Richard Lawson - A Life On Screen And Beyond
When we think about people who have spent a good portion of their lives bringing stories to life, both on big screens and little ones, one name that might come to mind is Richard Lawson. He's someone who has been a part of many different projects, showing up in a variety of roles that have, you know, left an impression on folks watching at home or in the movie theater. His path has been a pretty interesting one, actually, marked by a range of experiences that go well beyond just acting.
You see, his work has spanned a fair bit of time, covering quite a few memorable appearances that audiences remember. From playing parts in what are often called 'genre films' to taking on serious dramatic roles, his presence has been felt in many different kinds of stories. It’s almost like he’s been a familiar face, popping up in places you might not expect but always delivering something worth watching.
And yet, his personal story, in some respects, is just as compelling as any character he’s played. There are moments of real challenge and moments of significant public life, all woven into the fabric of who he is. It really does make you think about the layers that make up a person who has lived such a public existence.
Table of Contents
- Richard Lawson - A Look at His Life
- Getting to Know Richard Lawson - Personal Details
- Early Life and Beginnings - The Formative Years of Richard Lawson
- On the Silver and Small Screens - What Roles Has Richard Lawson Played?
- Beyond the Camera - What Other Hats Does Richard Lawson Wear?
- A Look at Key Performances - How Did Richard Lawson Make His Mark?
- Life Experiences and Their Impact - How Did Richard Lawson's Past Shape Him?
- Recent Happenings - What's Been Going On in Richard Lawson's Personal Life?
Richard Lawson - A Look at His Life
Richard Lee Lawson, born on the seventh day of March in 1947, is an American performer who has made a name for himself by appearing in both motion pictures and television productions. He is, you know, someone who has truly dedicated a significant portion of his life to the craft of performing, bringing characters to life for audiences across different viewing platforms. It's quite something to think about the sheer volume of work that goes into building a career like that, spanning so many years and so many different types of storytelling projects.
He came into the world in a place called Loma Linda, which is in California, USA. This detail, you see, gives us a little glimpse into his origins, where his story as a person and as a performer first began. It's a bit like knowing the starting point of a long and varied road, a road that would eventually lead him to become a recognizable face in many homes and movie houses. His early days there, one can only imagine, were the foundational pieces of the person he would grow to be.
Beyond simply appearing in front of the camera, Richard Lawson is also known for his work as a producer. This means, basically, that his involvement in creative projects extends past just acting out a part. He has, apparently, taken on a role behind the scenes as well, helping to bring entire productions to fruition. This dual capability suggests a deeper interest in the entire process of making films and television shows, not just the performance aspect, which is pretty interesting when you think about it.
His work has, in a way, often been associated with particular types of stories. He is, in fact, perhaps most readily recognized for his parts in what are often referred to as 'genre films.' These are the sorts of cinematic creations that tend to fit into specific categories, like stories that might explore the unknown or perhaps tales that create a sense of suspense or wonder. It's almost as if he has a particular knack for these kinds of narratives, making his contributions to them quite memorable for the people who watch them.
Richard Lawson's name is connected to several well-known productions, including the 2010 film called *For Colored Girls*, the 1982 movie *Poltergeist*, and a picture titled *How Stella Got Her Groove Back*. These titles, you know, represent just a few of the significant works he has been a part of throughout his career. Each one, in its own way, probably offered a different kind of challenge and a different opportunity for him to show his acting abilities, contributing to his overall body of work in a pretty significant manner.
Getting to Know Richard Lawson - Personal Details
Here's a quick look at some personal details about Richard Lawson, giving you a bit more information about the individual behind the performances.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rickey Lee Lawson |
| Date of Birth | March 7, 1947 |
| Place of Birth | Loma Linda, California, USA |
| Profession | Actor, Producer |
| Known For | *For Colored Girls* (2010), *Poltergeist* (1982), *How Stella Got Her Groove Back* |
| Spouse (Former) | Tina (Knowles-Lawson) |
| Marriage Duration | 8 years |
Early Life and Beginnings - The Formative Years of Richard Lawson
Richard Lee Lawson's beginnings trace back to the seventh day of March in 1947, when he was born in Loma Linda, California, USA. This early period of his life, you know, set the stage for everything that would follow, from his eventual career in entertainment to the significant personal experiences he would encounter. It's where the very first chapters of his story were written, laying the groundwork for the public figure he would become. The setting of his birth, a place in sunny California, provides a little context for his initial environment.
Before he became a familiar face on screens big and small, Richard Lawson also experienced a period of military service. He spent, in fact, twenty-one months serving in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. This was, basically, a very significant and challenging time in history, and his involvement means he was present for a part of that. It's a detail that speaks to a different kind of commitment and experience, one far removed from the lights and cameras of a film set, and it certainly shaped a part of who he is.
His time as a soldier during the Vietnam War, particularly as a young Black man in the late 1960s, represents a set of experiences that were, you know, undoubtedly very profound. These were not just ordinary times, and the circumstances he faced would have been incredibly trying. Such periods in a person's life tend to leave a lasting mark, influencing perspectives and inner strength in ways that are, perhaps, hard for others to fully grasp. It's a part of his personal history that adds considerable depth to his overall story, really.
On the Silver and Small Screens - What Roles Has Richard Lawson Played?
When you think about Richard Lawson's work as an actor, his appearances have spanned both the grand scale of movies and the more intimate setting of television. He is, you know, someone who has truly performed across different formats, each with its own rhythm and way of reaching an audience. Whether it's a big screen production that draws crowds to a cinema or a television show that becomes a regular part of people's home viewing, he has contributed to both with his acting presence. It's quite a versatile career, actually, to be able to move between these two distinct mediums so effectively.
His work has, in some respects, often seen him taking on parts in what are commonly called 'genre films.' These are the kinds of movies that, you know, fit into specific categories like suspenseful thrillers or perhaps stories that involve elements beyond everyday life. It seems he has a particular knack for these types of productions, which often have a dedicated following. Appearing in such films means he's probably been a part of many stories that aim to evoke a strong feeling, whether it's excitement, fear, or wonder, for the people watching.
Among his most recognized performances are his portrayal of Ryan in the 1982 movie *Poltergeist* and his role as Dr. Ben Taylor in the 1983 NBC miniseries *V*. These are, you know, two specific instances where his acting really stood out and became a point of reference for many viewers. The part in *Poltergeist*, a film that has certainly left a lasting impression on many, put him in a story that was, in a way, quite chilling. And his work in *V*, a television event that captured many imaginations, showed him in a different kind of narrative, one that unfolded over several parts. These roles, apparently, helped cement his place in the public eye.
Beyond these specific parts, Richard Lawson has also been a part of other notable projects. He is, for example, known for his work in the 2010 film *For Colored Girls*, a production that explored some very profound human experiences. And then there's his appearance in *How Stella Got Her Groove Back*, a movie that, you know, resonated with many people for its story of self-discovery and romance. These varied roles really highlight his ability to take on different kinds of characters and contribute to different sorts of stories, which is pretty cool.
Beyond the Camera - What Other Hats Does Richard Lawson Wear?
While Richard Lawson is widely known for his work in front of the camera, his contributions to the world of entertainment extend a bit further. He is, in fact, also recognized as a producer. This means, basically, that his involvement in bringing stories to life goes beyond just performing a character; he also participates in the organizational and creative oversight that helps get a film or television show made. It’s a different kind of role, you know, one that involves a lot of planning and decision-making behind the scenes, which is quite a departure from acting itself.
Being a producer, in some respects, requires a different set of skills than acting. It often involves, for example, managing various aspects of a production, from the initial ideas to the final product. This dual capacity, as both an actor and a producer, suggests a person with a pretty comprehensive understanding of how cinematic and television projects come together. It's almost like he enjoys being involved in the entire process of storytelling, not just the part where he delivers lines. This broader engagement, apparently, speaks to a deeper passion for the craft.
It's also worth noting that, as mentioned in the information provided, Richard Lawson joined the Department of Justice earlier. This particular detail, you know, presents a rather different aspect of his professional life, one that seems quite distinct from his acting and producing career. It suggests a willingness to engage with matters of public service or legal work, which is, in a way, a very different path to take. This kind of shift or addition to a career profile is, basically, quite uncommon for someone primarily known for entertainment, making it a rather interesting point about his overall professional journey.
A Look at Key Performances - How Did Richard Lawson Make His Mark?
When we consider the body of work Richard Lawson has contributed to, there are a few roles that really stand out and are often mentioned when people talk about his career. He is, you know, perhaps best known for his portrayal of Ryan in the 1982 motion picture *Poltergeist*. This film, in particular, became a very significant piece of cinematic history, especially within its genre. His involvement in such a memorable and widely discussed movie certainly helped to put him in the minds of many viewers, creating a lasting association with that specific, chilling story.
Another very prominent part he took on was that of Dr. Ben Taylor in the 1983 NBC miniseries *V*. This television event, you see, captured a huge audience at the time and became a cultural phenomenon. Being a part of a miniseries like *V* meant that his character was explored over several episodes, allowing for a deeper connection with the audience as the story unfolded. It's pretty clear, actually, that these two roles, Ryan and Dr. Ben Taylor, are often cited as prime examples of his acting work, showcasing his ability to inhabit different kinds of characters within popular narratives.
Beyond these, his work in the 2010 film *For Colored Girls* is also a significant mention. This particular movie, you know, was a powerful drama that explored complex human experiences and relationships. His role in it would have required a different kind of emotional depth and presence compared to, say, a genre film. It shows his range as an actor, his capacity to contribute to stories that are, in a way, very much rooted in real-life struggles and triumphs. This kind of performance, apparently, resonated deeply with many who watched it.
And then there's his part in *How Stella Got Her Groove Back*. This film, you know, also connected with a wide audience and is remembered for its uplifting and empowering themes. Being a part of such a story means he contributed to a narrative that celebrated personal growth and finding happiness later in life. Each of these roles, in their own way, showcases a different facet of Richard Lawson's performing abilities, collectively painting a picture of a versatile actor who has been a part of many impactful productions over the years. It’s quite a collection, really, of memorable screen appearances.
Life Experiences and Their Impact - How Did Richard Lawson's Past Shape Him?
Richard Lawson's life story includes some truly challenging and significant experiences that extend well beyond his acting career. The information provided mentions his harrowing experiences as a soldier during the Vietnam War. This period, you know, would have been incredibly demanding, both physically and mentally, for anyone serving. To be a young Black man during the late 1960s, serving in such a conflict, would have added layers of unique challenges and perspectives to his time there. It’s almost impossible to fully grasp the weight of such an experience, but it’s clear it would have left a lasting impression on him.
Furthermore, his personal history also includes surviving a deadly plane crash. This event, you see, would have been an incredibly frightening and life-altering moment. To go through something so perilous and come out the other side is, basically, a testament to resilience. Such a close encounter with danger can, in some respects, really change a person's outlook on life, making them appreciate things differently or perhaps reinforcing certain aspects of their character. These kinds of events are, apparently, profoundly shaping, and they certainly add a deep dimension to his personal narrative.
The combination of serving in a major conflict, living as a young Black man during a period of significant social change in the late 1960s, and surviving a life-threatening accident suggests a person who has faced considerable adversity. These experiences, you know, are described as having "reinforced his..." which implies they contributed to shaping his inner strength or character in some way. While the sentence about what they reinforced is incomplete in the provided text, it's very clear that these were not minor incidents but rather pivotal moments that would have had a profound effect on him as a person. It's a lot for one individual to go through, really.
Recent Happenings - What's Been Going On in Richard Lawson's Personal Life?
In more recent times, Richard Lawson's personal life has seen some significant changes, particularly concerning his marriage. The information states that Tina filed for a separation in July of 2023. She cited, you know, what are called 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for this decision, which basically means that the couple felt they could no longer resolve their disagreements. This is, apparently, a common reason given in such situations, reflecting a fundamental breakdown in the relationship.
Along with the filing, Tina also requested that her name be returned to its previous form. This is, in a way, a very common step taken during the process of ending a marriage, signifying a return to one's prior identity. The couple had, in fact, been married for a period of eight years. This length of time, you know, represents a significant portion of their lives together, building a shared history. The ending of such a long-term partnership is, basically, a very personal and often challenging experience for everyone involved, regardless of public recognition.
Richard Lawson – Movies, Bio and Lists on MUBI
Richard Lawson
Richard Lawson
