What did John Lithgow say? Actor talks about Trump's Kennedy Center takeover in Olivier Awards speech

John Lithgow recently shared some thoughts on the state of American politics, during his appearance at the 2025 Olivier Awards in London. The 79-year-old used the opportunity to talk about the administration of President Donald Trump and, especially, its effect on arts and cultural institutions in the United States.

Lithgow, who won the Olivier award for best actor for his performance as the author Roald Dahl in the play Giant, began his acceptance speech with a nod to the nuances of US and UK relations, he said:

"It's not always easy to welcome an American into your midst, and at this particular moment it's probably a little more complicated than usual."

He talked about the historic relationship between the two, describing the close diplomatic, cultural and historical links between the United States and the United Kingdom.

"But for me and for Mary and from all of our countrymen and countrywomen I want to assure you that the special relationship is still firmly intact." He added.

John Lithgow’s comments came less than a week after President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on several countries including a 25 percent tax on all foreign-made cars from the UK. According to Newsweek, Speaking to reporters backstage, Lithgow expressed his fears regarding the current state of the American political scenario, calling it a “complete disaster.”

The actor, a long-time Democratic activist, was particularly critical of the Trump administration’s handling of the Kennedy Center, one of Washington DC’s most prestigious cultural institutions.

"Our administration has done some shocking, destructive things, but the one that grieves me most is taking over the Kennedy Center." He said.

John Lithgow also added that the dismissal of Deborah Rutter, the former president of the Kennedy Center, was a huge blow to the industry.

A look into John Lithgow’s early stage career

Born on 19 October 1945 in Rochester, New York, John Lithgow was raised in a theatre-loving family. His mother was an actress and his father a theater producer who put on Shakespeare festivals in Ohio, where Lithgow spent much of his youth.

According to Britannica, It was at one of these fests where he first took the stage. Lithgow initially aspired to be a visual artist and studied graphic arts at Harvard University.

After graduating from Harvard in 1967, Lithgow won a Fulbright scholarship and studied for two years at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. After returning to the US, he dedicated himself to regional theatre, acting and directing productions in multiple states. His film debut was in the 1972 comedy Dealing; or, The Berkeley-to-Boston Forty-Brick Lost-Bag Blues.

John Lithgow presented his first Broadway appearance in The Changing Room one year later, winning a Tony as Best Supporting Dramatic Actor. This began his stage career that included roles in plays such as Bedroom Farce and Requiem for a Heavyweight.

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