Josh Lawson is a seasoned actor known for his genre-spanning performances across television and film, dramas and comedies. With a career spanning over twenty-five years, dozens of films and over one hundred episodes of television, he is no stranger to the ever-changing entertainment industry. He currently stars in NBC's latest comedy series, St. Denis Medical, bringing his signature charm and talent to the medical sitcom genre. In this exclusive Actors With Issues interview, Josh sits down to discuss the new comedy, recently renewed for a second season, along with the challenges of navigating an unpredictable industry.
Navigating a Difficult Job Market
The pilot episode of St. Denis Medical first filmed nearly two years ago, just before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA labor strikes that paused productions in Hollywood for nearly six months. During our conversation, Lawson expressed immense gratitude for securing a role and ensemble he quickly came to love. "Getting the job… in a world and a time when work is becoming increasingly more difficult to get, I feel relief, gratitude," he shares. When we asked about his experience with the critical praise for the series and fan reception, he admitted he chooses to not focus on it. "I don't read reviews or anything like that. I stay completely oblivious to all that stuff. I'm not on social media, so I don't see anything there," he admits.
Having learned “the hard way”, as he described it, Josh prioritizes mental well-being over external opinions, acknowledging that he lacks the emotional resilience to endure the constant scrutiny that comes with public visibility. "I just realized either I was going to have a mental breakdown and stay on social media, or I was going to get off it, and just admit that ignorance was bliss, and I'm glad that I did."
ST. DENIS MEDICAL -- "Listen to Your Ladybugs" Episode 114 -- Pictured: Josh Lawson as Dr. Bruce -- (Photo by: NBC)
Balancing Drama and Comedy on St. Denis Medical
While there are subtle and relatable hilarious moments on St. Denis Medical, whether it's the overbearing boss or the coworker who is just running out the clock at work, the series shares its heartfelt moments to cap off most episodes. “Comedies today that don't explore that balance can seem a little old fashioned,” Lawson shared. “It feels like audiences now really need a bit more of a spectrum of genre even within a comedy. You very rarely go to a hospital on your best day. You're often there on your worst day, for lots of reasons, so a hospital setting is perfect for that balance, because you know the misadventures of the staff and the administration.”
Lawson’s advice to young actors serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of balance and perspective. “Make sure you find something else to love as much,” he shares, emphasizing how vital it is to have passions beyond acting. “This industry is abusive… it doesn’t mean to be. It just is.” Reflecting on his own journey, he encourages actors to embrace the world beyond their craft, assuring that it will not only enrich their lives but also make them better performers. And in a final gem of wisdom, he adds, “Talk to old people! … They are amazing instructors of the human condition.”
Watch our full conversation with Josh Lawson on , or tune in Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!