James Keith Lawson was born on September 5, 1979, in Niles, Michigan, and spent his formative years in Buchanan, Michigan, where he was raised. Following his high school graduation, Lawson made the bold decision to leave his small town roots behind and pursue a more expansive and exciting life. His desire to transcend the confines of his hometown led him to relocate to the Chicagoland area, where he would eventually discover a passion for acting.
Lawson's foray into the world of acting began shortly after his arrival in the Joliet area, where he learned about the need for extras on a TV series being filmed in the region. This serendipitous discovery marked the beginning of his on-screen journey, as he secured his first few roles in films such as "The Strip", "The Time Travelers Wife", and "Public Enemies". His early forays into the entertainment industry were also marked by appearances in TV series like "ER" and "The Chicago Code".