10 Facts About “3rd Rock from the Sun”

John Lithgow was great.

Creative Commons: Alan Light

“3rd Rock from the Sun” was an interesting amalgamation of off cheap, suggestive jokes and downright witty writing. Couple those facts with a great cast and you have a show that generates a lot of laughs. The show even garnered some critical support.

Of course, Lithgow’s character was named “Dick Solomon.” The fact the character’s name was “Dick,” and not “Richard” gives you an idea of one type of humor employed.

I’ll take this time to give a shout out to William Shatner for his performance as, the “Big Giant Head.” I found the joy he found kicking butt hilarious. He was like a galactic Red Foreman. Now, on to some facts about 3rd Rock.

1: French Stewart came up with his character’s distinctive squint.

Somehow Harry Solomon’s squint isn’t as menacing as Clint Eastwood’s.

2: The show had some unusual writing help.

To help Dick with his physics jargon in class scenes, Ivy League physics and math professor, Brian Greene was solicited to help. I don’t believe he wrote any of the jokes associated with Dick Solomon’s name.

3: 3rd Rock was hard to keep up.

The show changed time slot 13 times in six seasons. Maybe the Solomons were trying to stay undetected by authorities.

4: Kristen Johnston had a tough time during the show’s run.

Kristen battled depression, as well as alcohol and drugs at different times. She was also diagnosed with lupus myelitis. Fortunately, she’s doing better now. Maybe earth didn’t agree with Sally.

5: For Jane Curtain, “The Coneheads” led to her part in 3rd Rock.

Creators of ‘The Coneheads” movie, Terry and Bonnie Turner, were also the creative force behind 3rd Rock. Jane had confidence in them and came on board of the 3rd Rock cast. It was a nice change of pace for her to play a human.

6: Joseph Gordon-Levitt also had anxiety and was depressed during part of the show’s run.

Gordon-Levitt had a fear of being typecast. I believe Joseph, aka “Jim Gordon” is past that now.

7: Lithgow taught his son on the show.

John Lithgow’s son, Ian Lithgow, played a not so bright student named Leon. Does that count as homeschooling?

8: John Lithgow took the job so he could spend more time with his family.

Maybe that’s also the reason why he taught his son, Leon.

9: Did you take note of the names of the three males in the Solomon family? That’s right, Don, Dick and Harry.

But these weren’t just any Tom, Dick and Harry. I wonder if they went with Solomon because of the wisdom attached to the name. That’s actually another ironic name.

10: French Stuart took a beating for his art.

Since “Harry” did so much physical comedy, he suffered bruises and rugburns. Maybe the squinting helped hide the pain.

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