David Labrava
David M. Labrava (born October 19, 1962)[2] is an actor, writer, tattoo artist, former member of the Hells Angels,[3][4] and motorcycle enthusiast best known for playing Happy Lowman in the FX series Sons of Anarchy and its spinoff Mayans M.C.
David Labrava | |
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Labrava at the 2014 Comic-Con International | |
Born | David M. Labrava October 19, 1962 |
Nationality | American |
Occupation | Actor, Producer, Director, Author, Writer, tattoo artist, |
Known for | Playing Happy Lowman on Sons of Anarchy (2008–2014), and Mayans M.C. (2018–present) |
Early life
Labrava was born in Miami, Florida and spent time in Amsterdam tattooing and working as a bouncer at a club.[1] He grew up riding dirt bikes and got his first Harley Davidson when he was 17 years old. At the age of 14, he was cooking chicharrón with the Cubans in Hialeah, FL.[1][3]
Career
Labrava was hired to be the Technical Advisor for Sons of Anarchy and then was cast as Happy Lowman; he was with the show from its inception in 2008 to its finale in 2014.[5] He also co-wrote season 4, episode 10, titled "Hands", the only episode in seven seasons that ever won an award, an honorable mention from TIME magazine.[1]
Labrava has authored a best selling autobiography, entitled Becoming A Son.[6]
Labrava wrote, produced, directed, and starred in his first feature film, entitled Street Level (2015),[7] which is available on digital platforms.
Labrava writes the "Burnin' Rubber with Jimmy Carbone" column in the national hot rod magazine, Ol Skool Rodz. He is credited as Dave "D.L." Labrava.[8] Before that he used to write for Horse Motorcycle magazine and built a bike that made the cover in March 2001.[9]
Personal life
Labrava resides in Oakland, California with his dogs. He practices Buddhism.[10]
His son Tycho died by suicide on May 5, 2018 at the age of 16. There had previously been no outward signs of depression or any other mental health issues. Labrava wrote on Instagram, "I am broken", and encouraged his followers to communicate with their loved ones, because "there may not be any signs."[11]
Filmography
- Sons of Anarchy (2008–2014, television series)
- Street Level (2015, film)[12]
- The Package (2016, short film)
- 1% - The Voice Within (2017)
- Lucifer (2018, television series)
- Mayans M.C. (2018–present, television series)
References
- Radish, Christina. "David Labrava SONS OF ANARCHY Interview". Collider. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
- Labrava, David (19 October 2013). "YOU PEOPLE ROCK!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL THE BIRTHDAY WISHES!!!!!!". Twitter. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
- Marnell, Blair (10 November 2011). "David Labrava on 'Sons of Anarchy'". Crave Online. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
- "David M. LaBrava is charged with two counts of felony drug possession and two misdemeanor charges for possession of the marijuana and the pipe". Zimbio. 3 August 2008. Archived from the original on 27 September 2012. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
- "Sons of Ararchy | Happy". FX Networks. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
- David Labrava [@DavidLabrava] (December 18, 2015). "Book" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- Labrava, David (Writer, Producer, Director, Star) (2015). Street Level.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
- "Horn - Crew". Ol' Skool Rodz. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
- "Cover". Horse Motorcycle (13). March 2001.
- Labrava, David (15 November 2013). "THE WAY OF THE BUDDHA IS UNATTAINABLE I VOW TO ATTAIN IT". Twitter.
- "Sons of Anarchy's David Labrava's Teenage Son Commits Suicide". E! Online. 2018. Retrieved 28 July 2018.
- Labrava, David (Writer, Producer, Director Star) (2015). "Street Level".CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)