LOS ANGELES >> A lot of Americans have played roles requiring a British accent, but it was worrisome to John Lithgow when he took on the role of one of the biggest British citizens in history. He plays Winston Churchill in the new Netflix series “The Crown,” which starts streaming Friday.

“The Crown” is the historical tale of Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy) as a 25-year-old newlywed faced with the life-changing prospect of leading the world’s most famous monarchy while forging a relationship with Prime Minister Churchill. She takes the throne with the British Empire in decline and the political world in turmoil. It also stars Matt Smith as Prince Philip, Victoria Hamilton as the Queen Mother, Jared Harris as King George VI, Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret and Dame Eileen Atkins as Queen Mary.

Executive producer Peter Morgan says the decision to go with an American to play Churchill came out of a little fatigue for the role in England where most major actors have portrayed him. As soon as Lithgow’s name was mentioned, everyone agreed he was the best pick.

“It’s just another role,” Lithgow says. “You can’t help feeling a bit of burden, particularly with Churchill. I have played Franklin Roosevelt and it’s the same thing.”

For Lithgow, Churchill, even more than Roosevelt, is demanding because people quote his speeches in length and he is an extremely theatrical character full of idiosyncrasies. Lithgow gives a nod to all of that, but he plays it in moderation.

Lithgow also liked that he was playing a figure much heavier. Most of that was costuming and makeup, but he admits to gaining a few pounds during the filming. “I ate a lot and I drank a lot of beer. I kept on rationalizing it by saying ‘What the hell, I’m playing Winston Churchill’,” Lithgow says with a huge laugh.