Richard Lawson’s path to purpose
Richard Lawson’s harrowing experiences as a Vietnam War soldier, a young Black man during the late 1960s, and a survivor of a deadly plane crash have reinforced his philosophy of “process, pivot, proceed.”
By Wayne Anderson
There is no direct path to success in Hollywood. However, if youthful vibrancy and the singular possession of being handsome were requirements, and the phrase “Black Don’t Crack” truly describes the apparent resilience and timelessness of Black individuals, then Richard Lawson embodies this stereotype of flawless youth like a gifted commodity.
At 77, Lawson personifies an enduring air of grace, strength, elegance, attitude, and conviction, where his decades of experiences exist in multiple realms simultaneously. Fueled by stubborn diligence and self-care, his days start with a rigorous daily regimen of 6 am workouts with a trainer, intermittent fasting, a balanced diet, and therapeutic outlets like golf and art. His “Tribe & Community,” which includes his closest friends and immediate family members, all contribute to his mental and physical wellbeing.
This committed focus, governed by a dedicated lifestyle, embraces a rhythm of self-imposed policies, a phrase he lives by called, “letting go and getting on,” which keeps things in perspective.
Straightforward and guided by his principles, Lawson’s life is a vivid tapestry of resilience, triumph, and purpose. Born in Loma Linda, California, in 1947, Lawson grew up during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.
The Civil Rights Movement was at its peak, and the nation was a battleground for equality and racial justice. Like so many of his fellow citizens, Lawson, a young African-American man, existed during a time where one observed the brutal assassinations of iconic leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Medgar Evers.
The late 1960s were brutally unkind and intolerant to Black community leaders seeking racial equality and acceptance, along with the many advocates who stood firm in their support. These events left an indelible mark on Lawson, shaping his understanding of the challenges ahead, the relentless fight for equality, and the perceived differences his skin color would present as a lifelong challenge.
As a young man, Lawson was drafted into the Vietnam War, a conflict that was controversial and deeply unpopular. Despite the deep racism the country was experiencing, Vietnam became the first American war where Black and white troops were allowed to serve together.
Despite the bigotry he anticipated, Lawson learned that under the duress of war, people from different backgrounds would put aside their considerations of ethnicity and gender because they all needed each other to survive. This less complicated exchange proved successful within his battalion, fostering a fierce bond among the group.
Serving as a combat medic specialist, he provided emergency medical treatment and limited primary care, a role requiring immense courage and compassion. This role led to discoveries and insights that taught him that we all need the same things and that humanity exists in all of us — lessons he would carry forward. An early discharge, as a result of an eye infection, sent him home after he served for 11 months and two weeks. He was medivacked to Okinawa, Japan, then to Fitzsimmons Hospital in Denver, and finally stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, until his tour of duty ended. For his bravery, Lawson earned a Purple Heart.
For many war veterans who returned home, whether after a war or through honorable discharge, their welcome was far from heroic. Lawson returned to a nation grappling with racial tensions and simmering anti-war sentiment. Protesters often directed their anger at the troops, blaming them for a conflict many saw as unjust and a drain on domestic resources. This lack of recognition, layered upon the weight of his wartime experiences, deeply affected Lawson. Yet, his spirit remained unbroken, and he channeled his resilience into a new pursuit –acting.
In March 1992, Lawson was one of 24 survivors of the USAir Flight 405 crash, which claimed the lives of 27 people. The plane, crippled by ice on its wings, crashed shortly after takeoff, turning upside down in icy waters.
Lawson vividly recalls the terror of that night, “The plane rolled. The wing hit a weather station. The plane blew up.”
He continues, “I was underwater in my seat, upside down. I swallowed jet fuel and had trouble breathing. I tried to accept the reality of dying, but my spirit did not let me accept it.”
Lawson unbuckled his seatbelt with sheer willpower and swam to an air pocket. “You either move, or it consumes you,” he reflects. “The ability to stay in the present saved me. If I had been a fatalist, I don’t know what I would have done. It was the will to overcome.”
This harrowing experience reinforced his philosophy of “process, pivot, proceed.”
A good solid choice
Over time, anxiety can affect a person’s health. Researchers suggest that Black Americans experience weathering, long-term erosion of mental and physical health due to chronic trauma and stress, and to be an African American, to be male, and to have a mental illness is to face a particular cultural challenge often stigmatized, mostly disregarded and often left untreated.
Shari K. Moore, DO, Psychiatry states, “It’s normal to experience some stress and a range of emotions in everyday life. However, if stress starts to significantly impact your ability to complete tasks, maintain healthy relationships, or care for yourself, it’s important to seek professional help. By identifying the root cause of this emotional imbalance, you can develop healthy coping mechanisms and determine if interventions like psychiatric care or therapy from other mental health professionals are necessary.”
Yet, the men from the African-American community are raised in a culture that equates mental health symptoms with personal weakness.
Invariably, Lawson’s PTSD from the plane crash and his service in Vietnam would collide at the intersection of denial and disregard. But he would be forced to confront decades of trauma that could no longer be delayed.
That untimely moment arrived unannounced. Lawson states, “In 1994 while auditioning on a day no different than most, I realized I couldn’t hear the questions during the interview at a casting call.” He recalls meeting with the Hudlin brothers at 20th Century Fox, now the Sony lot.
Lawson quickly excused himself and went to his car. Sitting for an hour, he realized he had suffered his first panic attack. What was intended to be a short break from his acting career to heal himself turned into five years. During this time, he contentedly ended a pernicious relationship and came to understand that he was battling mental illness.
By applying self-care during his sabbatical, he recognized that this likely saved his life.
Guiding the next generation of talent
Lawson’s acting career has spanned over 50 years, with more than 100 acting credits, and he has flourished in films such as Poltergeist, Dirty Harry, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Grey’s Anatomy, and Sugar Hill. His talent and perseverance have broken barriers for African-American actors and inspired countless others.
Beyond the screen, Lawson has dedicated himself to mentoring young actors through Richard Lawson Studios. “My school is the Richard Lawson Studio. On the surface, it’s an acting school. But underneath the hood, it is an empowerment academy.”
Through his commitment to teaching and advocacy, Lawson has not only helped others find their purpose but also discovered a therapeutic benefit in this purposeful work. This mutual empowerment has created a profound and caring connection between Lawson and his students, enriching both his life and theirs.
Deep family connections are a hallmark of Lawson’s personal life. He is a devoted father to two children, Ricky Lawson and Bianca Lawson, who has followed in her father’s acting footsteps.
Mindful of the challenges she’d likely face in pursuing an acting career, Richard made a pivotal move. Both can likely look back and agree that placing Bianca under the tutelage of acting coach Gloria Gifford was a wise decision. Richard didn’t want his daughter to deal with the pressure of a father-daughter relationship and a coworker relationship.
“Today, Bianca has become such an incredible artist that she is my favorite actor,” Lawson says.
However, success doesn’t stop there. Son Richard “Ricky” Landon Lawson is a Grammy-nominated songwriter who contributed to global superstar Beyoncé’s 2022 album, Renaissance.
Determination and compassion
Lawson’s life is a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity with grace and determination. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, illustrating that through purpose, strong relationships, and a commitment to personal wellbeing, one can navigate even the most challenging of life’s trials.
As Lawson continues to inspire through his acting, mentorship, and advocacy for mental health, he embodies the principles of growth and compassion that resonate deeply within the African American community and beyond. His journey is one of survival and thriving with intention and heart.
Through his experiences and insights, Richard Lawson offers a beacon of hope and a roadmap for others to follow, proving that life’s most significant challenges can lead to its most profound triumphs.
As an advocate for mental health, Lawson’s experiences provide a powerful testament to the importance of addressing mental health openly and honestly.
His journey reflects the struggles, resilience, and growth of facing life’s challenges head-on.
About Wayne Anderson, creator and producer of Closing the Gap on NBC6 Miami
Closing the Gap, on NBC6 Miami, is an eight-part segment series that tackles the critical issue of health disparities within the African-American community.
The premiere segment featured Black physicians setting the stage for the future topics we’ll explore. These brilliant physicians were provided a voice, often not recognized in a medical environment that marginalizes their presence, and they had much to say. Stay tuned for powerful stories, insightful conversations, and actionable steps toward closing the gap in healthcare.
Viewers can now watch Closing the Gap and future segments via this link or on Instagram.
