Joey Lawrence Reflects on His Real Last Name and Regrets Changing It with His Brothers

Joey Lawrence Unfortunately Regrets Changing His Last Name

Joey Lawrence and his brothers, Matthew and Andrew, have surprised their fans with the revelation of their real last name. The siblings, who are well-known as child actors, have openly discussed their regret over changing their surname as they rose to fame in the entertainment industry.

The Name Change at 90s Con

During a recent panel at 90s Con, the Lawrence brothers shared insights about their childhood decisions. While speaking to the audience, 48-year-old Joey, alongside 45-year-old Matthew and 37-year-old Andrew, disclosed that their legal surname is Mignogna. They opted for the stage name “Lawrence” in order to achieve greater accessibility in an era when unfamiliar names were often overlooked.

Why They Chose Lawrence

Joey, born Joseph Lawrence Mignogna, explained why he made this decision. He noted that it was his middle name, hence the choice seemed logical at the time. He mentioned, “In the early ‘80s, it was like, ‘No one can pronounce Mignogna. That’s not a name people will say.’”

A Cultural Shift in Perception

He further remarked that today, unique names are celebrated, unlike in the past. He reminisced about the prevailing mindset in the 1980s where names like Mignogna were deemed too difficult for the public to pronounce. “We’re going to need to water this down,” he recalled thinking. With many silent letters, such as the G in Mignogna, they decided on something simpler.

Family Insights on the Name Change

Joey explained that using “Lawrence” made sense for his brothers when they followed in his acting footsteps. Matthew shared additional insights, indicating their parents recognized the benefits of adopting a different last name. His view is that it provided a form of protection and distance from the public eye at a time when privacy was easier to maintain.

Parents’ Wisdom in the Decision

Matthew stated, “I also think my parents, and wisely so, knew there was an insulation factor.” He elaborated on the concept of being able to keep a lower profile before the onset of the internet. “It would be very hard to find us back then,” he concluded, reflecting positively on their childhood experiences.

The Regret of Two Names

Despite the initial advantages, the brothers now share a common regret about their name change. They expressed that they would have preferred to maintain their last name, Mignogna, instead of adopting Lawrence. Andrew candidly shared his frustration, commenting, “It’s really a pain in the butt, honestly, having two names. You have to prove you’re both people.”

Matthew’s International Travel Woes

Matthew, also feeling the inconvenience of the name change, highlighted the complexities it brought into his life. “Now I’m just stuck with two different names, and I can’t travel internationally,” he explained. He faced issues with the government, which recognized only his acting name, Matt Lawrence, causing complications.

“My name is Matthew William Mignogna,” he added, emphasizing the disconnect he faced, especially with his passport. “When I grew up and used my real name, there was absolutely no correlation. I didn’t exist.”

The Early Years of Fame

Joey’s career began early when he appeared in a Cracker Jack commercial at the tender age of five. His breakout role came when he starred in the NBC sitcom “Gimme a Break!” from 1983 to 1987. As a teen idol during the 1990s, he gained fame for playing Joey Russo in the hit series “Blossom,” opposite Mayim Bialik.

Matthew’s Acting Journey

Matthew entered the acting world even earlier at just three years old. He was prominently featured in the soap opera “Dynasty” before embarking on a successful career in the 1990s. Some of his notable roles include playing Chris, Robin Williams’ son in “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and Jack Hunter in “Boy Meets World.”

Andrew’s Contribution to their Legacy

Andrew, who also started acting at a young age, played the younger version of Joey’s character in “Blossom.” His career further expanded with voice acting, wherein he voiced T.J. Detweiler in the animated sitcom “Recess” as well as its feature films.

A Family Together on Screen

The Lawrence brothers united on-screen in the sitcom “Brotherly Love,” which aired for two seasons from 1995 to 1997. This marked a significant chapter in their collaborative careers, showcasing their dynamic as siblings in a comedic setting.

A New Era with the Brotherly Love Podcast

In 2023, the trio returned to the spotlight by launching the “Brotherly Love Podcast.” This new venture allows them to share candid stories and insights from their lives, further engaging their longtime fans while exploring their unique bond.

Overall, Joey, Matthew, and Andrew continue to navigate their lives in the public eye, cherishing both their journey as child actors and the lessons learned along the way about identity and the names we carry.