Who is Richard Lawson, ex-husband of Beyoncé's mum, Tina Knowles? She spoke about their relationship and divorce with Oprah and in new memoir Matriarch – but did their marriage end with jealousy?
Media mogul
Oprah Winfrey got up close and personal with Tina Knowles – mother of pop stars Beyoncé and Solange – for a recent episode of Oprah's Book Club. The podcast, through which she introduces a piece of literature to her fans and interviews its author, featured Knowles' new memoir, Matriarch.
After introducing her guest, the Emmy-winning presenter lauded the candour in Knowles' writing, calling it 'admirable' that she didn't hold back when discussing sensitive elements of her personal life, like her former relationships.
Tina Knowles arrives at the Billboard Women in Music Awards in Los Angeles, in March. Photo: Reuters
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'We are fully engaged in your story, and all the people that are in your life,' Oprah remarked, before mentioning the designer's ex-husband – quickly correcting herself to add an 's', clarifying that she was referring to ex-husbands. Although
Knowles laughed it off, some fans clocked a certain shade in Winfrey's tone, while others dismissed it, given the pair's friendship.
The women then discussed the House of Deréon co-founder's relationship with her first husband, Mathew Knowles, the father of her two daughters. Although Knowles admitted that their marriage had been affected by his infidelity, she also emphasised that he was her 'best friend' and had been 'so kind' to her.
After their divorce, Knowles married Richard Lawson in 2015, but that relationship ended in 2023, per People. Knowles told Oprah their marriage was 'bringing out the worst' in her.
So just who is Richard Lawson?
He's in the entertainment industry
Richard Lawson is an actor, director and producer. Photo: @hbcutimes_/Instagram
Richard Lawson is a Vietnam War veteran who served as a combat medic and was awarded a Purple Heart. He initially wanted to go into the legal field but found his voice was suited to acting, per IMDb. He has an impressive filmography, which includes renowned movies such as Poltergeist (1982), Streets of Fire (1984) and more recently, Tyler Perry's Divorce in the Black (2024). You might also recognise him from shows like All My Children, Dynasty and Beauty in Black, as well as Grey's Anatomy, where he played Maggie Pierce's father, Bill.
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