Most Famous Lawrences in the World

The name Lawrence shows up all across entertainment, from Oscar-winning movie stars to hitmaking bandleaders and blockbuster storytellers behind the camera. You’ll find it as both a first name and a surname, attached to people who shaped film, television, comedy, and music in meaningful ways.

Below is a friendly, fact-packed tour of standout Lawrences around the world. Each entry highlights what they’re best known for, the projects that made them household names, and the achievements that mark their impact on the industry.

Lawrence Kasdan

Lawrence Kasdan is an American screenwriter, director, and producer whose scripts helped define modern blockbuster storytelling. He co-wrote entries in the space-opera saga, contributed to the revival of iconic adventurer cinema, and wrote and directed ensemble dramas that became staples of American film studies.

Kasdan has received multiple Academy Award nominations for writing and producing. He has mentored emerging filmmakers, collaborated with major studios on franchise development, and worked with his sons on documentary and narrative projects.

Lawrence Bender

Lawrence Bender is an American film producer best known for a long collaboration with a prominent auteur director, resulting in influential independent and studio features. His slate spans crime, Western, war, and thriller genres, with several titles recognized at major festivals and awards ceremonies.

Bender has also produced documentaries on climate, nuclear safety, and social issues, and he co-founded production outfits focused on both narrative and nonfiction work. He is active in advocacy, supporting environmental causes and public policy initiatives connected to the arts.

Lawrence Sher

Lawrence Sher is an American cinematographer and director recognized for visually distinctive comedies and character-driven dramas. His camera work on a psychological comic-book adaptation earned widespread attention, and he has been a frequent collaborator on ensemble comedies that became mainstream hits.

Sher has served as president of the American Society of Cinematographers, contributed to technology standards for digital imaging, and directed episodes and features. He often lectures on lighting and color pipelines, sharing best practices with students and emerging DPs.

Lawrence O’Donnell

Lawrence O’Donnell is an American television host, political commentator, and writer. Before anchoring a nightly news and analysis program, he served as a writer and executive producer on the White House-set drama ‘The West Wing’, contributing scripts that earned industry recognition.

O’Donnell previously worked as a Senate staffer, which informs the legislative focus of his journalism. He has authored books, guest-hosted on major cable news shows, and supported charitable initiatives, including fundraising for educational programs.

Lawrence Gilliard Jr.

Lawrence Gilliard Jr. is an American actor known for acclaimed turns in prestige television, including key roles in ‘The Wire’ and ‘The Walking Dead’. His film work spans independent dramas and studio releases, and he has appeared on Broadway and in regional theater.

Gilliard trained at performing arts institutions in New York and London, which shaped his approach to character work across stage and screen. He continues to balance recurring television arcs with feature roles and guest appearances in crime, thriller, and historical series.

Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs

Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs is an American actor and singer who rose to prominence on the sitcom ‘Welcome Back, Kotter’ and later portrayed significant figures in biographical projects, including the landmark miniseries ‘Roots’. His career includes directing and recording music, reflecting a multi-hyphenate path in entertainment.

Hilton-Jacobs has appeared in TV movies, procedural dramas, and faith-based features, often returning to roles that explore American history and community storytelling. He also participates in fan conventions and educational events linked to his early television work.

Lawrence Makoare

Lawrence Makoare is a New Zealand actor known for physically demanding roles in fantasy epics, including multiple characters in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ film trilogy. His credits also include action and adventure series such as ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ and roles in international co-productions.

Makoare began his career as a stunt performer, which led to creature and warrior roles requiring extensive prosthetics and choreography. He continues to appear in New Zealand and international projects, contributing to genre films and television dramas.

Lawrence Wong

Lawrence Wong is a Singaporean actor who achieved pan-Asian popularity with the palace drama ‘Story of Yanxi Palace’. He began with modeling and acting in Singaporean television before moving into Chinese-language series that expanded his reach across the region.

Wong has released music, appeared in variety programs, and collaborated with fashion and luxury brands as a spokesperson. He continues to work in both modern and period dramas, balancing roles in mainland China with projects in Southeast Asia.

Share your favourite Lawrences in the comments and tell us who you think deserves a spot on this list!