Laurence Arthur "Larry" Laverty is a renowned American actor, widely recognized for his impressive appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and his supporting roles in notable films such as Gus Van Sant's "Elephant" and John Frankenheimer's "The Fourth War". Throughout his illustrious career, Laverty has appeared in over one hundred films and numerous television shows, including "Judging Amy" and "The Practice".
Born in Berkeley, California, Laverty hails from a family with a rich heritage. His father, Gordon Laverty, was a high-level engineer and manager for one of the world's top utilities, while his mother, Marjorie Laverty, was a bookkeeper, historian, and housewife. Two of Laverty's paternal great great grandparents immigrated from Ireland, while his paternal great grandparents immigrated from Scotland.
In his youth, Laverty was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He was also a star athlete in track and field, competing from elementary school through his membership on the track team at Skyline High School in Oakland, California. Additionally, Laverty developed a passion for the outdoors, attending the renowned Yosemite Mountaineering School and engaging in activities such as rock climbing, skiing, cycling, and backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California.
Laverty attended Boise State University in Idaho, where he earned a B.S. in Business Administration and a B.A. in Political Science. During his final year, he enrolled in an acting class, which ignited his interest in theatre and film. After college, Laverty returned to California, where he lived part-time and performed at Oakland's Woodminster Summer Musicals, taking part in over a dozen musicals and several of Shakespeare's plays.
In 1988, Laverty was signed by his first agent, Steele Agency of San Francisco. The following year, he made his film debut in the action-adventure drama "Deadlock" (1989). For the next several years, Laverty appeared as a principal performer in four national commercials, acted in various music videos, and narrated corporate films.
Upon retiring from athletics, Laverty moved to Los Angeles and signed with his first agent there, William Kerwin. He eventually became established in Hollywood, appearing in numerous television shows and soap operas, while maintaining an active schedule in independent films produced throughout the country.
Throughout his life, Laverty has been a dedicated conservationist, joining the Sierra Club at the age of 11 and supporting The Nature Conservancy. However, it is his efforts to further the rights of animals that Laverty is most passionate about. He is a longtime supporter of PETA, the ASPCA, the Buffalo Field Campaign, and has dedicated himself to efforts around the world to save elephants from extinction in Africa and to end the lives of horror in captivity in Asia and elsewhere.
