Laurence R. Harvey is a British character actor who became an overnight sensation in the horror community for his transformative and chilling portrayal of Martin Lomax in the 2011 cult film The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence).Before stepping into the global spotlight as one of cinema’s most unsettling antagonists, Harvey built a diverse foundation in the performing arts, working extensively in children’s television, experimental theater, and physical comedy. This background in non-verbal storytelling proved essential for his breakout role, where he was tasked with carrying a feature-length film almost entirely through facial expressions and laboured breathing, as his character remained mute throughout the runtime.

His performance as Martin is frequently cited as a masterclass in the "grotesque," with Harvey leaning into the character’s pathetic yet terrifying obsession with the first film in the franchise. Despite the extreme nature of the role, Harvey received critical praise for his ability to humanize a character that could have easily been a flat caricature. His physical presence—characterized by a diminutive stature and wide, intense eyes—allowed him to inhabit a space of profound vulnerability that shifted into sudden, explosive violence, making him a standout figure in the "New French Extremity" style of body horror despite his English roots.

In a rare move for a franchise with an anthology-style structure, director Tom Six brought Harvey back for The Human Centipede 3 (Final Sequence) in 2015. However, rather than reprising the role of Martin, Harvey played a completely different character named Dwight Butler, the sidekick to Dieter Laser’s lead antagonist. This role allowed Harvey to showcase a more verbal, bureaucratic, and darkly comedic side of his acting range, contrasting sharply with the silent, grimy intensity of his previous appearance. The shift demonstrated his versatility and solidified his status as a permanent icon within the underground horror genre.

Beyond the Centipede trilogy, Harvey has embraced his niche as a "scream king" and a staple of independent horror cinema. He has appeared in various anthology films and projects like The ABCs of Death 2 and Frankenstein, Created Equal and even The Video Shop Tales Of Terror Trilogy, partially filmed in the Mercury where Romford's Film Festivals are held; often playing roles that capitalize on his unique look and ability to portray the macabre. Off-screen, he is known by fans and colleagues as being the complete opposite of his onscreen personas—articulate, gentle, and deeply knowledgeable about film history. He continues to be a frequent guest at horror conventions worldwide, where he maintains a loyal following for his contributions to some of the most controversial films of the 21st century.