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John Lithgow, 80, Wins Tony, Breaks Age Record

6/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

John Lithgow won the 2026 Tony for Best Actor in a Play for “Giant,” becoming the oldest recipient at 80.
He broke Roy Dotrice’s record of winning at 77 and did so 53 years after his first Tony in 1973, the longest gap in Tony history.
The win is Lithgow’s third Tony, joining the small group of three-category winners, a feat matched only by Audra McDonald’s four-category record.

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Story summary

John Lithgow won the 2026 Tony for Best Actor in a Play for “Giant,” becoming the oldest recipient at 80.
He broke Roy Dotrice’s record of winning at 77 and did so 53 years after his first Tony in 1973, the longest gap in Tony history.
The win is Lithgow’s third Tony, joining the small group of three-category winners, a feat matched only by Audra McDonald’s four-category record.