John Lithgow reflects on career choices and the importance of a good ending in life

Actor John Lithgow, who initially aspired to be a painter, reflects on his career choices in a recent interview. He grew up in a theater family but only pursued acting seriously at 17, despite his father's hopes for him to study business. Lithgow reminisces about his busy years in New York theater during the 1970s, where he performed nearly every night. He describes that time as electric, filled with camaraderie among fellow actors, including Meryl Streep and Mandy Patinkin. Discussing mortality, Lithgow shares his perspective on death, shaped by personal experiences, including the loss of a close friend. He emphasizes the importance of having a "good ending" in life, similar to his approach in acting, and reflects on how facing cancer has influenced his outlook.