Justin Lazard—yes, that’s right, the name you might recognize from some of your favorite 80s and 90s screen moments—used his striking good looks to launch a dynamic acting career that spanned stage, television, and film. Born and raised in New York City, Justin Lazard came from creative roots; his father, Sidney Lazard, was a foreign correspondent, and his mother, Julie Thayer, worked as a photographer. Life took a turn in 1974 when the family moved to Paris—Sidney had been assigned there by ABC News. But things shifted again when Justin Lazard’s parents divorced during his freshman year of high school. After that, he spent time navigating various boarding schools and eventually enrolled at Emory University.
But here’s where the story really starts to pick up: Justin Lazard transferred to NYU with a clear goal—acting. And wouldn’t you know it, fate stepped in. While hanging out in a bar (just an ordinary night, really), a talent agent spotted him. That chance encounter led to TV commercials, which opened even more doors. His first real break came with a minor role in Spike of Bensonhurst back in 1988. Not long after, Justin Lazard landed a memorable recurring part as a punk-rock undercover cop on NBC’s hit series Miami Vice—a role that definitely made people take notice.
Now, acting classes aren’t cheap, so Justin Lazard did what many aspiring actors do—he dipped into modeling. With his preppy charm and photogenic appeal, it was a natural fit, though he kept it brief, focusing on his true passion. From there, he racked up small roles in films like Born to Ride (1991) and snagged regular spots on TV series, including CBS’s Second Chances (1993–94), even if the show didn’t last. Through it all, Justin Lazard kept pushing forward, building a career grounded in persistence and presence—one role at a time.
When it comes to Justin Lazard’s filmography, fans and critics often point to Species II (1998) as his standout performance—widely regarded as Justin Lazard’s highest rated movie. The sci-fi thriller not only delivered intense action and suspense but also showcased Justin Lazard in a compelling role that resonated with audiences. On the other end of the spectrum, Justin Lazard’s lowest rated film tends to be Universal Soldier: The Return (1999), which received more mixed or negative reviews upon release. While it had its moments, many felt it didn’t quite live up to expectations, especially compared to earlier entries in the franchise. Overall, Justin Lazard has been part of some memorable projects, but these two films clearly mark the highs and lows in terms of critical reception.