Richard Lawson - A Look At A Life On Screen And Beyond
When you think about faces that have graced both the big screen and your television for a good while, Richard Lawson is certainly one person who comes to mind. Born Rickey Lee Lawson on March 7, 1947, he has made quite a name for himself as an actor, showing up in a variety of movies and on many television shows. You might, for instance, remember him most for his parts in certain kinds of films, the ones often described as "genre" pictures, or perhaps his turn as Ryan in the 1982 movie called *Poltergeist*.
His acting journey, you see, is just one part of a life that has been quite full, really, with a collection of experiences that go far beyond what you might see on a screen. From his earliest days in Loma Linda, California, to his work as a producer, Richard Lawson has built a body of work that speaks to a sustained presence in the entertainment world. He has, in a way, contributed to many stories we have all watched and talked about, giving performances that stick with people.
Beyond the bright lights of Hollywood, his personal experiences, you know, have also shaped a life that is truly remarkable. These moments, some quite difficult, have given him a unique outlook, adding layers to the person behind the roles. We are going to explore some of the different aspects of his time in the public eye and the personal journey that has accompanied it, giving us a clearer picture of who Richard Lawson is.
Table of Contents
- The Life Story of Richard Lawson
- What Movies and TV Shows Feature Richard Lawson?
- How Did Richard Lawson Become Known for Genre Films?
- What Challenging Moments Shaped Richard Lawson?
- Richard Lawson's Life Beyond Acting
- Where Can One Explore Richard Lawson's Full Work?
The Life Story of Richard Lawson
Richard Lawson, whose full birth name is Rickey Lee Lawson, came into the world on March 7, 1947, in Loma Linda, California, in the United States. His path led him into the performing arts, where he became recognized for his acting work across both the big screen and television. He has, apparently, spent a good portion of his life portraying different characters, bringing stories to life for audiences far and wide. It's quite a commitment, really, to a creative pursuit that often asks a lot of those who participate.
Beyond just acting, he has also taken on the role of a producer, which means he has been involved in putting together creative projects from behind the scenes, too. This dual involvement shows a person with a broader interest in how stories get told, not just in front of the camera, but in the entire process of making films and television programs. His work, you know, extends to shaping the overall creative output, which is a significant contribution in itself.
Richard Lawson's Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Birth Name | Rickey Lee Lawson |
| Date of Birth | March 7, 1947 |
| Place of Birth | Loma Linda, California, USA |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer |
| Known For | For Colored Girls (2010), Poltergeist (1982), How Stella Got Her Groove Back |
What Movies and TV Shows Feature Richard Lawson?
Richard Lawson has appeared in a variety of film and television productions over the years, making his face and performances familiar to many viewers. Some of his most recognized work includes his part in the 2010 film *For Colored Girls*, a movie that, you know, explores the lives of different women. He also had a notable role in the 1982 supernatural thriller *Poltergeist*, where he played the character of Ryan, a performance that many people still remember quite clearly.
Another film where he made an appearance is *How Stella Got Her Groove Back*, which, in a way, added to his collection of roles in well-known movies. These particular projects show his ability to fit into different kinds of stories, from dramatic narratives to suspenseful tales. It seems he has, basically, had a knack for picking parts that resonate with audiences, or at least, parts that become memorable in their own right. His presence in these films has certainly left an impression on those who have watched them.
How Did Richard Lawson Become Known for Genre Films?
Richard Lawson has, in some respects, gained a reputation for his roles in what people call "genre films." These are often movies that fit into specific categories, like horror, science fiction, or thrillers, which typically have their own dedicated fan bases. His part as Ryan in *Poltergeist*, for example, is a classic instance of this, as that movie is a well-loved horror story that still gets talked about today. It's almost as if he had a particular way of bringing characters to life within these kinds of structured narratives.
His involvement in these types of films might suggest a particular talent for the specific demands of such stories, whether it's conveying fear, suspense, or the particular atmosphere these genres require. It could be that his acting style or his screen presence just naturally suited the needs of these specific film types. Really, it's about finding where an actor's strengths meet the needs of a particular kind of storytelling, and for Richard Lawson, that often seemed to happen within the framework of genre cinema.
Richard Lawson's Memorable Roles
When people think about Richard Lawson's work, a few roles often come up first. His portrayal of Ryan in the 1982 film *Poltergeist* is, without a doubt, one of his most recognized performances. That particular movie, you see, left a big mark on the horror genre, and his part in it helped to make it such a memorable experience for viewers. He was, in that case, part of a film that truly captured the imaginations of many, and still does today.
Then there's his work in *For Colored Girls* from 2010, which showed a different side of his acting range, dealing with more serious and dramatic themes. This film, basically, allowed him to explore a different kind of character, adding depth to his professional profile. And let's not forget his appearance in *How Stella Got Her Groove Back*, another film that, you know, found a large audience. These roles, taken together, paint a picture of an actor who has taken on a variety of characters across different types of stories, leaving a lasting impression in each one.
What Challenging Moments Shaped Richard Lawson?
Richard Lawson has experienced some truly difficult moments in his life that have, apparently, played a significant part in shaping who he is. One of these involves his time as a soldier in the Vietnam War, a period that, for many, was filled with profound challenges and lasting impacts. To have been a young Black man during the late 1960s, serving in such a conflict, adds another layer of experience that would undoubtedly leave its mark. It's a testament, really, to personal endurance.
Beyond his military service, he also survived a deadly plane crash, an event that, obviously, would be incredibly frightening and life-altering. Such an experience, to be so close to danger and to come out of it, tends to give a person a unique perspective on life. These harrowing experiences, as they are described, have certainly added to his personal story, giving him a depth that goes far beyond his acting career. They are, in a way, powerful reminders of the strength of the human spirit.
Richard Lawson's Life Beyond Acting
While Richard Lawson is known for his work on screen, his life also includes personal connections and other activities that are not directly related to acting. For example, he was married for eight years. His spouse, Tina, filed for a divorce in July 2023, citing what are called "irreconcilable differences," and asked to have her name restored. This personal event, you know, marked a significant change in his private life, as such things often do for anyone.
In another aspect of his life, it is mentioned that Lawson joined the Department of Justice earlier. This suggests a period where he was involved in legal or governmental work, perhaps stepping into a different kind of public service. This detail, in a way, shows a person with interests that extend beyond the entertainment industry, someone who might have contributed to public matters in a different capacity. It gives us a fuller picture of the kind of individual he is, someone with a range of experiences outside of his main profession.
Personal Connections of Richard Lawson
The personal connections in Richard Lawson's life, like his marriage, are certainly part of his story. His eight-year marriage, which concluded with a divorce filing in July 2023, represents a significant chapter in his personal journey. The mention of "irreconcilable differences" is a common phrase in such situations, and it basically indicates that the relationship had reached a point where it could no longer continue as it was. These kinds of personal events, you know, are very much a part of anyone's life story, shaping them in various ways.
Then there's the mention of his work with the Department of Justice, which points to a different kind of connection, perhaps to public service or the legal world. This involvement, apparently, put him on a different path for a time, showing that his interests and contributions are not limited to the performing arts. It's just a little piece of information that helps to round out our understanding of Richard Lawson as a person with diverse experiences and connections, both personal and professional, that have shaped his life.
Where Can One Explore Richard Lawson's Full Work?
If you are interested in seeing all the movies and television shows Richard Lawson has been a part of, there are resources available to help you with that. Websites that specialize in film and TV information, like Rotten Tomatoes, offer a complete listing of his work. You can, for instance, go there to discover every movie and television show where he has received a credit for his acting. It's a good way, really, to get a full sense of his professional contributions over the years.
Looking through his complete filmography allows you to trace his career path, seeing how his roles have changed and developed over time. It gives you a chance to see the breadth of his performances and the different kinds of projects he has been involved in. So, if you are curious about the full scope of Richard Lawson's work as an actor, these online resources are quite helpful for getting a comprehensive overview of his appearances on screen.
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