The Sweet Reason Kristen Johnston Is ‘Very Grateful’ to Her “3rd Rock from the Sun” Costar John Lithgow (Exclusive)

Kristen Johnston, known for her role as Sally Solomon on the hit TV show ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’, has expressed her deep gratitude towards her former co-star, John Lithgow. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Johnston, now 57, opened up about the valuable lessons she learned from Lithgow during their time working together on the Emmy-winning series, which ran from 1996 to 2001.

Johnston shared that Lithgow taught her by example how to conduct herself on set and be a collaborative and professional team member that everyone enjoys working with. She highlighted Lithgow’s punctuality, dedication to knowing his lines, and overall professionalism as qualities that she greatly admired and aspired to embody in her own career. The actress expressed her appreciation for the guidance and mentorship she received from Lithgow, acknowledging that his influence has had a lasting impact on her approach to acting.

The beloved sitcom ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’, created by Bonnie and Terry Turner, followed a group of aliens posing as a human family, with Lithgow playing the role of Dick Solomon and Johnston portraying his sister, Sally Solomon. Both actors received critical acclaim for their performances, with Lithgow winning three Emmys and Johnston earning two during the show’s six-season run. The chemistry between the cast members, including French Stewart as Harry and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Tommy, endeared the series to audiences.

Despite her iconic role on ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’, Johnston revealed that she did not draw direct inspiration from her character for her latest project, ‘Leanne’. In the new sitcom, Johnston portrays Carol, the sister of the titular character played by comedian Leanne Morgan. Their on-screen dynamic explores themes of family, resilience, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of a woman navigating life’s unexpected challenges.

Having spent almost three decades in the industry, Johnston brought her wealth of experience to enhance her collaboration with Morgan and elevate their scenes together. Working alongside sitcom creator Chuck Lorre, whom she previously worked with on ‘Mom’, Johnston’s versatility as an actress and her ability to connect with her co-stars shine through in ‘Leanne’. Lorre praised Johnston’s comedic timing and professionalism, underscoring her contribution to the show’s success.

The camaraderie between Johnston and Morgan on ‘Leanne’ reflects a genuine bond that extends beyond the screen. Their instant connection and shared passion for their craft have enriched the storytelling and brought authenticity to their portrayals. Additionally, Johnston’s reunion with Lorre and her seamless integration into the ensemble cast further underscore her versatility as an actress and her ability to adapt to different roles with ease.

As ‘Leanne’ continues to capture audiences on Netflix, Johnston’s journey from her iconic role on ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’ to her current project showcases her evolution as an actress and her enduring commitment to her craft. Through her collaborations with esteemed co-stars and creators, Johnston continues to leave a significant impact on the world of television, offering audiences compelling performances and heartfelt storytelling.