Josh Lawson

Last updated

Josh Lawson
Josh Lawson.jpg
Lawson at the Sydney premiere of Any Questions for Ben? in February 2012
OccupationActor
Years active1997–present
Family Ben Lawson (brother)

Josh Lawson (born 22 July 1981) is an Australian actor best known for his role as Doug Gugghenheim in House of Lies , Tate in Superstore and as Kano in the 2021 film Mortal Kombat .

Contents

Early life

Lawson grew up in Brisbane, and attended St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace. [1] He graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in 2001. He also spent one year studying improvisation techniques in Los Angeles at The Second City, The Groundlings, ACME Comedy Theatre and I.O. West. His older brother is actor Ben Lawson.

In 2003 Lawson was awarded a Mike Walsh Fellowship. [2]

Career

Television

Lawson has had guest-starring roles in such popular Australian television programs as Blue Heelers and Home & Away , and is known for his appearances on the improv comedy program Thank God You're Here and on the Australian drama Sea Patrol and comedy The Librarians . He also had a guest role in the comedy Wilfred and starred in several television commercials, including advertisements for Coca-Cola Cherry and Gold Class cinemas.[ citation needed ]

He portrayed Tate Staskiewicz, the pharmacist in the series' titular setting, on the sitcom Superstore for three seasons.

Lawson also hosted Wipeout Australia with James Brayshaw. [3]

Lawson played Ben in the American pilot Spaced and Shawn on Romantically Challenged for ABC. Since its inception in 2012, he has played management consultant Doug Guggenheim on Showtime's House of Lies . [4]

In 2017 he played the title role in Hoges: The Paul Hogan Story .

Film

In 2006, Lawson made his feature film debut in BoyTown . He had the starring role in the 2012 Australian comedy film Any Questions for Ben? , created by Working Dog Productions. [5] He also appeared alongside Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis in the 2012 comedy film The Campaign , as well as Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues and Crave .

His feature directing debut The Little Death which he also wrote and starred in, was released in 2014.

Lawson was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film in 2018 for The Eleven O'Clock , a short film he wrote and starred in. [6]

In 2018, Lawson portrayed "Dave Johnson" in the comedy pilot for the CBS series Here Comes the Neighborhood (later The Neighborhood ), but was replaced by actor Max Greenfield before the series was picked up by the network.

In August 2019, Lawson was cast in the Mortal Kombat reboot as Kano. [7]

Other work

During 2006 and 2007, Lawson was a regular guest co-host on the Australian radio comedy show Get This which aired on Triple M. In 2013, he voiced the role of Bob in the Cartoon Hangover short film Rocket Dog. [8]

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
2006Hey StrangerCallerShort film
Charmed RobberyCustomerShort film
BoyTown Andy
2007$quidChrisShort film
2009Law and Order: Really Special Victims UnitThe pianistShort film; also writer
2010The Wedding PartySteve
After the CreditsRude passengerShort film; also director and writer
2011PetJulianShort film
2012 Any Questions for Ben? Ben
The Campaign Tripp Huggins
Crave Aiden
Freeloaders Dave
2013 Free Birds Gus / Settler (voice)
Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues Kench Allenby
2014 Growing Up and Other Lies Jake
Border Protection SquadEmma
The Little Death PaulAlso director and writer;
SXSW Audience Award for Narrative Spotlight
Thessaloniki International Film Festival Audience Award for Open Horizons
Nominated – Australian Writers' Guild Award for Feature Film – Original
Nominated – São Paulo International Film Festival Award for Best Feature Film
2016 The Eleven O'Clock Terry PhillipsShort film; also producer and writer
AACTA Award for Best Short Fiction Film
LA Shorts Fest Award for Best Short Film
Nominated – Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film
2017The Doppel ChainThomasShort film
Becoming Bond George Lazenby Documentary
2019 Bombshell James Murdoch
2020 Holly Slept Over Noel
2021 Long Story Short PatrickAlso director and writer
Mortal Kombat Kano
2023 True Spirit Roger Watson
2024 Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp Zane
TBA Mortal Kombat 2 KanoPost-production

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
1997 The Wayne Manifesto Trevor2 episodes
1998 Medivac RobEpisode: "Denial"
The Day of the Roses Mark ShuttlerMiniseries; 2 episodes
2002 TwentyfourSeven Tony White13 episodes
2004 Home and Away Felix Walters3 episodes
2006 Blue Heelers David Murray5 episodes
All Saints Nick BagnallEpisode: "Tough Love"
Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King ER DoctorEpisode: "Autopsy Room Four"
2006–09 Thank God You're Here Various Characters9 episodes
2007 Sea Patrol Toby "Chefo" Jones13 episodes
The Librarians Lachie Davis6 episodes
2007–09 Chandon Pictures Carmichael Chandon11 episodes
2009 Wipeout Australia Himself (Presenter)8 episodes
2010 Wilfred SpencerEpisode: "The Dog Father"
Hawke Grant NihillTelevision film
Romantically Challenged Shawn Goldwater6 episodes
2011 Underbelly Files: The Man Who Got Away Michael SullivanTelevision film
2012–16 House of Lies Doug Guggenheim58 episodes
2012 Lowdown Mark HardyEpisode: "A Bollywood Ending"
2014 Kinne Guest Cast6 episodes
2015–2018 Superstore Tate StaskiewiczRecurring role
2016 Wrecked EricEpisode: "The Adventures of Beth and Lamar"
2017 Hoges: The Paul Hogan Story Paul Hogan Miniseries; 2 episodes
2018 Welcome to the Neighborhood DaveUnaired pilot (replaced by Max Greenfield)
2021 Have You Been Paying Attention? Himself1 episode
2022 Cobra Kai Owen1 episode
2023 Would I Lie To You? Australia Himself1 episode
2024St. Denis MedicalDr. BruceMain role

Web

YearTitleRoleNotes
2013 Rocket Dog Bob (voice)Short film

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trevor Goddard</span> English actor (1962–2003)

Trevor Joseph Goddard was an English actor. He was best known for playing Kano in the martial arts film Mortal Kombat, Lieutenant Commander Mic Brumby in the television series JAG and main villain Keefer in the action film Men of War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phil LaMarr</span> American actor (born 1967)

Phillip LaMarr is an American actor. He was one of the original featured cast members on the sketch comedy television series Mad TV, where he stayed for five seasons. His voice acting roles in animated series include the title character of Samurai Jack, both John Stewart / Green Lantern and Virgil Hawkins / Static in the DC Animated Universe Hermes Conrad in Futurama, and Wilt in Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. LaMarr has also provided voices for video game franchises including Metal Gear, Jak and Daxter, Darksiders, Final Fantasy, Infamous, Dead Island, Kingdom Hearts, and Mortal Kombat. He also voiced Browntooth the Goblin Rogue in the Critical Role episode "The Goblins".

Characters of the <i>Mortal Kombat</i> series

This is a list of playable and boss characters from the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise and the games in which they appear. Created by Ed Boon and John Tobias, the series depicts conflicts between various realms. Most characters fight on behalf of their realm, with the primary heroes defending Earthrealm against conquering villains from Outworld and the Netherrealm. Early installments feature the characters participating in the eponymous Mortal Kombat tournament to decide their realm's fate. In later installments, Earthrealm is often invaded by force.

<i>Mortal Kombat</i> (1995 film) 1995 film by Paul W. S. Anderson

Mortal Kombat is a 1995 American fantasy action film directed by Paul W. S. Anderson and written by Kevin Droney. Based on the video game franchise of the same name, it is the first installment in the Mortal Kombat film series. Starring Linden Ashby, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Robin Shou, Bridgette Wilson, Talisa Soto, and Christopher Lambert, the film follows a group of heroes who participate in the eponymous Mortal Kombat tournament to protect Earth from being conquered by malevolent forces. Its story primarily adapts the original 1992 game, while also using elements from the game Mortal Kombat II (1993).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sonya Blade</span> Mortal Kombat character

Sonya Blade is a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. She debuted in the original 1992 game as the roster's sole female fighter, a military officer with the Special Forces. In the storyline of the games, Sonya becomes involved with the eponymous Mortal Kombat tournament through pursuit of her archenemy, the criminal leader Kano. She subsequently joins the warriors defending Earthrealm and establishes a government agency dedicated to battling otherworldly threats. The series' rebooted timeline also depicts her as the love interest to martial arts actor Johnny Cage and the mother of their daughter Cassie. A mainstay of the franchise, Sonya has also appeared in various media outside of the games. Reception to the character has been generally positive, with respect to her role as one of Mortal Kombat's primary female fighters. Though, some of her outfits in the games has received criticism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin Zegers</span> Canadian actor and model

Kevin Zegers is a Canadian actor and model. He is known for his roles as Josh Framm in the Air Bud film series, Toby Osbourne in Transamerica (2005), Damien Dalgaard in the CW teen drama Gossip Girl, and as rookie FBI Agent Brendon Acres on the ABC crime drama The Rookie: Feds. He has also starred in the films Dawn of the Dead (2004), It's a Boy Girl Thing (2006), The Jane Austen Book Club (2007), Fifty Dead Men Walking (2008), Frozen (2010), The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, and Nighthawks (2019).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Walsh (comedian)</span> American actor and comedian (born 1964)

Matthew Paul Walsh is an American comedian and actor. He is best known for his role as Mike McLintock in Veep for which he received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations. He is a founding member of the Upright Citizens Brigade sketch comedy troupe, with which he co-starred in its original television series and the 2015 reboot. He also previously starred in short-lived comedy programs such as Dog Bites Man and Players, and was a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He has also appeared in films such as Road Trip (2000), Bad Santa (2003), School for Scoundrels (2006), Role Models (2008), The Hangover (2009), and The Do-Over (2016).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joel McHale</span> American actor, comedian (born 1971)

Joel Edward McHale is an American actor, comedian, and television presenter. He is best known for hosting The Soup (2004–2015) and his role as Jeffrey "Jeff" Winger on the NBC sitcom Community (2009–2015). He has performed in the films Spider-Man 2 (2004), Spy Kids: All the Time in the World (2011), Ted (2012), and The Happytime Murders (2018).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Lawson</span> Australian actor (born 1980)

Ben Lawson is an Australian actor. From 2006 until 2008, he played Frazer Yeats in the Australian soap opera Neighbours. The role earned him a Logie Award nomination. Lawson has since appeared in several American television series, including The Deep End, Covert Affairs, and Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23. In 2011, he starred opposite Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher in the film No Strings Attached. From 2017 to 2018, he starred as Damien Rennett on the ABC political drama Designated Survivor. He also played baseball coach Rick Wlodimierzin in the second season of 13 Reasons Why, and Larry Hemsworth on The Good Place. Lawson portrays Lachlan Murdoch in the 2019 film Bombshell, alongside his brother Josh Lawson who played James Murdoch. Since 2021, he stars in the Netflix series Firefly Lane.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christian Clark</span> Australian actor, model, and entrepreneur

Christian Clark is an Australian actor and business owner. Christian appeared in the role of Will Griggs in the Network Ten soap opera Neighbours from 2006 to 2007 and played Penn Graham in Home and Away in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Damon Herriman</span> Australian actor (born 1970)

Damon Herriman is an Australian actor. He is best known for his roles as Dewey Crowe on the FX neo-western crime series Justified (2010–15), and Romeo on the Starz drama miniseries Flesh and Bone (2015). He is also known for having played Charles Manson twice, first on the second season of the Netflix psychological crime thriller series Mindhunter, and later in the comedy drama film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Max Greenfield</span> American actor

Max Greenfield is an American actor. He appeared in recurring roles in Veronica Mars and Ugly Betty. He co-starred as Schmidt in the Fox sitcom New Girl, for which he received nominations at the Primetime Emmy Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, and the Critics' Choice Television Awards. Since 2018, Greenfield has portrayed Dave Johnson in the CBS sitcom The Neighborhood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lyall Brooks</span> Australian actor

Lyall Brooks is an Australian actor who has appeared on TV, film and stage. Establishing a reputation early in his career as an Actor with great comic timing, Brooks has recently received industry praise for more dramatic roles, particularly on stage. He has studied under Emmy Award-winner Chick Vennera at Renegade Players Los Angeles and is also experienced in dance, having studied under one of Australia's most popular choreographers, Tony Bartuccio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jordan Rodrigues</span> Australian actor and dancer (born 1992)

Jordan Rodrigues is an Australian actor and dancer. He is best known for his role as Trey Emory in the Hulu original series Light as a Feather. He has starred and appeared in TV series Dance Academy, Home and Away, and The Fosters, and in the core cast of National Treasure: Edge of History.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jessica McNamee</span> Australian actress

Jessica McNamee is an Australian actress. She rose to fame in Australia playing roles in the Seven Network television programs Home and Away and Packed to the Rafters. From 2014 to 2015, she starred as patrol officer Theresa Kelly in the USA Network series Sirens. Her film roles include The Vow (2012), Chips (2017), Battle of the Sexes (2017), The Meg (2018) and Mortal Kombat (2021).

Raiden (<i>Mortal Kombat</i>) Mortal Kombat character

Raiden is a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. Based on the Japanese deity Raijin, he is depicted as the god of thunder who possesses control over lightning. He debuted in the original 1992 game and has appeared as a playable character in every main installment except Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) and its first update. In the storyline of the games, Raiden is the protector of Earthrealm. He fulfills his duty by selecting and training the warriors who defend Earthrealm from various threats, while also participating directly in the realm's defense. Raiden generally serves as a mentor figure to the franchise's heroes, although he sometimes assumes a darker role in the story, which sees him become more ruthless in his protection of the realm. One of the franchise's central characters, Raiden has appeared in various related media outside of the Mortal Kombat games, including guest appearances in NBA Jam Tournament Edition (1995), NFL Blitz (1997), Unreal Championship 2 (2005), and Injustice 2 (2017). He has generally received a positive reception and is among the series' most popular characters for his design and special abilities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lewis Tan</span> British actor and martial artist

Lewis Singwah Tan is a British actor, martial artist and model. He is known for his roles as Cole Young in Mortal Kombat (2021), Shatterstar in Deadpool 2 (2018) and Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), Tolya in Shadow and Bone (2023), and Lu Xin Lee in Wu Assassins.

<i>Mortal Kombat</i> (2021 film) American film by Simon McQuoid

Mortal Kombat is a 2021 American martial arts fantasy film co-produced and directed by Simon McQuoid from a screenplay by Greg Russo and Dave Callaham, based on the video game series of the same name created by Ed Boon and John Tobias. The film serves as a reboot and as the third installment of the Mortal Kombat film series. It stars Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Tadanobu Asano, Mehcad Brooks, Ludi Lin, Chin Han, Max Huang, Joe Taslim, and Hiroyuki Sanada. The film follows Cole Young, a washed-up mixed martial arts fighter who is unaware of his hidden lineage or why the assassin Sub-Zero is hunting him down. Concerned for the safety of his family, he seeks out a clique of fighters that were chosen to defend Earthrealm against Outworld.

Mortal Kombat 2 is an upcoming American martial arts fantasy film directed by Simon McQuoid and written by Jeremy Slater, based on the video game franchise Mortal Kombat created by John Tobias and Ed Boon. The film serves as the sequel to 2021's Mortal Kombat and as the fourth installment in the Mortal Kombat film series. It stars Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Tadanobu Asano, Mehcad Brooks, Ludi Lin, Chin Han, Joe Taslim, Hiroyuki Sanada, with series newcomers, Karl Urban, Tati Gabrielle, Adeline Rudolph, Martyn Ford, Desmond Chiam and Damon Herriman joining the cast.

Artt Butler, is an American voice actor. He is best known for his voice roles as Captain Ackbar in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Rafael Diaz in Star vs. the Forces of Evil and Shang Tsung and Cyrax in the animated direct-to-video films Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge (2020) and Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms (2021)

References

  1. Wigney, James (29 January 2012). "Lawson's ballad about love mimics life". The Sunday Mail . News Limited . Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  2. "Mike Walsh O.B.E. - Official Website".
  3. "James Brayshsaw is no wipeout". Daily Telegraph . Retrieved 16 October 2013.
  4. "Josh Lawson". IMDb . Retrieved 29 March 2012.
  5. Schembri, Jim (9 February 2012). "Any Questions for Ben?". The Age . Fairfax Media . Retrieved 17 February 2012.
  6. Hipes, Patrick (23 January 2018). "Oscar Nominations: 'The Shape of Water' Leads Way With 13". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 23 January 2018.
  7. Ramos, Dino-Ray (26 August 2019). "Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee and Josh Lawson Join 'Mortal Kombat' At New Line". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 27 August 2019.
  8. Roach, Mel. "Rocket Dog". YouTube . Archived from the original on 19 December 2021.