Matthew Lawrence is an American actor, singer, and podcast host known for charming audiences since childhood with his heartfelt performances and boyish charisma. Born into a family that practically lived on screen, he carved out his own space in Hollywood with memorable roles in beloved projects like Mrs. Doubtfire, Boy Meets World, and Brotherly Love.
Born on February 11, 1980, in Abington Township, Pennsylvania, Matthew got an early start in the entertainment industry, appearing in commercials and TV shows before he even hit kindergarten. With two older and younger brothers in the industry — most notably Joey Lawrence — Matthew always had a strong support system, both personally and professionally.
His breakout film role as Chris Hillard in the Robin Williams comedy Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) made him a household name. From there, he starred alongside his brothers Joey and Andrew in the sitcom Brotherly Love, and became a fan favorite as Jack Hunter in the iconic teen series Boy Meets World.
In recent years, Matthew has continued acting but has also expanded into podcasting and music. He co-hosts Brotherly Love Podcast with his siblings, and performs with them as part of the pop-rock trio Still 3. In 2025, he made headlines again after performing on The Masked Singer, singing TLC’s “Unpretty”—a personal and symbolic moment for him, especially with girlfriend Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas cheering him on.
Let’s get to know Matthew Lawrence a little better.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Matthew William Lawrence |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | Matt |
| Profession/Occupation | Actor, Singer, Podcaster |
| Birthplace | Abington Township, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Age | 45 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | February 11, 1980 |
| Hometown | Abington Township, Pennsylvania |
| Caste/Religion | Christian (Italian and Scottish descent) |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Aquarius |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 173 cm (5’8”) |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | Approx. 70 kg |
| Body Measurements | N/A |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye’s Color | Hazel |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Father’s name | Joseph Lawrence Mignogna Sr. (Insurance Broker) |
|---|---|
| Mother’s name | Donna Lynn Shaw (Talent Manager) |
| Brother’s name | Joey Lawrence, Andrew Lawrence |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend/Girlfriend | Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas (Current) |
|---|---|
| Dating | Yes (as of 2022–present) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Cheryl Burke (m. 2019–div. 2022) |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | Abington Friends School |
|---|---|
| College/University | University of Southern California |
| Educational Qualification | N/A |
Controversies
- In 2023, Matthew made headlines when he shared his experience of being propositioned by a major director early in his career. He refused, leading to being dropped by his agency. His courage in speaking out was widely praised in the entertainment industry.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Italian cuisine, grilled vegetables |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | The Godfather |
| Favorite Actor | Robert De Niro |
| Favorite Actress | Julia Roberts |
| Favorite Color | Navy Blue |
| Favorite Designer | N/A |
| Favorite Destination | Hawaii |
| Favorite Cafe | Local LA coffee spots |
| Favorite Daily Wear Brand | Levi’s |
| Favorite Book | Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey |
| Favorite Athlete | Tom Brady |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Varies by project |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Approx. $2–3 million (as of 2025) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | N/A |
| Phone Number | N/A |
| House Address | Los Angeles, California (Private) |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Matthew Lawrence |
|---|---|
| Not active | |
| Not public | |
| Not public |
Personal Quote
“I’m in a point in my life now where I’m not allowing fear to kind of enter into things. It’s also the season of yes — no no’s.”
Early Life and Career
Matthew was born into a tight-knit family with creative roots. As the middle child among three brothers — all actors — he naturally found his way onto sets. He started appearing in commercials and TV series like Dynasty before landing his big-screen debut in Mrs. Doubtfire in 1993, where he played Robin Williams’ son.
He spent his teen years acting alongside his real-life brothers in Brotherly Love, a sitcom about three siblings navigating life after their father’s death. His charisma caught the eye of casting directors, leading to a regular role on Boy Meets World as Jack Hunter — a role that made him a heartthrob in the late ’90s.
Current Life/Events
In 2025, Matthew took center stage on The Masked Singer, performing TLC’s emotional hit Unpretty. It was a deeply symbolic moment, both professionally and personally, as he had to overcome stage fright and get approval from his girlfriend, Chilli, who originally sang the song. His performance received warm praise and reminded audiences of his artistic versatility and courage.
He’s now co-hosting The Brotherly Love Podcast with his siblings, where they talk about life, fame, and everything in between. The podcast has become a hit among ’90s nostalgia fans.
Facts
Here are some interesting, lesser-known facts about Matthew Lawrence:
- His real last name is Mignogna; Lawrence is a stage name adopted by the family.
- He once aspired to be a marine biologist before committing full-time to acting.
- He’s a certified pilot and aviation enthusiast.
- Despite being shy about singing, he’s part of a band with his brothers called Still 3.
- He’s allergic to cats!
- His role in Mrs. Doubtfire was almost given to another actor, but Robin Williams personally vouched for him.
- He’s incredibly close with his mom, who also managed his early career.
- Matthew is an avid dog lover and volunteers at shelters.
