Which historical figure does John Lithgow portray in The Crown?

John Lithgow portrays Winston Churchill in The Crown. He appears primarily in the first season, where Churchill serves as prime minister during the early years of Elizabeth II’s reign.

Churchill was one of Britain’s most important twentieth-century leaders. He became prime minister in 1940, led the country through most of the Second World War, and returned to office in 1951. He resigned in 1955, making his relationship with the young queen an important part of the series’ opening historical framework.

Lithgow’s performance combined Churchill’s public authority with his age, illness, wit, and vulnerability. The actor used extensive archival research, prosthetics, a wig, and facial makeup to resemble Churchill. He won both a Primetime Emmy and a Screen Actors Guild Award for the role.