Ian David Lithgow (born February 3, 1972) is an American actor and therapist. He is best known for his work as Leon in the NBC series 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996–2001). He is the son of actor John Lithgow.
Early life and education Lithgow was born on February 3, 1972, in New York City, the son of actor John Lithgow.
He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University in 1994, majoring in English. He spent two years doing his M.A. in clinical psychology, specializing in marriage and family therapy at Antioch University Los Angeles, graduating in 2005. he runs a practice in Lower Manhattan.
Career Lithgow has acted in film, television, and in regional theatres across the US, including the Goodman Theatre, the American Repertory Theatre, the Williamstown Theatre Festival, the Ahmanson Theatre, and the Pasadena Playhouse. He originated the role of Tony in Boy Gets Girl, which he performed at the Manhattan Theatre Club.
In the 1990s NBC sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun, Lithgow portrayed the recurring role of Leon, a purportedly dim-witted student who attends the physics class of Dick Solomon (portrayed by Ian's real-life father John Lithgow). Ian portrayed a son of John's character in the 2020 HBO television series Perry Mason.
Personal life Lithgow was married to Rachel Jagoda from 2001 to 2018. They have two children.
Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 1993 A Pound of Flesh 1999 Far from Bismarck Wallace 1999 Puppet, Love and Mertz Puppet Short 2003 Rice Girl Detective Tom Monk 2005 Fellini's Donut Guido Anselmi Short 2020 Tesla Alfred Brown 2025 Sisterhood Inc. Randall Cole
Television Year Title Role Notes 1996-2001 3rd Rock from the Sun Leon 48 episodes 2017 Bull Griffin Fuller Episode: "Name Game" 2020 The Blacklist Kleeman Episode: "Newton Purcell (No. 144)" 2020 Perry Mason Byron Jonathan Episode: "Chapter Five" 2025 Godfather of Harlem Fred Straub 2 episodes (Season 4 episodes 3 and 8)
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