Wissenswertes

His role as a pilot in Star Wars appears to have inspired both of his nephews. His younger nephew, Ewan McGregor, of course, followed him into the acting business and into the Star Wars films, in particular. His older nephew, Colin McGregor, became a pilot in the Royal Air Force.

Uncle of Ewan McGregor

Because his name was misspelled in the Star Wars credits, there was some controversy about if it was the same actor playing Wedge in Star Wars: Episode V - Das Imperium schlägt zurück (1980). It is indeed the same actor.

His call sign in Star Wars: Episode VI - Die Rückkehr der Jedi-Ritter (1983) is Red Leader. According to the script, Obi-Wan Kenobi has the same call sign during the opening battle of Star Wars: Episode III - Die Rache der Sith (2005). Not only are the battles themselves very similar, but Obi-Wan is of course played by Denis's nephew, Ewan McGregor.

Was offered the role of Captain Antilles in Star Wars: Episode III - Die Rache der Sith (2005), but turned it down. The part went to Rohan Nichol. According to Star Wars continuity, this Captain Antilles has no relationship to Lawson's other character, Wedge Antilles.

Lawson is an expert on the technique of screen acting and has written an instruction book for fellow actors, "The Actor and the Camera", published by Nick Hern Books in 2014.

Has a sister named Carol McGregor, mother of Ewan McGregor and Colin McGregor.

Has a son, Jamie Lawson (b. 1979) from a 7-year relationship with actress Diane Fletcher, after meeting in a stage production of Twelfth Night.

Lived with actress Sheila Gish from 1985 until they married in March 2004 in the Caribbean.

He was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 1984 (1983 season) for Best Actor in a Musical for Mr. Cinders.

Appeared with his drama school classmate Ian McDiarmid in Star Wars: Episode VI - Die Rückkehr der Jedi-Ritter (1983). His nephew, Ewan McGregor later appeared with McDiarmid in Karaoke (1996), Star Wars: Episode I - Die dunkle Bedrohung (1999), Star Wars: Episode II - Angriff der Klonkrieger (2002) and Star Wars: Episode III - Die Rache der Sith (2005).

His name is misspelled "Dennis" in the ending credits of both Star Wars: Episode IV - Eine neue Hoffnung (1977) and Star Wars: Episode V - Das Imperium schlägt zurück (1980).

He met his wife, Sheila Gish, on the set of the 1985 movie That Uncertain Feeling (1986).

Early drama school castmate of Ian McDiarmid

He is a Musical comedy star in London. He won acclaim as the Title role in a successful revival of "Pal Joey" opposite Siân Phillips.

Olivier winner for Best Musical Actor for 'Mr Cinders'.

In the 1983 movie Local Hero (1983), Lawson played Gordon Urquhart; in the TV series Holby City (1999), he played Tom Campbell-Gore; and, in Lucky Jim (2003), he played Jules Gore-Urquhart.

Says that one of his favourite things when he was at school was playing in the pipe band.

Step-father of Kay Curram and Lou Gish.

Uncle-in-law of Eve Mavrakis.

Starring in "La Cage Aux Folles" in London, his return to the stage after a 15-year hiatus. (November 2008)

Nominated for 'Actor of the Year in a Musical' in the 1980 Laurence Olivier Awards for his performance in 'Pal Joey' but lost out to Dennis Quilley.

Nominated for 'Actor of the Year in a Musical' in the 1980 Laurence Olivier Awards for his performance in 'Pal Joey' but lost out to Tom Conti.

Educated at Morrisons Academy and won a place at a drama school on his second attempt.

Born on the same day as singer/actor Meat Loaf.