Guy Lawson


Guy Lawson is a Canadian American journalist and true crime writer who has been published in GQ, the New York Times, Rolling Stone, and Vanity Fair.

Early life and career

Lawson was born in Toronto, Canada to expatriate kiwis. After his parents divorced, he lived with his mother for a period of time before moving to Australia to rejoin his father, a journalist and writer. He attended the University of Western Australia before moving to the United States and attending law school in Cambridge, New York. He briefly worked as an attorney in the 1990s before transitioning to journalism.

Journalism

Lawson's first journalism job came in the field of politics, when he was assigned to cover the Quebec referendum for a local Toronto newspaper. From there, Lawson earned additional accolades and opportunities, starting with a breakthrough cover story for Harper's about small-town Canadian hockey players. He later moved onto the Canadian broadcast television series, Imprint, where he succeeded veteran host Daniel Richler. He served there from 1993 to 1995, before transitioning out and into a more lucrative career as a major publication writer.
Lawson has been published in numerous major publications throughout his career. In addition, one of his later works, Arms and the Dudes about the life and crimes of Efraim Diveroli and David Packouz, were adapted into the 2016 film War Dogs, which starred actors Jason Smilovic, Jonah Hill, Ana de Armas, and Bradley Cooper. In addition to War Dogs, several of his other works have been optioned, including , by HBO, and a GQ article called "The Knife" about LA gangs which was acquired by CBS

Personal life

Lawson lives with his wife, Maya Kaimal, an Indian food entrepreneur, whom he married in 2001. They have two twin children and live in upstate New York. He is an avowed Toronto Maple Leafs fan, remaining loyal to his home province's hockey team despite residing in the United States.

Filmography

YearTitleRole
2016War DogsWriter /Producer
2004FrontlineConsultant - 1 episode
2016War Dogs: Access GrantedSelf
2011On the Trail of Easy Rider: 40 Years On... Still Searching for AmericaSelf
1990ImprintHost