Native New Yorker, American character actor, renowned for his versatility, despite being often typecast as underworld figures. Born in the Bronx, he discovered his passion for acting through school plays, which led him to attend City College of New York.
In 1930, he was accepted into Eva Le Gallienne's company, where he befriended a young John Garfield. Together, they appeared in numerous plays, both with Le Gallienne's company and the highly politicized Group Theatre. This experience laid the groundwork for his future success in film.
Lawrence's rugged appearance and scarred complexion made him a natural fit for playing gangsters and mob bosses, a role he would reprise over the next six decades. However, he also demonstrated his range by taking on very different characters, such as the bewildered mountain boy in The Shepherd of the Hills (1941).
Following World War II, the anti-Communist fervor in America led to scrutiny of Lawrence's political beliefs. When called before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC),he initially refused to cooperate, but eventually broke down and "named names" of fellow suspected Communists.
The committee's pressure took a toll on Lawrence, and he was subsequently blacklisted. He left for Europe, where he continued to work in film, often in leading roles. After the blacklist was lifted, he returned to America and resumed his career, solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile character actor.
In addition to his acting work, Lawrence also ventured into writing and directing. Throughout his long and varied career, he remained a beloved figure in the film industry, known for his authentic portrayals of underworld characters.
