John Lithgow

Despite his character-actor looks, Lithgow managed to become an unconventional leading man when he signed on to the sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun as an eccentric alien patriarch. Of course, the veteran actor had spent the prior two decades as a stage and screen supporting player. The son of a well-known theater producer, Lithgow earned a Tony Award for his 1973 Broadway debut in The Changing Room. Throughout the '70s, he appeared in at least one show per year on the Great White Way while simultaneously popping up on the big screen in small roles. His Academy Award-nominated turn as a transsexual in 1982's The World According to Garp captured Hollywood's attention, and suddenly Lithgow became an in-demand screen actor. Incredibly versatile, Lithgow was able to contort himself to fit his parts: His imposing frame and deep-set eyes no longer seemed menacing when he smiled mischievously. And throughout the '80s and '90s, Lithgow used his chameleon-like talents to embody villains and victims, sadists and sad sacks, snagging his second Oscar nod for his sensitive turn in Terms of Endearment, and generally earning critical raves whether appearing in movies of high quality (Pelican Brief) or high camp (Raising Cane). In the '90s Lithgow conquered a third medium, winning three Emmys during his tenure on 3rd Rock. When the series ended, he returned to Broadway after a 14-year absence and won his second Tony for the musical The Sweet Smell of Success. He has also authored a number of popular books and recordings for children.