How Is John Lithgow Related to Brad Pitt?

John Lithgow and Brad Pitt are both Hollywood actors who have enjoyed long and successful careers. Lithgow is perhaps best known for his role as the high-strung father on the sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun, while Pitt has starred in a string of blockbuster films, including Ocean's Eleven, Fight Club, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Though they are both A-list celebrities, the two men are actually only distantly related.

Lithgow's mother, Sarah Jane Mayfield, was a first cousin of Pitt's paternal grandfather, William Pitt. William Pitt's father, Ivan, was brother to Mayfield's mother, Grace. This makes John Lithgow and Brad Pitt third cousins.

The two men have never worked together, though they have both appeared in films directed by Ron Howard. Lithgow had a small role in Howard's 1976 film The Shootist, while Pitt had a leading role in Howard's 1995 film, The Crossing Guard.

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There's no easy answer to this question since it seems like Brad Pitt's opinion of John Lithgow might change depending on the day or week. However, if we had to take a guess, we'd say that Pitt probably has a lot of respect for Lithgow as an actor. While Pitt is known for his roles in big blockbuster hits, Lithgow is known for his work on stage and in more serious dramas. This means that the two have very different acting styles and backgrounds.

Pitt has said in the past that he admires actors who are able to make the transition from stage to screen, and Lithgow is certainly one of those actors. Pitt has also spoken highly of Lithgow's work in film and television, saying that he is "absolutely one of the best character actors out there."

In short, it seems like Brad Pitt has a lot of respect for John Lithgow as an actor and a person. While they may not be the best of friends, it's clear that Pitt thinks highly of Lithgow's work and his ability to perform.

Additional reading: Show Respect