Matthew Lawrence Reflects on Overcoming Fear in His Performative Journey

Actor Matthew Lawrence recently opened up about his personal battle with fear over the past decade during an interview with Fox News Digital. His revelation comes after competing on the popular show “The Masked Singer,” where he faced his stage fright head-on.

A Decade of Avoidance

For Lawrence, this last decade marked a significant period of self-imposed limitations. He explained how he avoided any acting roles requiring him to sing before large audiences. “I have a bit of stage fright when it comes to singing in front of large audiences, believe it or not. And acting is a whole different thing for me,” he revealed.

Lawrence recounted a memorable Broadway audition in which he froze on stage, unable to utter a single word in front of a crowded audience, ultimately fleeing the scene. These experiences contributed to his decision to shun singing opportunities, which he characterized as acting out of fear.

Embracing New Opportunities

However, the turning point came when he was presented with the chance to participate in “The Masked Singer.” Initially, he rejected the offer, but his friends encouraged him to reconsider. “People around me were like, ‘What are you doing?’ You got this podcast, and you talk about no fear, like, take your own advice. So you know what I did, and I’m so glad that I did,” Lawrence explained.

Facing the Fear Head-On

During his time on the show, Lawrence experienced moments of intense anxiety, often shaking and feeling nervous. Nevertheless, he managed to push past his fears, allowing himself to genuinely enjoy performing for an audience. “There was a moment where the fear went away, and I was just singing for the first time with an audience. Dude, it’s like lightning in a bottle. It’s so cool, I loved that experience, it was great,” he shared enthusiastically.

Unveiling the Character

On a recent episode of “The Masked Singer,” Lawrence was revealed to be Paparazzo, an engaging character represented as a walking camera. He expressed how the disguise provided him the confidence to step out of his comfort zone. Lawrence stated that he would “never” have participated if he had not been masked, highlighting how anonymity helped ease his fears.

Describing his costume, he humorously mentioned the challenges it presented. “The costume, I mean, I had huge duck rubber feet. So, choreography was pretty much out the window,” he joked. He added, “And then I had this giant soap box of a head that was attached to my torso. Any movement during the whole thing and it’s unstable. I mean, I could have gone over, man. I just am so lucky I got through it. I feel blessed to be a part of it, and it was a great experience at the end of the day.”

Life Beyond the Stage

Apart from his role on “The Masked Singer,” Lawrence remains actively engaged in hosting the podcast “Brotherly Love,” alongside his brothers Joey and Andrew Lawrence. The show brings them together weekly to share their lives and careers.

Matthew playfully described the process of coordinating their schedules as “like herding cats.” Despite these challenges, he values the camaraderie they share. “The flip side to that is we do now get around a table at least every week, which is super cool. We always have a blast. It’s been vital to kind of getting our band back together, so to speak, after COVID,” he reflected.

A Legacy of Talent

All three Lawrence brothers have made their mark in the entertainment industry. They starred together in the series “Brotherly Love,” which aired from 1995 to 1996. Their shared experiences in acting, coupled with their familial bond, have continued to strengthen their relationships.

Now, as Lawrence embraces new opportunities, he emphasizes the invaluable lessons learned from confronting personal fears. His journey serves as an inspiring reminder for others to step out of their comfort zones, pursue their passions, and take risks, no matter how daunting they may appear.

Final Thoughts on Fear and Courage

In a world where fear can often hold individuals back from achieving their potential, Matthew Lawrence’s experiences remind us of the importance of courage. His willingness to share his struggles and triumphs encourages others to face their fears and seek the joy that comes from performing and connecting with audiences. As he moves forward in his career, viewers can anticipate more inspiring moments from this talented actor.