Lawrence was born Max Goldsmith. After working as a stage actor he began appearing in films in 1933, staying in the business for six decades and ultimately appearing in more than 100 films. A swarthy, pock-marked character actor with rough features and an ominous air, he was frequently cast as a mafia hood. He moved to Europe in the early '50s, appearing in many Italian productions and directing a handful of low-budget films.