Biography
Richard Lee Lawson (born March 7, 1947) is an American actor who has starred in movies and on television. He is perhaps best known for his roles in genre films; he portrayed Ryan in the 1982 film Poltergeist, and Dr. Ben Taylor in the 1983 NBC miniseries V.
Acted in 88
2020s
- 2025
Aftershock: The Nicole P. Bell Story
Al Sharpton
- 2024
Will I See You Again?
Movie
- 2023
Black Terror
Talk Show Host
- 2022
- 2021
A Holiday Chance
Garvin
Not Alone
Dr. James Clay
2010s
- 2019
- 2016
- 2015
A Royal Family Christmas
Leighton Royal
A Royal Family Holiday
Movie
- 2010
2000s
- 2008
- 2006
- 2005
- 2004
Christmas at Water's Edge
Mr. Turner
- 2003
Maniac Magee
Mr. Beale
- 2002
- 2001
- 2000
1990s
- 1999
- 1998
- 1997
- 1996
Pandora's Clock
Daniel Robb · 2 episodes
- 1995
- 1994
- 1993
1980s
- 1989
Double Your Pleasure
Dash
- 1987
- 1986
Johnnie Mae Gibson: FBI
Adam Prentice
Under the Influence
Dr. Duran
- 1985
- 1984
- 1983
- 1982
Chicago Story
Detective O.Z. Tate · 13 episodes
- 1981
- 1980
The Jericho Mile
R.C. Stiles
The Golden Moment: An Olympic Love Story
Gene Davis
1970s
- 1979
Charleston
James Harris
- 1978
- 1977
What Really Happened to the Class of '65?
TV
Black Fist
Leroy Fisk
- 1975
Crossfire
Officer Ken Dillard
- 1974
Sugar Hill
Valentine
- 1973
- 1972
- 1971
1960s
- 1969
Directed 1
2020s
- 2023
Black Terror
Director
Produced 1
2020s
- 2023
Black Terror
Executive Producer
Appearances6
2020s
- 2022
2010s
- 2019
Beyoncé Presents: Making The Gift
Self
Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror
Self
- 2017
Shotguns and Six Strings: Making a Rock N Roll Fable
Self
- 2016
Lemonade
Self (home footage)
2000s
- 2007
They Are Here: The Real World of the Poltergeists
Self