The 1990s were a golden age for alien-themed entertainment, with movies and TV shows exploring extraterrestrial life and encounters. Amidst the popularity of Men in Black, Independence Day, and The X-Files, one sitcom stood out for its uniquely comedic and insightful take on aliens living among us: 3rd Rock From the Sun. This show, with its quirky premise and stellar cast, captured the zeitgeist of the era and remains beloved today. Let’s take a look at the cast of 3rd Rock from the Sun and see what they’ve been up to since the Solomons concluded their mission on Earth.
3rd Rock From the Sun Cast: The Solomon Family Mission on Earth
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3rd Rock From the Sun premiered in January 1996, introducing audiences to the Solomon family – a group of four aliens disguised as humans, sent to Earth to observe and report on human behavior. Their leader, Dick Solomon, hilariously struggled to understand the nuances of human society, leading to comedic misunderstandings and witty social commentary. The show’s brilliance lay in its ensemble cast, each actor perfectly embodying their extraterrestrial persona while navigating the absurdities of everyday human life in Rutherford, Ohio. The core cast included John Lithgow, Kristen Johnston, French Stewart, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, portraying the alien family, alongside Jane Curtin as Dr. Mary Albright, their bewildered human confidante.
The show’s unconventional humor and talented cast quickly garnered critical acclaim and awards. In 1997, 3rd Rock From the Sun dominated the Emmy Awards, winning five categories, including Outstanding Lead Actor and Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for John Lithgow and Kristen Johnston. The series also received Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards, cementing its place as a top sitcom of the decade. Despite the initial challenge of convincing John Lithgow to take on the lead role, the show became a defining moment in his career and for the entire cast of 3rd Rock from the Sun.
John Lithgow
John Lithgow as Dick Solomon in 3rd Rock From the Sun
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John Lithgow brilliantly portrayed Dick Solomon, the High Commander and leader of the alien expedition. Lithgow’s comedic timing and physical comedy were central to the show’s humor, earning him three Emmy Awards for his role. Prior to 3rd Rock, Lithgow was already a celebrated stage and screen actor, and his career has only continued to flourish. Post-3rd Rock From the Sun, Lithgow has taken on diverse roles, including a notable arc as the Trinity Killer in Dexter, guest appearances in 30 Rock and How I Met Your Mother, and significant film roles in Interstellar and Bombshell. He also garnered critical praise for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the first three seasons of The Crown. Lithgow’s son, Ian Lithgow, also appeared in 3rd Rock from the Sun, playing one of Dick’s students, Leon.
Kristen Johnston
Kristen Johnston as Sally Solomon in 3rd Rock From the Sun
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Kristen Johnston played Sally Solomon, the security officer and Dick’s second-in-command, who often grappled with human vanity and social norms. Johnston won two Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Sally. Known for her tall stature and comedic presence, Johnston has continued to work steadily in television and film since 3rd Rock. She is perhaps memorably known for her guest role in Sex and the City as Lexi Featherston. Johnston has also appeared in The New Adventures of Old Christine, Ugly Betty, and Modern Family, and starred alongside French Stewart in Mom. In addition to acting, she is an author, having written her memoir Guts: The Endless Follies and Tiny Triumphs of a Giant Disaster in 2012, detailing her personal struggles and triumphs.
French Stewart
French Stewart as Harry Solomon in 3rd Rock From the Sun
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French Stewart played Harry Solomon, the unexpected and somewhat dim-witted member of the alien mission, who served as the group’s receiver for messages from the Big Giant Head. Stewart’s distinctive squint and quirky delivery made Harry a fan favorite. After 3rd Rock From the Sun, Stewart continued his career in television, making guest appearances in numerous shows like Ally McBeal, Bones, Pushing Daisies, and Private Practice. He had a main role in the sitcom Mom for its initial seasons and recurred later in the series. Interestingly, Stewart met his first wife, actress Katherine LaNasa, on the set of 3rd Rock.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Tommy Solomon in 3rd Rock From the Sun
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Joseph Gordon-Levitt played Tommy Solomon, the oldest alien in the Solomon family, despite appearing as the youngest human teenager. Gordon-Levitt’s portrayal of Tommy’s teenage angst and surprisingly mature insights was a highlight of the show, launching him into mainstream recognition. Transitioning from child actor to adult star, Joseph Gordon-Levitt has built an impressive film career. He has starred in critically acclaimed movies such as Mysterious Skin, Brick, 500 Days of Summer, Inception, Looper, Lincoln, Snowden, and The Trial of the Chicago 7. He also wrote, directed, and starred in the film Don Jon.
Jane Curtin
Jane Curtin as Dr. Mary Albright in 3rd Rock From the Sun
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Jane Curtin played Dr. Mary Albright, an anthropologist and Dick Solomon’s long-suffering girlfriend and colleague. Curtin, a Saturday Night Live alumna and comedy legend, brought her signature dry wit and comedic timing to the role of Mary. Post-3rd Rock From the Sun, Curtin has continued to act in both film and television. Her film credits include I Don’t Know How She Does It, The Heat, The Spy Who Dumped Me, and Godmothered. She has also appeared in episodes of Broad City, The Good Wife, and The Good Fight, showcasing her enduring comedic talent and versatility.
Simbi Khali
Simbi Khali as Nina Campbell in 3rd Rock From the Sun
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Simbi Khali played Nina Campbell, the sharp-tongued and often exasperated assistant to both Mary and Dick at the university. Nina provided a grounded, human perspective against the Solomons’ alien antics. After 3rd Rock, Khali has appeared in episodes of The Bernie Mac Show, Weeds, and Better Things, and in films such as We Were Soldiers and Mississippi Damned.
Elmarie Wendel
Elmarie Wendel as Mamie Dubcek in 3rd Rock From the Sun
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Elmarie Wendel played Mamie Dubcek, the Solomons’ eccentric and lovable landlady. Mamie’s quirky personality and unconventional wisdom often provided humorous and heartwarming moments in the show. Wendel, who sadly passed away in 2018, had a long career as an actress and singer. Before her passing, she voiced a character in The Lorax and appeared in episodes of NYPD Blue, General Hospital, and The Exes, the latter also featuring fellow 3rd Rock alums Kristen Johnston and Wayne Knight.
Wayne Knight
Wayne Knight as Don Orville in 3rd Rock From the Sun
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Wayne Knight played Don Orville, a police officer and Sally’s sometimes boyfriend. Knight, known for his roles in Seinfeld and Jurassic Park, brought his signature comedic style to Don. Since 3rd Rock From the Sun, Wayne Knight has been prolific in voice acting, lending his voice to characters in Kung Fu Panda, Doc McStuffins, and Pound Puppies. He has also appeared in films like Hail, Caesar! and Cheaper By the Dozen, and TV series such as Curb Your Enthusiasm, Hot in Cleveland, and Narcos.
Jan Hooks
Jan Hooks as Vicki Dubcek in 3rd Rock From the Sun
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Jan Hooks played Vicki Dubcek, Mamie’s daughter and Harry’s girlfriend, who later married the Big Giant Head. Hooks, another Saturday Night Live veteran, brought her comedic talents to the role of Vicki. Before her passing in 2014, Hooks continued to work in voice acting, in shows like Futurama, The Simpsons, and The Cleveland Show, and made appearances on Primetime Glick and 30 Rock.
Larisa Oleynik
Larisa Oleynik as Alissa Strudwick in 3rd Rock From Sun
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Larisa Oleynik joined the cast of 3rd Rock from the Sun in later seasons as Alissa Strudwick, Tommy’s girlfriend. Oleynik, known for The Secret World of Alex Mack, overlapped with Joseph Gordon-Levitt again in the teen comedy 10 Things I Hate About You. Post-3rd Rock, she has appeared in Jessabelle, Pretty Little Liars, Psych, Extant, and Trinkets.
Ian Lithgow
Ian Lithgow as Leon in 3rd Rock From the Sun
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Ian Lithgow, John Lithgow’s real-life son, played Leon, one of Dick Solomon’s students. Ian’s presence added a charming real-life dimension to the show. Since 3rd Rock From the Sun, Ian has appeared in Bull, Tesla, The Blacklist, and Perry Mason, the latter also starring his father. Interestingly, Ian is also a practicing psychologist in New York City, showcasing a diverse set of talents.
David DeLuise
David DeLuise as Bug Pollone in 3rd Rock From the Sun
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David DeLuise, son of the legendary Dom DeLuise, played Bug Pollone, another of Dick’s students. David DeLuise has had a successful career in television, including roles in Vampires Suck, Gilmore Girls, and most notably as Selena Gomez’s father in Wizards of Waverly Place.
The cast of 3rd Rock From the Sun created a memorable and unique sitcom that continues to be enjoyed by audiences today. Their careers have branched out in diverse and successful directions since the show concluded, but their work as the Solomon family remains a highlight in television comedy history. From John Lithgow’s dramatic turns to Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s film stardom and Kristen Johnston’s comedic roles, the actors from 3rd Rock have proven their talent and staying power in Hollywood and beyond.
