For many, aliens have been a long-standing fascination in pop culture. From the chilling tales of Invasion of the Body Snatchers in the mid-20th century to the suspenseful mystery of The X-Files, extraterrestrials have consistently mirrored both our deepest curiosities and anxieties. While alien portrayals often reside within the realm of science fiction, the 1990s saw the arrival of extraterrestrials in an unexpected genre: sitcoms. 3rd Rock From The Sun, a show that graced television screens for six seasons starting in 1996 and concluding in 2001, introduced audiences to a group of four quirky aliens from a distant galaxy. These aliens adopted the guise of a human family, settling down in the fictional town of Rutherford, Ohio, all while on a mission to study human behavior.
The premise set the stage for comedic situations as the aliens navigated the intricacies of everyday human life, diligently observing and often hilariously misunderstanding human customs. Even two decades after their final broadcast, 3rd Rock From the Sun continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many, maintaining its status as a beloved cult classic.
Curious to know what the talented cast of these comical extraterrestrials has been doing since they bid farewell? Let’s take a nostalgic journey to explore the 3rd Rock From the Sun cast then and now.
The original cast of 3rd Rock From the Sun pictured in 1996.
John Lithgow as Dick Solomon from the Rock From the Sun Cast
A then and now comparison of John Lithgow, showcasing his appearance in 1997 during 3rd Rock From the Sun and in 2022.
Before John Lithgow embodied the role of Dick Solomon, the alien High Commander, expedition leader, and eventual physics professor in 3rd Rock From the Sun, he had already established himself as a celebrated figure in both theater and film.
Born into a family deeply rooted in the performing arts, with a mother who was an actress and a father who directed plays, Lithgow’s path into acting began on Broadway stages in the 1970s. His talent soon transitioned to the silver screen, where he appeared in notable films such as Obsession, The Big Fix, Rich Kids, and All That Jazz.
His prominence grew significantly when he received consecutive nominations for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1983 and 1984 for his performances in The World According to Garp and Terms of Endearment. The year 1984 also saw him in the iconic coming-of-age film Footloose and the science fiction cult classic The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension.
The 1990s brought Lithgow roles in thrillers and dramas like Ricochet, Raising Cain, Cliffhanger, and The Pelican Brief, culminating in his casting in 3rd Rock From the Sun. This sitcom role, for which he remarkably won three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, marked a refreshing shift in his career. It was not only his first leading role in a television series but also an opportunity to reveal a different facet of his acting abilities. In a 2022 interview, he reflected, “When I took 3rd Rock From the Sun, I had just played too many villains… It was time to do something ridiculous.”
Following 3rd Rock From the Sun, Lithgow’s career continued to flourish with roles in films like Dreamgirls, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Love Is Strange, and Bombshell. He also had a significant 12-episode arc on the drama series Dexter. Adding to his diverse portfolio, he lent his voice to the character of the villainous Lord Farquaad in the animated hit Shrek and has authored several children’s books.
At 78, Lithgow remains active and has recently made notable television appearances, including portraying Winston Churchill in The Crown and starring in the thriller series The Old Man. He also featured in the Perry Mason remake. Currently, audiences can see Lithgow in a supporting role in Martin Scorsese’s critically acclaimed historical drama Killers of the Flower Moon, with several other film projects on the horizon.
Kristen Johnston as Sally Solomon, Part of the 3rd Rock From the Sun Cast
Comparison of Kristen Johnston in 1999 during her time on 3rd Rock From the Sun, alongside a more recent photograph from 2021.
Kristen Johnston took on the role of Sally Solomon, the security officer of the alien mission. Sally, a military expert from her home planet, often humorously challenged traditional sitcom portrayals of women. Her performance earned Johnston two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Johnston’s acting career began on stage, followed by appearances in television series such as As the World Turns and Chicago Hope, before she landed her breakthrough role in 3rd Rock From the Sun. During her time on the show, she also ventured into comedy films, including Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas.
After 3rd Rock, Johnston made a memorable guest appearance in Sex and the City and had roles in ER and Ugly Betty. She also appeared in movies like Bride Wars, Music and Lyrics, and Vamps. Primarily recognized as a television actress, Johnston was a cast member in the series The Exes and Mom.
Now 56, Johnston’s recent work includes recurring roles in Our Flag Means Death and The Righteous Gemstones. Beyond her acting career, Johnston has openly discussed her battles with depression and addiction. These experiences led her to write a memoir and establish SLAM, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting young women facing similar challenges.
French Stewart as Harry Solomon, Another Rock From the Sun Cast Member
A comparison image showing French Stewart in 1999 during 3rd Rock From the Sun and a later picture from 2019.
French Stewart portrayed Harry Solomon, the endearingly dim-witted alien who received communications from their home planet through a transmitter inexplicably located in his brain.
Born Milton French-Stewart, the comedic actor’s career began in 1992 with a role in The New WKRP in Cincinnati. He later secured a supporting role in the popular science fiction film Stargate. During his tenure on 3rd Rock From the Sun, he also appeared in movies like McHale’s Navy, Love Stinks, and Dick, and provided voice work for the animated Hercules TV series.
In 2013, Stewart returned to the sitcom genre with a recurring role in Mom (reuniting with 3rd Rock co-star Kristen Johnston). He has also participated in several direct-to-video films, including Inspector Gadget 2, where he took on the lead role.
At 59, Stewart remains a familiar face on television, with appearances in a variety of shows such as Community, Psych, 2 Broke Girls, Secrets and Lies, The Middle, NCIS, and many more.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Tommy Solomon
A before and after look at Joseph Gordon-Levitt, pictured in 1999 during his 3rd Rock From the Sun days and in 2023.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt played Tommy Solomon, the oldest member of the alien group who humorously found himself in the body of a teenager.
Gordon-Levitt’s acting journey started in childhood, initially appearing in commercials. Before his breakout role in 3rd Rock From the Sun, he had guest roles in episodes of Family Ties, Quantum Leap, L.A. Law, and Roseanne. He was also part of the casts of the short-lived Dark Shadows reboot and The Powers That Be. His early film credits include A River Runs Through It and Angels in the Outfield, establishing an impressive resume even as a young actor.
While on 3rd Rock, Gordon-Levitt acted in Halloween H20: 20 Years Later and 10 Things I Hate About You. After the series concluded, he took a hiatus to pursue higher education. Upon returning to acting, he shifted towards more intense and dramatic roles, starring in films like Manic, Mysterious Skin, Brick, Miracle at St. Anna, and Killshot. In 2009, Gordon-Levitt achieved one of his most iconic roles in the romantic comedy 500 Days of Summer.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Gordon-Levitt consistently appeared in prominent films, including Inception, 50/50, The Dark Knight Rises, and Lincoln. In 2013, he marked his directorial debut with Don Jon, in which he also starred. In 2021, he expanded his creative roles by creating, directing, and starring in the television show Mr. Corman.
Now 42, Gordon-Levitt is recognized for his versatility in balancing roles in both major Hollywood productions and independent films. His recent projects include an appearance in an episode of Poker Face and a starring role in the miniseries Super Pumped. He has several upcoming projects, notably the highly anticipated fourth Beverly Hills Cop movie.
Jane Curtin as Mary Albright
A comparison photo of Jane Curtin from 1992 and a more recent picture taken in 2018.
Jane Curtin played Mary Albright, an anthropology professor who served as a human counterpart and love interest for Dick.
Curtin rose to fame as an original cast member of Saturday Night Live, from 1975 to 1980. One of her memorable characters was a Conehead, an alien comically navigating life on Earth – a theme that foreshadowed her role in 3rd Rock From The Sun. Intriguingly, Bonnie Turner, co-creator of 3rd Rock From The Sun, also co-wrote the Coneheads movie in 1993, in which Curtin starred, making her casting in the sitcom a fitting choice.
3rd Rock was not Curtin’s first foray into sitcoms. From 1984 to 1989, she starred in Kate & Allie as single mom Allie Lowell, earning two consecutive Emmy Awards. Post-3rd Rock, Curtin continued to act in comedic films like The Shaggy Dog, I Love You, Man, I Don’t Know How She Does It, The Heat, The Spy Who Dumped Me, and Can You Ever Forgive Me?. She also joined the cast of another sitcom, Crumbs, albeit short-lived, and had a recurring role in the procedural drama Unforgettable from 2012 to 2014.
At 76, Curtin remains known for her reliably deadpan comedic style. Her recent work includes the movie Jules and guest appearances in episodes of The Good Fight, The Conners, and Bupkis.
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