There's a reason that Firefly Lane is one of the most popular series on Netflix — it's got romance, friendship, the struggles of parenthood and adolescence...there's a bit of everything in this heartfelt drama. The series follows the decades-long friendship of Tully Hart and Kate Mularkey, based on the bestselling novel by Kristin Hannah. Starring Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke as the female leads, the story of their friendship is the heart of the show, but it's safe to say we've all been huge fans of the main man in their lives, Johnny Ryan. After meeting the two leading ladies in college, Johnny was charming as he worked (and flirted) with them and even married Kate.
If the actor looks familiar to you, that's probably because you've easily seen him before...maybe even heard him referred to as the fictional "fourth Hemsworth brother." Here's everything to know about actor Ben Lawson, who's singlehandedly made Johnny one of the best parts of Firefly Lane.
He really is Australian
Yes, that accent is the real deal. The Brisbane, Australia native is known for launching his career on the soap opera Neighbours before he officially moved over to the states and made a splash on American TV. He's recognizable for his roles on Covert Affairs, Doubt, season 2 of Designated Survivor, 13 Reasons Why, Grimm, Don't Trust the B—— in Apartment 23, Modern Family, The Good Place, and even Dolly Parton's Heartstrings.
Lawson has also appeared in numerous films, including No Strings Attached and Bombshell, in which he portrayed Lachlan Murdoch opposite his real-life brother, Josh, who portrayed James Murdoch.
But lately, the Aussie is really getting recognized for playing Johnny in his popular Netflix series. He has incredible chemistry with his two lovely co-stars, which makes their love triangle that much more dramatic to watch.
Firefly Lane kept his native accent for the cool factor
Maggie Freeman, showrunner of Firefly Lane, explained to Entertainment Weekly why she decided to let Lawson keep his original accent on the TV show.
"Ben was cool with doing either an American or his Australian accent. I sort of felt like, man, that Australian accent just gives him another layer of mystery and coolness that I felt just really fit with the character. I love the accent."
The first season ended with an incredibly stressful cliffhanger for Johnny's character, and Lawson told Glamour that while he has no idea what the future holds, he really hopes he gets to come back for more.
"I've read Kristin Hannah's book, and the season-one cliffhanger comes about halfway through or two thirds through the book, so there still is more of that first book of hers to go. I have an idea of the author's intention. I don't know exactly what the producers of the show are going to do, but I'd like to think Johnny is going to stick around a bit for a little while longer."
We know Johnny's story is far from over, but the big question is which Firefly Lane girl will he end up with in the end?
He thinks fans will be 'satisfied' with the season 2 finale
One of the biggest reveals in the first half of season 2 was we finally discovered what Tully did to cause a rift in her friendship with Kate. In an interview with StyleCaster, Lawson explains that Johnny really was on Kate's side during the entire situation, considering their daughter Marah was at the center of the feud.
"I think at the end of the day, he's really got Kate's back, but I think that Johnny's maybe a little bit readier to forgive than Kate. I say that because I know what's coming up. But the accident was like a tipping point for the recklessness of Tully and doing whatever the hell she wants."
He's a poet
Despite having a thriving career in Hollywood, Lawson has never forgotten his Australian upbringing. In fact, he wrote a long-form poem that has since been turned into an illustrated book, To My Country, following the devastating wildfires in his home country with proceeds benefitting The Koala Hospital.
"I wrote the poem To My Country as I watched the Black Summer bushfires burn," he told the Sydney Morning Herald after the book was published. "I refer to Australia as 'she,' as she provides for us the same way a mother would. It would be nice if we respected her in that same way."
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