John Lithgow and His Wife of 44 Years Mary Yeager Step Out for a Date Night at Tony Awards 2026

**John Lithgow Wins Third Tony Award for Performance in ‘Giant’**

John Lithgow, the esteemed actor, has secured his third Tony Award at the 2026 ceremony held on Sunday, June 7, in New York City. Lithgow won the accolade for his compelling portrayal of Roald Dahl in the acclaimed play ‘Giant.’ The 79th Tony Awards took place at Radio City Music Hall, where the actor attended alongside his wife, Mary Yeager.

At 80 years of age, Lithgow is a well-respected figure on stage and screen, having previously received Tony Awards for his performances in ‘The Changing Room’ (1973) and ‘Sweet Smell of Success’ (2002). With his latest win, he joins an elite group of performers who have achieved this honour three times.

The play ‘Giant’, which explores a pivotal moment in Dahl’s life during the 1980s, has also been nominated for a total of four awards this year. Alongside Lithgow’s nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, the production includes nominations for Best Play, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for Aya Cash, and Best Direction of a Play for Nicholas Hytner.

Lithgow’s win came amid stiff competition, with fellow nominees including Will Harrison for ‘Punch’, Nathan Lane for ‘Death of a Salesman’, Daniel Radcliffe for ‘Every Brilliant Thing’, and Mark Strong for ‘Oedipus’. His dedication to his craft over the decades has been recognised on this remarkable platform, and his presence at the Tonys is a testament to his enduring legacy in theatre.

The actor’s relationship with his wife Mary Yeager spans over four decades, as the couple has been married since 1981. The duo made a charming appearance on the red carpet, showcasing their bond that has strengthened through both personal and professional challenges. Lithgow has often expressed admiration for Yeager, a retired professor from UCLA, highlighting her support while he navigates the demanding world of theatre.

During his acceptance speech, Lithgow expressed heartfelt gratitude to Yeager, stating, “I dedicate this award to my wife Mary, who has seen me through two incredible and exhausting years bringing this play to Broadway.” His appreciation underscores the significance of their partnership and the intricate balance they maintain between their respective pursuits.

Lithgow and Yeager have two children together: son Nathan and daughter Phoebe. Additionally, Lithgow has an older son, Ian, from his previous marriage to Jean Taynton. The actor’s familial ties have been a source of inspiration for his roles, and he has shared that navigating the complexities of parenting has enriched his performances.

In a prior interview, Lithgow touched upon how he and Yeager managed their schedule while maintaining a strong relationship. He described a “great system” they devised that allows Yeager to visit him in various locations during his work commitments, typically arriving when he is nearing the end of a project and feeling more settled. This pragmatic and supportive approach resulted in quality time together, marking joyful reunions after periods of hard work.

The narrative of ‘Giant’ centres on the life of Roald Dahl during a controversial chapter of his career, highlighting the author’s complex views expressed in an essay during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982. The play delves into Dahl’s history with antisemitism and the ramifications of his comments within the literary community. Lithgow has described ‘Giant’ as “a piece of history,” emphasising its relevance in addressing contemporary issues.

Lithgow originally took on the role of Roald Dahl in the London debut of ‘Giant’ in 2024. Speaking on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,’ he remarked on how the play’s themes resonate with current events, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions between the US and Israel. His commitment to portraying nuanced characters and historical narratives has undoubtedly contributed to his sustained acclaim in the performing arts.

As the 2026 Tony Awards aired on CBS and Paramount+, audiences were treated to an evening celebrating outstanding achievements in theatre. Lithgow’s triumphant moment served not only as a personal milestone but also as a reminder of the dynamic interplay between history and performance in today’s world.