Ian David Lithgow (born February 3, 1972) is an American actor. He is best known for his work as Leon in the NBC series 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996–2001). He is the son of actor John Lithgow.

Early life, family and education

Lithgow was born on February 3, 1972, in New York, New York, the only child from the marriage of actor John Lithgow and his first wife, Jean Taynton. He has two half-siblings, Phoebe (born 1982) and Nathan (born 1983).

He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. He currently runs a practice in Lower Manhattan specializing in marriage and family therapy.^[1]

Career

Lithgow has acted in film, television, and in regional theatres across the US, including the Goodman Theatre, the American Repertory Theatre, the Williamstown Theatre Festival, the Ahmanson Theatre, and the Pasadena Playhouse. He originated the role of Tony in Boy Gets Girl, which he performed at the Manhattan Theatre Club.

In the 1990s NBC sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun, Lithgow portrayed the recurring role of Leon, a purportedly dim-witted student who attends the physics class of Dick Solomon (portrayed by Ian's real-life father John Lithgow). Ian portrayed a son of John's character in the 2020 HBO television series Perry Mason.^[2][3]

Filmography

Television