On a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the legendary actor John Lithgow made a memorable appearance that left a lasting impact on viewers. Known for his iconic roles in movies and television shows like “Terms of Endearment,” “Footloose,” and “The Crown,” Lithgow showcased his immense talent and charisma once again on the talk show stage.
Lithgow began his interview with Colbert on a light note, expressing his gratitude for being invited to the show. The conversation quickly delved into his experiences as an actor and the surprises that come with success. Colbert asked Lithgow if he had ever been shocked by the immense popularity of a project he worked on. Lithgow admitted that “Terms of Endearment” was indeed a surprise hit, but he never expected “Footloose” to become the cultural phenomenon it did.
As “Footloose” celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, Lithgow shared an anecdote that perfectly highlighted the film’s lasting impact. While filming an episode of “Third Rock,” an actor playing a circus strongman approached Lithgow during rehearsal. The young man revealed that he was from a town in Alabama where dancing and rock and roll were strictly banned due to his father’s position as the Baptist minister. However, he secretly went to see “Footloose” when it came to town and identified with Lithgow’s character, Reverend Shaw Moore. Inspired by the story, he took his father to watch the film without revealing any details beforehand. The heartfelt message of acceptance and the power of Lithgow’s performance moved both the father and son to tears. Because of the connection they felt with the character, Lithgow became a symbol of rebellion and change in their small town.
Lithgow’s revelation on Colbert’s talk show underscores the impact that entertainment can have on people’s lives, even decades after its release. “Footloose” taught viewers to challenge societal norms and fight for their passions, a message that resonates with audiences to this day. The film’s influence went far beyond the box office, and as Lithgow shared this heartwarming story, it served as a reminder of the power of art to inspire and bring about positive change.
As the interview continued, Lithgow regaled viewers with tales from the filming of “Footloose.” He revealed that despite being in their mid-30s at the time, he and his co-star, Diane Wiest, were considered the “olders” among the youthful cast. Filming in a small town in Utah, the two actors found themselves restless and decided to break the mold by throwing parties in Lithgow’s motel room. The younger cast members were amazed at their energy and even more astonished when Lithgow and Wiest decided to impulsively jump into the motel swimming pool, clothes and all.
This act of spontaneity solidified their status as the coolest individuals among the group, and they received a memo from the producer the next day, requesting them to tone down the wild antics. Little did they know that they had inadvertently become the epitome of coolness, even amongst a younger, more energetic crowd.
John Lithgow‘s appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was not only a delightful and entertaining segment of television but also a reminder of the impact that his performances have had on people’s lives. From the enduring popularity of “Footloose” to the personal stories shared by fans, Lithgow’s talent and presence continue to shine brightly in the world of entertainment.
Catch this episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and witness John Lithgow‘s infectious charm and talent firsthand.
