John Lithgow possesses an impeccable English accent thanks to his extensive and specialized dramatic training, particularly his studies in London. While an American actor, his mastery of various accents, especially British, is a notable aspect of his craft.
The Foundation of His Accent Mastery
Born and raised in Ohio, John Lithgow is naturally a native English speaker with an American accent. However, his ability to convincingly portray characters with a perfect British accent stems from a dedicated academic and professional journey in the performing arts.
His remarkable command of the English accent can be attributed to the following key factors:
- Harvard College Education: Lithgow's foundational education began at Harvard College, where he cultivated a strong academic base before delving deeply into acting.
- London Academy of Dramatic Art: A pivotal part of his training was at the London Academy of Dramatic Art (LAMDA). Studying at such a renowned institution in the United Kingdom provided him with immersive exposure and intensive instruction in voice, phonetics, and accents specific to British English.
- Fulbright Fellowship: His time at LAMDA was supported by a prestigious Fulbright Fellowship, indicating a high level of academic and artistic merit that granted him the opportunity for this specialized training abroad. This fellowship underscores the rigor and depth of his studies in London.
Through this rigorous training and real-world immersion, Lithgow honed his vocal skills, allowing him to flawlessly adopt an English accent for various roles, making it a standout feature of his versatile acting career. His background explains why he can so convincingly "pull off a perfect British accent."
