The problem is that people are pulling farther apart, rather than make an effort to get back together. There have been remarkable moments that united this country. It makes everyone feel relieved. Then because of economic stress, political shifts, we get wrenched apart again. I think it's cyclical. I am an optimist by nature. There are moments, the period after 9/11, the way we responded. The election of Barack Obama. There are moments where the country felt good about being American. I'm waiting for that to happen again.
John LithgowInstead of being a theater actor who sometimes does movies I became a movie actor who sometimes does theater.
John LithgowWe should have charity for what the dead say. We may disapprove of what they say, but we should not insult them and revile them knowing they cannot not defend themselves.
John LithgowYou kill three people, they call you a murderer. You kill a million people, they call you a conqueror. Go figure.
John LithgowFor me, working on stage is much more exhausting than all the other mediums, but it's also much more thrilling.
John Lithgow