Jean Taynton is an American former teacher who gained public attention through her marriage to acclaimed actor John Lithgow. Although Taynton has maintained a relatively private life, some details about her personal and family connections are publicly known. She has not disclosed her date of birth, zodiac sign, or information regarding her early life and education. Notably, Taynton was six years older than her former husband, John Lithgow.
Jean Taynton married John Lithgow in 1966. The couple welcomed their only child, Ian David Lithgow, on February 3, 1972. Ian has pursued a dual career as both an actor and a licensed marriage and family therapist. Despite many years together, Taynton and Lithgow divorced in 1980 following the end of their relationship. Public reports have attributed the separation to difficulties stemming from Lithgow's extramarital affair.
Jean Taynton worked as a teacher by profession. However, specific details about her career accomplishments, the institutions where she taught, and her educational background have not been publicly disclosed. Her professional life has largely remained outside the spotlight, distinct from the public career of her ex-husband.
John Lithgow is known for his impressive versatility as an actor, author, poet, musician, and comedian. His distinguished career has earned him numerous accolades, including six Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Tony Awards. He has also received nominations for two Academy Awards and four Grammy Awards, and holds a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In recognition of his contributions to theater, he was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.
Trained on the New York stage, Lithgow launched his Broadway career with a breakthrough performance in The Changing Room (1973), which earned him his first Tony Award. He later received additional Tony nominations for M. Butterfly and Requiem for a Heavyweight during the 1980s. In 2002, he won a second Tony for his role in the musical The Sweet Smell of Success. His portrayal of Winston Churchill in the Netflix drama The Crown earned him critical acclaim, winning both a Primetime Emmy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 2020, he appeared in the HBO historical series Perry Mason, further showcasing his dramatic range.
