Your support helps us tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to big tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the finances of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word,’ which shines a light on American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know the importance of analyzing the facts of messaging. .
At such a critical moment in American history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to continue sending journalists to tell both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to block Americans from our reporting and analysis with a paywall. We believe that quality journalism should be available to everyone, and paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes a difference.
John Lithgow “I can’t help but wonder” how life would turn out if it wasn’t turned down the role of Frasier Crane earlier in his career.
The 79-year-old plays political priest Joseph Cardinal Tremblay Edward Berger’s new film Conclaveabout the secret election process for the papacy.
But years before that he was courted for the role of the beloved psychiatrist Cheers. The Kelsey Grammer’s success as a supporting character led to a spin-off Frasierwhich won numerous awards, lasted more than a decade, and was recently relaunched.
Lithgow was offered the role at a time when he was coming off two Oscar nominations for his performances in 1982. The world according to Garp and in 1983 Terms of endearment. Earlier, he joked that his role was “below his dignity” and that he “barely remembers it[s]” role that is offered to him.
Still, as the years passed, Lithgow admitted to thinking about what might have been.
Asked if he ever considered turning down the role, he said, “Sometimes,” in an interview with Radio Times.
“When it came up, it was my early years in Hollywood, and I had two Oscar nominations in two years,” he explained.
“There was an opportunity to play a supporting role Cheers and my agent and I agreed, ‘Let’s not think about TV episodes.’
“I can’t help but wonder about the road not taken.”
Although the star turned down the TV series at the time, he went on to play Dick Solomon 3rd Rock from the Sunanother acclaimed sitcom, from 1996 to 2001
He added: “But I have so few regrets. First of all, I am 3rd Rock from the Sun six years, which was a magnificent experience.”
Watch Apple TV+ for free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after a free trial period. Schedule automatic renewal until it is canceled
Watch Apple TV+ for free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after a free trial period. Schedule automatic renewal until it is canceled
In the 2020 interview The Guardiansaid of turning down the role: “I never wanted to go public with it for many years, really sympathizing with Kelsey Grammer. But that was when I was typing movies.”
He continued: “I got two Oscar nominations in a row. The TV sitcom was so beneath my dignity that I hardly remember being told it was offered to me.”