Actor John Lithgow has voiced strong criticism of President Donald Trump's tenure, describing it as a "pure disaster" for the arts, likening its impact to that of the Coronavirus.
Lithgow's remarks came in the wake of his best actor nomination at the Olivier Awards in London, where he expressed particular dismay over the President's involvement with the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
As reported by Breitbart, Lithgow lamented, "Our administration has done some shocking, destructive things, but the one that grieves me most is taking over the Kennedy Center." He highlighted the departure of Deborah Rutter, a close associate and former president of the center, noting, "Deborah Rutter was fired from her position as president even though shed already resigned and had [several] months to go. Shes a very good friend of mine." Lithgow emphasized the precarious state of the arts in America, stating, "First there was coronavirus, now theres this," and described the situation as "really disheartening."
President Trump announced his intention to assume control of the Kennedy Center in February, subsequently appointing himself as chairman. This move has led to a growing number of artists withdrawing their performances, unwilling to appear under Trump's leadership. Lithgow, reflecting on the broader implications, remarked, "Right now, everybody is in shock," yet maintained that "bad times create good art."
In the coming months, Lithgow will be spending an extended period in the United Kingdom, where he is set to film a new series in Hertfordshire. He will join the cast as the latest actor to portray J.K. Rowling's iconic character, Albus Dumbledore.
Login