The Lawrence brothers are back, and they had a lot to share at the much-anticipated 90s Con! Matthew, Joey, and Andrew Lawrence took the stage on Friday, March 28, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Connecticut, and engaged in a revealing conversation about their journey in show business. One of the most fascinating topics? The origin of their last name and how adopting a stage name shaped their lives—both personally and professionally.
During the panel, moderated by PEOPLE’s Dory Jackson, the brothers delved into the history behind their surname change. Joey, whose full legal name is Joseph Lawrence Mignogna, explained how the shift happened. “It was my middle name,” he said, referring to Lawrence. “I was named after our dad and our grandfather on our dad’s side.” But when he started acting in the early ‘80s, he was met with an unexpected obstacle. “I was told, ‘No one can pronounce Mignogna. That’s not a name people will say,’” Joey recalled.
Back then, the entertainment industry had a habit of simplifying names that seemed too difficult to pronounce. “Today, things like that are celebrated,” Joey noted. “But in the ‘80s, it was like, ‘We’re going to need to water this down. There are silent Gs.’” So, as a result, Joey took his middle name as his last name. When Matthew and Andrew followed in his footsteps and entered the entertainment world, adopting Lawrence as their last name just seemed like the logical choice.
The Perks & Drawbacks of a Stage Name
Changing their last name did come with some advantages. Matthew pointed out that using a stage name offered them a layer of privacy, which was especially valuable for child stars. “There was an insulation factor,” he explained. “Some people might check in old-school ways, but it would be very, very hard to find us. That was a great thing.”
However, as time passed, the drawbacks became more apparent. “Now I’m just stuck with two different names, and I can’t travel internationally,” Matthew admitted. Andrew chimed in, agreeing that it has become an inconvenience. “It’s really a pain in the butt, honestly, like having two names. You have to prove you’re both people.”
Matthew recounted a particularly frustrating experience with official documentation. “Even for a while there, the government only recognized me as Matt Lawrence because I paid taxes from the time I was a toddler to 18 as Matt Lawrence,” he said. “But really, my name is Matthew William Mignogna. So when I grew up and used my real name on my passport, there was absolutely no correlation. I didn’t exist.”
Despite these challenges, the Lawrence brothers have made an undeniable mark in Hollywood. Their collective success spans across television and film, with each brother carving out his own legacy.
A Look Back at Their Iconic Careers
The trio starred as the fictional Roman siblings in the beloved sitcom Brotherly Love from 1995 to 1997, alongside Liz Vassey and Melinda Culea. But their careers extended far beyond that hit show. Joey made waves in the early ‘90s with his starring role in Blossom, winning hearts with his signature “Whoa!” catchphrase. He also lent his voice to Oliver in Disney’s Oliver & Company.
Matthew, on the other hand, gained attention for his role in the 1993 classic Mrs. Doubtfire, as well as for playing Jack Hunter, the long-lost half-brother of Shawn Hunter (Rider Strong) in Boy Meets World. Meanwhile, Andrew made his own mark, not only on Brotherly Love but also as the voice behind T.J. Detweiler in the beloved animated series Recess.
A New Chapter: The Brotherly Love Podcast
Despite their individual successes, the Lawrence brothers have remained incredibly close, and in 2023, they launched their very own podcast—aptly titled Brotherly Love. The podcast gives them a platform to discuss their careers, personal lives, and pop culture, all while reminiscing about their experiences growing up in the industry.
Andrew shared his excitement about the podcast in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, saying, “The reason why I was so excited about this podcast is because it was an excuse for me to sit around a table and talk with my brothers and get to hang out with them. It’s something I really enjoy in life.”
As they continue to connect with fans and share their journey, the Lawrence brothers prove that family and legacy are at the heart of everything they do. And while they might be stuck with their stage name, one thing is certain—they wouldn’t trade their bond for anything.
For fans eager to catch a glimpse of them in action, 90s Con is running through Sunday, March 30, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, promising even more nostalgia and unforgettable moments!
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