John Lithgow Felt Like a ‘Nobody’ in Italy withConclaveCostar Stanley Tucci, Who’s Treated Like a ‘Beatle’ (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

John Lithgow (left) and Stanley Tucci (right).Photo:Philippe Antonello/Focus Features; Focus Features

Philippe Antonello/Focus Features; Focus Features

Exploring Italy withStanley Tucciis a humorously humbling experience according toJohn Lithgow, who felt noamorefrom fans.

In the new issue of PEOPLE, the six-time Emmy-winner and two-time Oscar nominee recalls going out withConclavecostarsRalph Fiennes, 61, and Tucci, 63 — whosefood and travel series,Searching for Italy, ran for two seasons on CNN— during breaks from filming the drama.

“It made you feel like a total nobody to walk down the streets of Rome with Stanley,” says Lithgow, 79, chuckling at the memory.

“On the way home from work one day, at like 6:30 p.m., we stopped off to buy some wine. We’d all been invited to the same party, so Stanley, Ralph Fiennes, and I went into a wine shop,” he recalls.

John Lithgow on Feb. 24 in L.A.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

“We just had the car stop and let us out, and we went in to buy wine for the hostess. And Stanley, of course, bought about eight bottles of wine. And everybody in that store, customers and service people alike, they [behaved] like a Beatle had walked into their door,” quips Lithgow.

“Ralph and I felt like extras inGandhi— absolutely no attention was paid! So you just had to swallow that bitter pill,” he says.

Stanley Tucci on Oct. 10 in London.Mike Marsland/WireImage

Mike Marsland/WireImage

The three actors all play Catholic Cardinals inConclave, a gripping new drama about the backstabbing and posturing that unfolds behind the scenes in Vatican City as the men of the cloth assemble to elect a new pope from among their ranks when the Supreme Pontiff dies.

Lithgow’s character, the imperious Cardinal Tremblay, hopes to snag enough votes to claim to become the next pope, but his past deeds may threaten his ambitions.

John Lithgow in ‘Conclave.'.Philippe Antonello/Focus Features

Philippe Antonello/Focus Features

“He’s a fascinating character. He is a character with secrets, and those are all great parts to play,” hints Lithgow.

The movie also starsIsabella Rosselinias Sister Agnes, a no-nonsense nun who runs the Casa Santa Marta, where the cardinals live during the conclave.

“What I liked most was being in this ensemble of actors,” says Lithgow. “They were so superb and all of us had the greatest scenes to play. We took turns having our moment, and yet it all wove together so beautifully.”

“It’s great, great storytelling, so it’s wonderful to be a part of that,” he adds.

Conclaveis in theaters nationwide on Friday. Oct. 25.

source: people.com