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3rd Rock from the Sunwas best known for its fish-out-of-water humor, following a group of aliens trying – and usually failing – to blend in as ordinary humans while secretly studying Earth.
Praised for its physical comedy and sharp writing, the series became a favorite by featuring a standout cast including John Lithgow, Kristen Johnston, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The Emmy-award-winning sitcom originally aired on NBC from January 1996 to May 2001.
Now, let's take a look at where the cast members are today and how their careers have evolved since the show ended.
John Lithgow as Dick Solomon
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John Lithgowled the alien mission as the loud, lovable and wildly overconfident Dick Solomon – a role that earned him multiple awards and became one of TV comedy's most memorable performances.
After3rd Rock from the Sun, Lithgow seamlessly moved between television, film and theater, starring in series likeDexterandThe Crown, and appearing in films such asInterstellar,Bombshell,Killers of the Flower MoonandConclave.
The 80-year-old has alsoremained active on Broadwayand continues to record audiobooks and write.
Lithgow has been married to former UCLA professorMary Yeagersince 1981. He has three children, including actor and musician Ian Lithgow, who memorably appeared on3rd Rockas one of Dick's students. Ian is the actor's first child from his first marriage to Jean Taynton.
Kristen Johnston as Sally Solomon
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Kristen Johnston played Sally Solomon, the mission's tough enforcer who struggled hilariously with human emotions and stereotypical female archetypes, given that their alien species was genderless before coming to Earth.
In a previousinterview with PEOPLE, Johnston revealed the reason she was so "grateful" for costar Lithgow.
"I'm very grateful to John Lithgow for teaching me, by example, how to be on a set and how to be a graceful, cool person that everyone wants to work with," she said in 2025. "He really taught me how to be someone you'd want to work with and hire a couple of times, so I'm very grateful to him for that."
After the show ended, Johnston appeared in films likeAustin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged MeandBride Wars.She also took on major television roles inThe Exes,MomandOur Flag Means Death.
The 58-year-old actress has continued working steadily in both comedy and drama. Her most recent work included the Netflix sitcom,Leanne.
French Stewart as Harry Solomon
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French Stewart played Harry Solomon, who was known for his odd posture, nervous energy, and the unfortunate fact that alien messages arrived through his head.
Following3rd Rock, Stewart became a familiar face on television, with roles onThe Drew Carey Show,The Middle, andMom, along with appearances in family films likeHome Alone 4.
The 61-year-old is married to actress Vanessa Claire Stewart. They have one child.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Tommy Solomon
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Joseph Gordon-Levittplayed Tommy Solomon, the oldest alien trapped in the body of a teenage boy and often the smartest person in the room.
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After leaving the sitcom, he transitioned into films such asBrickandMysterious Skin, before becoming a leading man in movies like(500) Days of Summer,Inception,LooperandThe Dark Knight Rises. In 2013, he wrote, directed, and starred inDon Jon.
In a 2025interview with PEOPLE, Gordon-Levitt discussed his unexpected role inThe Simpsons. "I don't know if I could pick a character inThe Simpsonstelevision universe that I would be more honored to play than Mr. Burns," he said.
Gordon-Levitt married tech entrepreneurTasha McCauleyin 2014. The couple has three children and keeps their family life largely private.
Jane Curtin as Mary Albright
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Jane Curtin portrayed Dr. Mary Albright, Dick Solomon's human colleague and frequently baffled love interest.
Already a comedy icon fromSaturday Night LiveandKate & Allie, Curtin continued acting after3rd Rockin films likeI Love You, ManandThe Heat, as well as television projects includingUnited We Fall.
Curtin was married to television producer Patrick Francis Lynch for nearly 50 years. They had one daughter together before he died in 2025.
Simbi Khali as Nina Campbell
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Simbi Khali played Nina Campbell, the sharp-witted assistant who often reacted to the Solomons' antics with amused disbelief.
After3rd Rock, Khali worked steadily in films likeVampire in Brooklyn,A Thin Line Between Love and Hate,Plump FictionandWe Were Soldiers.
Khali was married to actor Cress Williams from 2000 to 2011. They share two children.
Elmarie Wendel as Mamie Dubcek
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Elmarie Wendel's character, Mamie Dubcek, the Solomons' loud, nosy and surprisingly big-hearted landlady, was a fan-favorite.
Beyond3rd Rock, she became a familiar face on television with guest appearances on shows likeSeinfeld,General Hospital,The Facts of LifeandThe George Lopez Show. Later in her career, Wendel also stepped into voice acting, portraying Aunt Grizelda in the film adaptation ofThe Lorax.
Wendel diedin July 2018, at the age of 89. She is survived by her daughter, actress J.C. Wendel.
Wayne Knight as Officer Don Orville
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Wayne Knight played Officer Don Orville, the earnest police officer who was hopelessly outmatched by alien logic.
Outside of3rd Rock, Knight is widely recognized for his roles asNewman onSeinfeldand Dennis Nedry inJurassic Park.
His career spans decades of film, television and voice acting, including roles inSpace Jam,Toy Story 2and numerous guest spots on TV dramas and comedies.
The 70-year-old is married to makeup artist Clare de Chenu and has one child.
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