Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Auburn discusses “The Columnist,” along with its stars John Lithgow and Grace Gummer. It follows Joseph Alsop, a beloved and feared columnist who sits at the center of the Washington political world. As 1960s dawn and shake up America, the intense political drama Joe is embroiled in becomes deeply personal as well. “The Columnist” is playing at the MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theater through July 1.

John Lithgow shares a backstage view of his own struggle and discovery, telling about his road to becoming a star. His memoir, Drama: An Actor’s Education, is a tribute to his most important influence: his father, an actor, director, producer, and great lover of Shakespeare, who brought theater to John’s life. He also looks at his collaborations with performers and directors, including Mike Nichols, Bob Fosse, Liv Ullmann, and Meryl Streep.

John Lithgow spoke to Leonard about his father's influence on his career as an actor recently, and he also shared his favorite comfort food is.

John Lithgow shares a backstage view of his own struggle and discovery, telling about his road to becoming a star. His memoir, Drama: An Actor’s Education, is a tribute to his most important influence: his father, an actor, director, producer, and great lover of Shakespeare, who brought theater to John’s life. He also looks at his collaborations with performers and directors, including Mike Nichols, Bob Fosse, Liv Ullmann, and Meryl Streep.