Auction Name: 2025 December 1 The Actors Auction Hollywood/Entertainment Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 89019

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/7441*89019

John Lithgow, "Portrait of R. Dahl" Watercolor Painting by J. Lithgow with Signed Letter. Original portrait of author Roald Dahl by John Lithgow in watercolor and ink, rendered "in the manner of Q. Blake," the artist who famously illustrated Dahl's classic books, on 10.25" x 7.25" artist's paper. Lithgow has drawn himself here as the children's author and has signed the piece with his artist's initials in the bottom right corner. The portrait comes directly from the beloved, multiple Emmy- and Tony Award-winning, Oscar-nominated actor, who has merged his likeness with that of Dahl for the forthcoming Broadway play Giant, based on the author's storied life. Accompanying the artwork is a letter to the buyer from Lithgow, which reads:
"I've done a portrait of myself in the role of Roald Dahl in the play GIANT. The Olivier-winning play, by London playwright Mark Rosenblatt, has just completed its sold-out run at the Harold Pinter Theater in the West End, and it will almost certainly play next spring on Broadway. I deliberately painted myself in the manner of Dahl's most frequent illustrator, Quentin Blake, who gets a few shout-outs in the play itself. At the top of the watercolor sketch, I've scribbled the names of Dahl, Blake, and myself to describe the piece far more concisely than I have herein.
I hope the bidder enjoys the painting (and sees me in the play!). If they catch it on Broadway, I'll be happy to say hi to them backstage after the performance.
Warmly,
John Lithgow"
Lithgow has signed the letter four times in what appears to be ballpoint pen. Item exhibits light curling in the center of the page from the application of watercolor paint and accompanying letter has light creasing to the right edge of the page. Provenance: Obtained directly from John Lithgow. 100% of the proceeds of this lot will go directly to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.

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