Person Biography:
Anzu Lawson is a multifaceted artist, exceling in various disciplines, including acting, music, stand-up comedy, screenwriting, and directing. As a true warrior for her passions, she has embarked on numerous creative adventures, enriching her artistic identity.
Her journey began at age 7, when she acted opposite Academy Award-nominated actor Mako in an independent film. At 14, she was scouted to model in Tokyo, marking the start of her international career. That summer, she met YES's singer Jon Anderson, backstage at an INXS concert, which led to the discovery of her musical talent.
As a singer-songwriter, Anzu released two albums, topping the Japanese Billboard charts with a number one hit on AVEX records as a teen J-Pop star. Her unique vocal styling can be heard on many movie soundtracks, including Hans Zimmer's and Harry Gregson-Williams' works.
In Los Angeles, her acting career took off when she landed the lead role in "American Yakuza," starring opposite Viggo Mortensen. She has since played diverse roles from various ethnic backgrounds.
Inspired by comedian Brad Garrett, Anzu explored stand-up comedy, performing on famous stages like The Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, Westside Comedy Theatre, and The Improv Hollywood/Brea.
Frustrated with the lack of diverse leading female roles, Anzu received her certificate in screenwriting at UCLA in '09, optioning her first script, "The Seed Between the Stones." She collaborated with Cal State University Los Angeles to launch her all-original rock movie musical, "Dear John, Why Yoko?" (formerly known as "Rock and Roll's Greatest Lovers.")
In 2018, Anzu wrote an homage to the two Asian women who shaped her life and creativity, debuting her 1st One Woman Show, "Dear Yoko." The show sold out every Los Angeles performance and was an official selection at several festivals.
Prepping for the 2020 summer festival tour of "Dear Yoko," Anzu starred opposite Al Pacino in a revival workshop reading of Pacino's 1977 Tony Award-winning performance in "The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel" at the Wallis Annenberg/Beverly Hills, benefiting war veterans.
On February 18th, 2023, Anzu debuted her 2nd One Woman Show, "The Rub," at Solofest 2023, based on the single-camera comedy pilot she wrote about a struggling stand-up comic whose side hustle was being every "Asian mother's worst nightmare"... a massage therapist.
Anzu's production company, Happy Hapa Films, focuses on edgy screenplays that challenge stereotypes and bring to light the untold stories of Asian American and diverse women throughout history.
As Nicole Force of The Examiner noted, "Anzu Lawson is a consummate and multi-talented performer who represents the new triple threat in Hollywood-singer, actress, and stand-up comedian. Anzu Lawson is an entertainment force who consistently delivers, regardless of the genre."
