Devourer of Books.
I truly enjoyed listening to Lithgow narrate his own personal history. I don't know how much of his work I've actually seen, but I do like his voice. He took my thoughts and feelings exactly where he wanted them to go. I was quiet and pensive as he spoke about the power of story in his father's last days, I was howling with laughter alone in my car as he wrote about his father telling off a decidedly unpassionate Romeo, and I was interested enough not to notice as I listened and worked my way through yet another week of the Couch to 5K training program.
You could probably accuse Lithgow of name-dropping, but when he's speaking of his work, it's impossible not to name-drop. I was very interested to learn that he was at Harvard with Tommy Lee Jones and that he saw some of Meryl Streep's earliest Broadway auditions.
He doesn't hold much, if anything, back. His first marriage was rocky and he acknowledges his role in that. He writes honestly about his great love and respect for his father, how confused he felt to sort of surpass his work, and how determined he became to disassociate himself from his father's influence.
If you like memoirs at all, I do recommend this as audio. It's wonderfully narrated by a fascinating man.
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy in a contest I won during Audiobook Week at Devourer of Books.
July 19, 2017
I truly enjoyed this audio book. John Lithgow is a wonderful orator, and a poetic writer. His stories and recollections of his family are particularly poignant and visual. I really looked forward to my long commute to work so that I could be lulled by this evocative storyteller. I knew nothing about him beyond enjoying his roles in 3rd Rock from the Sun and various movies, so it was fascinating to learn of his theatrical background and his family history of the same. It was also curiously interesting to learn of his self doubt, oblivious nature, and fretfulness. He is exceedingly honest and frank about his weaknesses. It was actually soothing to listen to him so honestly share where he felt he fell down in life and why; it reminded me that we are all human, and all have personal struggles and things to learn.
The only reason I didn't give it five stars is I tire of the long lists of shows performed and actors I don't know, which is seemingly typical of these comedic and actor memoirs to which I am drawn. While I love learning of these worlds, I get bored when they go on at length about who was involved and what the technical details are about a production. For readers who know and care about this sort of thing, I'm sure it's a delight.
A captivating novel and one which I would highly recommend. His love and respect for his family - and his father in particular - is so touching and powerful. At the very least this book makes you think about what contributions others have made in your life - especially during your formative years - and how those contributions shape where you end up in life.
The only reason I didn't give it five stars is I tire of the long lists of shows performed and actors I don't know, which is seemingly typical of these comedic and actor memoirs to which I am drawn. While I love learning of these worlds, I get bored when they go on at length about who was involved and what the technical details are about a production. For readers who know and care about this sort of thing, I'm sure it's a delight.
A captivating novel and one which I would highly recommend. His love and respect for his family - and his father in particular - is so touching and powerful. At the very least this book makes you think about what contributions others have made in your life - especially during your formative years - and how those contributions shape where you end up in life.
May 4, 2018
Since I have been a long-time fan, I was excited to find this title while--of course!--looking for something else.
I'm so glad I was on a search that day, because I found treasure!
At the heart of his biographical journey to stardom is Lithgow's deep and abiding love for the father he idolized but didn't entirely understand. Like many of us, he found the mystery of his parents' lives uninteresting and not worthy of exploration until he reached adulthood. Like many of us, the questions that occurred to him didn't come to mind until it was too late to ask them. He reached that point in life when one looks back and asks, "How did I miss that?"
It's refreshing to read a biography by someone who is as honest about his failings as he is about his triumphs, and there were plenty of both to share. Lithgow was generous in his praise of the many people who interacted with him throughout the years. Endearingly, to me at least, when he couldn't offer praise, he graciously changed the names of those he'd found less than perfect, in order to spare them any discomfort.
He was not as easy on himself; discomfort or not, he admitted to various occasions when he fell short of prefection, whether by accident or on purpose, and accepts responsibility for the outcomes. That's big.
The hardships, the lucky breaks, the hard work and the many "right place, right time" stories found in this cleverly written tome makes it well worth the read. The obvious love for family is sweet, sweet icing on the cake.
Grab a copy. Enjoy.
I'm so glad I was on a search that day, because I found treasure!
At the heart of his biographical journey to stardom is Lithgow's deep and abiding love for the father he idolized but didn't entirely understand. Like many of us, he found the mystery of his parents' lives uninteresting and not worthy of exploration until he reached adulthood. Like many of us, the questions that occurred to him didn't come to mind until it was too late to ask them. He reached that point in life when one looks back and asks, "How did I miss that?"
It's refreshing to read a biography by someone who is as honest about his failings as he is about his triumphs, and there were plenty of both to share. Lithgow was generous in his praise of the many people who interacted with him throughout the years. Endearingly, to me at least, when he couldn't offer praise, he graciously changed the names of those he'd found less than perfect, in order to spare them any discomfort.
He was not as easy on himself; discomfort or not, he admitted to various occasions when he fell short of prefection, whether by accident or on purpose, and accepts responsibility for the outcomes. That's big.
The hardships, the lucky breaks, the hard work and the many "right place, right time" stories found in this cleverly written tome makes it well worth the read. The obvious love for family is sweet, sweet icing on the cake.
Grab a copy. Enjoy.
January 20, 2012
The John Lithgow we meet in DRAMA is pretty much the person I expected to meet. He comes across as experienced, proud of what he's accomplished, but not an egotist. He is honest about his own faults (especially as a husband during the first height of his career as a stage actor, and about how he didn't really understand the film industry at that point). He's open about his struggles as a child and teen (constantly being the new kid in town thanks to his father's various producing and directing adventures). The chapters stick basically to chronological order, and each one is short and to a point. Lithgow doesn't aimlessly wander across his own landscape and he doesn't pad the text needlessly. We get the details (physical and emotional) that we need to understand his journey, but we don't get more than we need. And for all the talk that he "kisses and tells," really he only discusses in detail one of the extra-marital affairs (out of the many he had) and that one is only discussed because it's the one that finally ended his first marriage. What he does share a lot of are joyous (and some not-so-joyous) stories of learning his craft everywhere from Princeton NJ to Harvard to London to Broadway.
The book ends after Lithgow's second marriage is firmly established. He glosses over most of the second act of his career, so there's the possibility of another memoir down the road. I'll gladly read it.
The book ends after Lithgow's second marriage is firmly established. He glosses over most of the second act of his career, so there's the possibility of another memoir down the road. I'll gladly read it.
September 3, 2016
I have not read many memoirs by actors. Now that I've read "Drama: An Actor's Education" by John Lithgow, I'm wondering why not? I love theater and admire people who do it well; and now, I can also say I admire people who write well about their theatrical lives.
The Harvard-educated Lithgow is a smart person, but he uses a straightforward writing style so that flowery sentences don't get in the way of good stories. And he has lots of those. Can you imagine being a young student actor in England in the fall of 1967, seeing plays at the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, presented by the likes of Derek Jacobi, Anthony Hopkins, Patrick Stewart, Helen Mirren? Lithgow spent two years in England; oh, how I loved living those years vicariously through his words.
This memoir, which concentrates on Lithgow's formative years on stage and in movies, has plenty of interesting tales about well-known people. But it's not a litany of "then I met so-and-so, who was fabulous; then I met this other person, who was also fabulous." It starts with a very touching, extremely personal story about caring for his elderly father in his last days. I think that tells readers what Lithgow intended with this book: that it would be real, and personal. He succeeded. This is the intimate story of one actor's education, both professional and personal: How Lithgow grew up to be a working actor and a loving son, husband and father, and what it took to get him there.
The Harvard-educated Lithgow is a smart person, but he uses a straightforward writing style so that flowery sentences don't get in the way of good stories. And he has lots of those. Can you imagine being a young student actor in England in the fall of 1967, seeing plays at the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, presented by the likes of Derek Jacobi, Anthony Hopkins, Patrick Stewart, Helen Mirren? Lithgow spent two years in England; oh, how I loved living those years vicariously through his words.
This memoir, which concentrates on Lithgow's formative years on stage and in movies, has plenty of interesting tales about well-known people. But it's not a litany of "then I met so-and-so, who was fabulous; then I met this other person, who was also fabulous." It starts with a very touching, extremely personal story about caring for his elderly father in his last days. I think that tells readers what Lithgow intended with this book: that it would be real, and personal. He succeeded. This is the intimate story of one actor's education, both professional and personal: How Lithgow grew up to be a working actor and a loving son, husband and father, and what it took to get him there.
March 23, 2021
Listening to John Lithgow talk about his life as an actor on the stage is the highlight of this book. He is erudite, introspective, and thoughtful about his craft. Any ideas one has about individuals being "born to act" are quickly dispelled as he walks us neophytes through the process of learning to act on stage and screen. He starts and ends, with his relationship with his father. In fact, the first 20 to 25% of the book is about his childhood. At first, this seemed a bit slow, and a bit self-indulgent. But, it becomes clear that like so many of us, the childhood shaped the man.
The book focuses more on his life as an actor than on his personal life, but he does not spare himself. In several chapters, he strips himself bare - foibles, infidelity, and all.
Then of course there is his voice. His distinctive, clear, resonant voice. Honestly, I could listen to him all day. As a result, I looked forward to listening to this book and even found myself wondering if a second was on the horizon. If I have any complaints it is that his film career is often glossed over with spectacular successes such as the World According to Garp mentioned in only a few sentences, and with no back story about how he created his film characters. The entire book is completed in 10 hours, and unlike many narrated texts I never considered listening at 1.2 speed -- praise indeed.
The book focuses more on his life as an actor than on his personal life, but he does not spare himself. In several chapters, he strips himself bare - foibles, infidelity, and all.
Then of course there is his voice. His distinctive, clear, resonant voice. Honestly, I could listen to him all day. As a result, I looked forward to listening to this book and even found myself wondering if a second was on the horizon. If I have any complaints it is that his film career is often glossed over with spectacular successes such as the World According to Garp mentioned in only a few sentences, and with no back story about how he created his film characters. The entire book is completed in 10 hours, and unlike many narrated texts I never considered listening at 1.2 speed -- praise indeed.
October 25, 2018
As an actor, I deeply appreciated his honesty and vulnerability about his life story and the craft of acting.
December 8, 2011
Having read the memoirs of several respected actors whose books usually rate a 3.5 on a scale of 5, I was not expecting a lot from this memoir. However, I read a few reviews that made me give this one a try. It did not disappoint! I have cried( in the prologue, no less) and laughed, and hung on his stories with tension and dread and supreme interest. I listened to Lithgow read it to me, and I highly recommend this way of reading this particular book.
I was not particularly a fan of his, but I am now. I liked his giving a pseudonym to a person whom he was going to diss, so as not to be mean. That way you get the true story without the embarrassing revelation of who he is talking about. True confession: i was curious who a particular actor was that Lithgow was describing as such a pain. He mentioned the name of the film they were in together and I knew what approximate year he was talking about. So I went on IMDB.com and looked it up to find the real name to satisfy my curiosity. The quality of his introspection and reflection is what adds to the value of this book and makes it of value to me.
I was not particularly a fan of his, but I am now. I liked his giving a pseudonym to a person whom he was going to diss, so as not to be mean. That way you get the true story without the embarrassing revelation of who he is talking about. True confession: i was curious who a particular actor was that Lithgow was describing as such a pain. He mentioned the name of the film they were in together and I knew what approximate year he was talking about. So I went on IMDB.com and looked it up to find the real name to satisfy my curiosity. The quality of his introspection and reflection is what adds to the value of this book and makes it of value to me.
June 11, 2012
Drama: An Actor's Education by John Lithgow
★ ★ ★
In many memoirs I read, one of my gripes is how little detail there is. Many seem to just skim through their lives. The opposite can be said about John Lithgow. Within the first 300 pages of his 316 pages book, he discusses the first 30 years of his 66 year life. He almost goes into too much detail. Last last 16 pages of sort of a skim of his more “recent years” - those being from 1980-now. So while interesting, I became bored with every tiny step of his life. But I give him credit. He is honest. He doesn't skip over the bad and he isn't overly fond of the “look at me!” syndrome so many actors have. His love and adoration for his dad shines through from beginning to end.
He delves mostly into his theatrical work here so if you are into theater or a huge Lithgow fan, this might be a good book to read. For me, personally, I found it somewhat boring at points. But he is a great writer and I do admire John Lithgow's work as an actor.
★ ★ ★
In many memoirs I read, one of my gripes is how little detail there is. Many seem to just skim through their lives. The opposite can be said about John Lithgow. Within the first 300 pages of his 316 pages book, he discusses the first 30 years of his 66 year life. He almost goes into too much detail. Last last 16 pages of sort of a skim of his more “recent years” - those being from 1980-now. So while interesting, I became bored with every tiny step of his life. But I give him credit. He is honest. He doesn't skip over the bad and he isn't overly fond of the “look at me!” syndrome so many actors have. His love and adoration for his dad shines through from beginning to end.
He delves mostly into his theatrical work here so if you are into theater or a huge Lithgow fan, this might be a good book to read. For me, personally, I found it somewhat boring at points. But he is a great writer and I do admire John Lithgow's work as an actor.
April 21, 2013
Drama: An Actor's Education is John Lithgow's memoir of the first (third?) of his life, as well as a kind of celebration of his father. Lithgow shares memories from his childhood up until his success playing Roberta Muldoon in the World According to Garp. Although he shares many stories about his work and other actors, this isn't a "tell all" type of book. Instead, it is a thoughtful look at the power of storytelling, the role of acting and drama in our lives, and the mark left on him by his father, a pioneer of American repertory theater. I benefited greatly by reading this book on the Kindle Fire, where I could make frequent use of the dictionary. Lithgow has a vast vocabulary (not surprising, considering his educational and cultural background) but it isn't pretentious. Lithgow's presentation seems sincere and honest, and (like good theater) is alternately funny, tragic, and compelling.
I would recommend this book to readers who like coming of age stories, memoirs, or stories about coming to terms with the good, bad, or indifferent of your parents as an adult.
I would recommend this book to readers who like coming of age stories, memoirs, or stories about coming to terms with the good, bad, or indifferent of your parents as an adult.
January 30, 2017
Clearly I am a fan of actor/comedian autobiography self-narrated audiobooks. I always go to this type of book after I have finished something that was challenging to me in some way. I chose this book because I had recently seen John Lithgow as Winston Churchill in "The Crown," so he was on my radar. I always have an interest in the personal back story of someone who has become successful in their field. This book gives a great description of an unsettled childhood with many family moves and a lot of encouragement and experience in the arts. John Lithgow is an excellent narrator if his own story and it goes without saying that he is also an excellent writer and storyteller. He tells a lot of stories about his mistakes and bad choices as well as about his lucky breaks and his successes. He is a very talented actor and artist and the best parts of this book were when he described how he parlayed these talents into one man shows and got his work in front of people who needed to see it. His description of reading a bedtime story to his frail, elderly dad is very special.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 399 reviews