Most people first meet Ben Lawson as a charming stranger from Designated Survivor, 13 Reasons Why, or Firefly Lane — and for Australian audiences, he’s Frazer Yeats from Neighbours. Born in Brisbane on 6 February 1980, Lawson has built a cross-Pacific career from Australian soap operas to Hollywood productions.
Birth date: 6 February 1980 ·
Birth place: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia ·
Notable TV roles: Firefly Lane, Designated Survivor, 13 Reasons Why, The Good Place ·
Brother: Josh Lawson, also an actor ·
Known for film: No Strings Attached (2011), Anaconda (2025)
Quick snapshot
- Australian actor born 6 February 1980 (Wikipedia (Indonesian))
- Played Frazer Yeats in Neighbours (2006-2008) (Wikipedia (Indonesian))
- Moved to Hollywood for US TV series roles (Wikipedia (Indonesian))
- Designated Survivor (2017-2018) (Wikipedia (Indonesian))
- 13 Reasons Why (2018-2020) (Now To Love (Australian entertainment outlet))
- Firefly Lane (2021-2023) (Wikipedia (Catalan))
- Brother of actor Josh Lawson (Now To Love (Australian entertainment outlet))
- Australian-born, currently lives in the US (Now To Love (Australian entertainment outlet))
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm) (Now To Love (Australian entertainment outlet))
- Anaconda (2025) cast member
- Active in film and television
Eight facts that define Ben Lawson’s career at a glance:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Ben Lawson |
| Date of birth | 6 February 1980 |
| Place of birth | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Profession | Actor, writer |
| Notable roles | Frazer Yeats (Neighbours), Mike Rossi (Designated Survivor), Ryan (13 Reasons Why), Johnny (The Good Place), Nathaniel (Firefly Lane) |
| Brother | Josh Lawson (actor) |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Years active | 2003–present |
What is Ben Lawson doing now?
Recent projects in 2024-2025
- Lawson has been actively working in Hollywood, with his most recent major role being Nathaniel in Firefly Lane, which ran from 2021 to 2023 (Wikipedia (Catalan)).
- He is currently listed as part of the cast for the upcoming Anaconda (2025), a new take on the cult classic (IMDb (filmography database)).
- Beyond acting, Lawson has also pursued writing, though specific recent writing credits remain unconfirmed by authoritative sources.
The pattern: Lawson continues to book roles in high-profile streaming and film projects, maintaining a steady presence in the US market without the tabloid visibility that follows many of his peers.
Upcoming film: Anaconda
- According to his IMDb profile, Lawson is attached to the Anaconda reboot slated for 2025.
- The film marks a return to big-screen work after a string of streaming television roles.
Lawson’s career has consistently moved toward larger audiences — from daytime soap to network drama to global streaming. Anaconda could be his widest theatrical release yet. The bet: this film either cements his crossover appeal or sends him back to TV, where he’s already proven his value.
The trade-off: a blockbuster like Anaconda offers visibility, but it also typecasts him in the kind of ensemble thriller that may not showcase his dramatic range. For American audiences who haven’t seen his Neighbours work, this could be their first impression.
What is Ben Lawson known for?
Neighbours and early career
- Lawson’s first major role was Frazer Yeats on the Australian soap opera Neighbours, which he played from 2006 to 2008 (Wikipedia (Indonesian)).
- Before that, his first acting credit came in 2003.
- He appeared in the Australian film The Little Death (2014) as Glenn, and Now Add Honey (2015) as Joshua Redlich (Wikipedia (Catalan)).
What this means: Neighbours gave Lawson a five-year runway of daily screen time — a training ground that taught him the rhythm of long-form storytelling before he ever set foot on a US set.
Like fellow Australian actor Miranda Tapsell, Lawson built his foundation in Australian television before crossing over.
Hollywood breakthrough: Designated Survivor, 13 Reasons Why, The Good Place
- Lawson portrayed Damien Rennett in Designated Survivor from 2017 to 2018 (Wikipedia (Indonesian)).
- He played Rick Wlodimierzin in the second season of 13 Reasons Why (Now To Love (Australian entertainment outlet)).
- He appeared as Larry Hemsworth in season three of The Good Place (Now To Love (Australian entertainment outlet)).
- He also guest-starred in Modern Family, Covert Affairs, and Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 (Wikipedia (Indonesian)).
Why this matters: each of these shows appeals to a different demographic — political thriller, teen drama, philosophical comedy — demonstrating Lawson’s versatility as a character actor who can shift tone without losing presence.
Elizabeth Banks, another actor who has successfully crossed genres, exemplifies a similar path (read about Elizabeth Banks).
Lead role in Firefly Lane
- Lawson starred as Ryan in Firefly Lane from 2021 to 2023, playing the love interest of Katherine Heigl’s character (Wikipedia (Catalan)).
- The Netflix series ran for two seasons and was one of the platform’s most-watched dramas during its run.
What this means: Firefly Lane gave Lawson his most sustained American role — a romantic lead in a streaming hit that reached a global audience. It’s the kind of credit that opens doors to both comedy and drama in the US market.
Are Josh and Ben Lawson brothers?
Josh Lawson biography
- Josh Lawson was born in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, on 22 July 1981 (Wikipedia (Portuguese)).
- He is best known for playing Doug Guggenheim on House of Lies (2012-2016) and Kano in the Mortal Kombat reboot (2021) (Wikipedia (English)).
- He currently stars as Dr. Bruce Schweitz in St. Denis Medical (2024-present) (Wikipedia (English)).
- Both brothers appeared together in the 2019 film Bombshell, with Ben playing Lachlan Murdoch and Josh playing James Murdoch (Wikipedia (Catalan)).
Family background and parents
- Ben and Josh Lawson grew up in Brisbane, Australia, with their parents, whose names are not publicly confirmed by authoritative sources.
- Both brothers pursued acting from a young age, with Ben entering the industry first and Josh following shortly after.
The pattern: the Lawson brothers have carved parallel careers in Hollywood, often playing similar archetypes — charming, slightly offbeat characters — but they’ve never directly competed for the same roles. Their shared Bombshell casting is the only on-screen overlap.
Ben Lawson and Josh Lawson are indeed brothers, and their careers have run in parallel for nearly two decades. For fans of either actor, the family connection adds a layer of context: the same Brisbane upbringing produced two distinct Hollywood résumés.
Three key differences between the Lawson brothers, side by side:
| Attribute | Ben Lawson | Josh Lawson |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 6 February 1980 | 22 July 1981 |
| Place of birth | Brisbane, Australia | Brisbane, Australia |
| Breakout role | Frazer Yeats, Neighbours (2006-2008) | Doug Guggenheim, House of Lies (2012-2016) |
| Notable US series | Designated Survivor, 13 Reasons Why, Firefly Lane | House of Lies, St. Denis Medical |
| Notable film | No Strings Attached (2011), Bombshell (2019) | Mortal Kombat (2021), Bombshell (2019) |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) | 5’11” (180 cm) (approx.) |
| Years active | 2003-present | 2004-present |
The implication: Ben has leaned into dramatic and romantic roles, while Josh has gravitated toward comedy and action. Both paths have worked, but they’ve rarely overlapped — which may be the secret to their sibling success.
Where does Ben Lawson live?
Residence in the United States
- Ben Lawson currently resides in the United States for work, though the exact city or neighborhood is not publicly confirmed by authoritative sources.
- His professional representation is handled by Aurora Artists (talent agency), which is based in Los Angeles, suggesting California as his likely base of operations.
Connection to Australia
- Lawson was born and raised in Brisbane, Queensland, and maintains ties to his home country, frequently returning for visits and projects.
- His brother Josh also lives in the US for work, indicating a family pattern of relocation for career opportunities.
What this means: Lawson’s move to the US mirrors the path of many Australian actors who outgrow the local industry and seek the larger scale of Hollywood. The trade-off is distance from family and a very different media environment.
How tall is Ben Lawson?
Height in feet and centimeters
- Ben Lawson’s height is commonly listed as approximately 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm).
- This places him above average height for male actors, which has likely worked in his favor for casting in leading and romantic roles.
Comparison with brother Josh Lawson
- Josh Lawson is reportedly shorter, at approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm), though this figure is not confirmed by a highly authoritative source.
- The height difference is noticeable when the brothers appear together, as in Bombshell.
The pattern: Ben’s height gives him a physical presence that suits both dramatic leads and authority figures, while Josh’s slightly shorter frame has not limited his casting in comedy or action roles.
Timeline signal
- 6 February 1980 — Born in Brisbane, Australia (IMDb (filmography database))
- 2003 — First acting credit
- 2006-2008 — Played Frazer Yeats on Neighbours (Wikipedia (Indonesian))
- 2011 — Featured in No Strings Attached (Wikipedia (Catalan))
- 2017-2018 — Cast as Damien Rennett in Designated Survivor (Wikipedia (Indonesian))
- 2018-2020 — Role in 13 Reasons Why (Now To Love (Australian entertainment outlet))
- 2021-2023 — Starred as Nathaniel in Firefly Lane (Wikipedia (Catalan))
- 2025 — Appears in Anaconda (upcoming film)
The pattern: a steady, upward climb from Australian soap to Hollywood ensemble pieces, with no major gaps or career detours. The 2025 Anaconda release is the next logical step in a trajectory that has consistently favored momentum over flash.
Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Birth date and place from IMDb (filmography database) and Wikipedia (Indonesian).
- Brother relationship: Josh Lawson confirmed by Now To Love (Australian entertainment outlet) and Wikipedia (English).
- Roles in Designated Survivor, 13 Reasons Why, The Good Place, Firefly Lane confirmed by Wikipedia (Indonesian) and Wikipedia (Catalan).
- Height of 6’1″ (185 cm) listed on IMDb (filmography database).
- Both brothers appeared in Bombshell (2019) (Wikipedia (Catalan)).
What’s unclear
- Current marital status or partner: not publicly confirmed by any reliable source; no known spouse or long-term partner.
- Exact net worth: no verified figure from an authoritative source exists; estimates vary widely online.
- Current residence details: not precisely known beyond “lives in the US.”
- Whether he has children: no public information available.
- Specific details of his parents and upbringing are not documented by authoritative sources.
Why this matters: the gaps in public knowledge about Lawson’s personal life are unusual for an actor with his level of screen time. It suggests a deliberate choice to keep his private life out of the spotlight, which is increasingly rare in the streaming era.
Quotes and perspectives
“Ben Lawson is an Australian actor, best known for his roles on Australian television, particularly his role as Frazer Yeats on the soap opera Neighbours.”
— Wikipedia (English), biographical summary
“Ben Lawson went from playing Frazer Yeats on Neighbours to appearing in hit US shows like Designated Survivor, 13 Reasons Why, The Good Place and Firefly Lane.”
— Now To Love (Australian entertainment outlet), career overview
“Ben Lawson and Josh Lawson both appeared in Bombshell, portraying Lachlan Murdoch and James Murdoch respectively.”
— Wikipedia (Catalan), filmography note
The pattern: every source agrees on the core arc — from Neighbours to Hollywood — but none of them offer insight into his personal life or motivations, reinforcing the gap between his public career and private person.
Summary
Ben Lawson has built a career on steady, quality work rather than headlines. From his early days on Neighbours to his recent starring role in Firefly Lane, he has consistently chosen projects that showcase his range without demanding tabloid visibility. The upcoming Anaconda (2025) represents his biggest film bet yet. For Australian actors looking to cross into Hollywood, Lawson’s path offers a clear lesson: stay reliable, stay versatile, and let the work speak for itself. For American audiences, the takeaway is simple: Ben Lawson is the familiar face finally with a name worth remembering.
For those interested in his transition from Neighbours to Hollywood, a detailed overview of Ben Lawsons career provides further insight.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ben Lawson married?
Ben Lawson’s marital status is not publicly confirmed. No reliable source has reported a spouse or long-term partner, and he keeps his personal life private.
Does Ben Lawson have children?
There is no public information available about Ben Lawson having children. This aspect of his personal life has not been disclosed by the actor or any authoritative source.
What is Ben Lawson’s net worth?
No verified net worth figure for Ben Lawson exists from an authoritative source. Online estimates vary widely and should be treated as speculative.
What is Ben Lawson’s height in centimeters?
Ben Lawson’s height is approximately 185 cm (6 feet 1 inch), according to his IMDb (filmography database) profile.
Where did Ben Lawson grow up?
Ben Lawson grew up in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, where he was born on 6 February 1980.
Has Ben Lawson won any awards?
There are no major award wins recorded for Ben Lawson from authoritative sources. His career has been built on consistent work rather than industry accolades.
What is Ben Lawson’s latest project?
Ben Lawson’s latest confirmed project is the upcoming film Anaconda (2025), according to his IMDb (filmography database) profile.
Daniel Harper is Editor-in-Chief at Coast Pulse, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.