Renowned Emmy-winning actor John Lithgow has recently shared that he was on the verge of missing a pivotal role in a critically acclaimed, five-time Oscar-winning film due to scheduling conflicts with the iconic musical Footloose. Lithgow initially gained fame with his powerful performance in Brian De Palma’s Obsession and achieved his breakout role through The World According to Garp, which earned him an Oscar nomination. His extensive filmography showcases a rich diversity of roles, with his early acclaim transitioning into comedy through beloved films like Harry and the Hendersons. Lithgow later showcased his versatility by taking on formidable villainous characters in films such as Cliffhanger and Raising Cain.
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Lithgow has also found remarkable success on television, winning multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for his performances in 3rd Rock From the Sun, Dexter, and The Crown. He is regarded as one of the most esteemed and versatile actors in both film and television. Among his most cherished roles is that of Reverend Shaw Moore in Kevin Bacon’s musical drama Footloose, but the scheduling for this film nearly jeopardized his opportunity to portray another iconic character in a five-time Academy Award-winning film that premiered just a year prior.
How Scheduling Conflicts Almost Cost Lithgow His Role in Terms of Endearment
<em>Terms of Endearment</em>, crafted by the brilliant James L. Brooks, is hailed as one of the quintessential films of the 1980s and stands tall among the most emotional cinematic experiences. The narrative intricately explores the profound 30-year relationship between Aurora Greenway and her daughter Emma, beautifully portrayed by Debra Winger and Shirley MacLaine. The film achieved remarkable commercial success, grossing $165 million on a modest production budget of $8 million. Lithgow’s portrayal of Sam Burns not only showcased his talent but also garnered him his second Oscar nomination, although his commitment to Footloose nearly jeopardized his participation in this landmark film.
Terms of Endearment not only won the coveted Best Picture award at the Oscars, but it also triumphed in categories such as Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actress for MacLaine, and Best Supporting Actor for the legendary Jack Nicholson.
During a reflective interview with Variety, Lithgow disclosed that he was filming Terms of Endearment simultaneously with Footloose, which resulted in a significant scheduling conflict that almost cost him his role in the former. Lithgow recounted the harrowing details of how the situation unfolded, noting that Paramount Pictures played a crucial role in resolving the issue. He stated:
I did this concurrently with Footloose. Herb Ross [director of Footloose] had us for two weeks to rehearse before Footloose started shooting, and I got a call on a Saturday morning from my agent saying, “They want you to replace an actor in Terms of Endearment.” There had been another playing the role of Sam Burns, and he’d played two scenes, and they just decided, “This is not right.”
They asked Herb if he would spring me loose for a week to come and shoot the entire role of Sam Burns. And Herb said no, that he couldn’t do without me for that week. And I had read the script, I thought, “Oh my God, I gotta be in this movie. It’s gonna be so great. Arguably, I’d rather do this than Footloose!”
Fortunately, both films were produced by Paramount, and Barry Diller and Jeffrey Katzenberg were in charge for Terms of Endearment and Footloose. They were both Paramount films. And they said to Herb, “You’re gonna spring him loose, and he’s gonna be in Terms of Endearment. Otherwise, I never would’ve been in like the best movie I’ve ever been in. With an Oscar nomination for five days of work.
Insights on Lithgow’s Scheduling Challenge
The Reality of Scheduling Conflicts in Film & Lithgow’s Fortunate Break
Scheduling conflicts are a common occurrence in the film industry, often leading actors to miss out on iconic roles simply due to simultaneous commitments. John Lithgow was exceptionally fortunate that both Footloose and Terms of Endearment were managed by Paramount Pictures and had aligned producers overseeing both projects. Without this fortunate alignment, Lithgow may have missed the opportunity to shine in Terms of Endearment, a role that significantly shaped his illustrious career. It’s fascinating to consider how this pivotal moment opened doors for him, including his upcoming portrayal of Dumbledore in the new Harry Potter television series, which may not have come to fruition had he not secured this remarkable opportunity decades ago.
Source: Variety
Terms of Endearment
- Release Date
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December 9, 1983
- Runtime
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132 Minutes
- Director
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James L. Brooks
- Writers
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Larry McMurtry, James L. Brooks
