Unmasked! 5 Shocking Clues That Proved Paparazzo On The Masked Singer Was '90s Heartthrob Matthew Lawrence

The Masked Singer is a global phenomenon built on mystery, but few celebrities have had a career as instantly recognizable—yet surprisingly private—as the star behind the Paparazzo mask. The Season 13 contestant, known for his smooth voice and nostalgic clues, kept the panel guessing with references to classic '90s sitcoms and Hollywood blockbusters. The big reveal, which occurred on the April 16, 2023, episode, confirmed the long-standing fan theories: Paparazzo was none other than beloved actor and '90s heartthrob, Matthew Lawrence.

The unmasking of Matthew Lawrence (brother of Joey and Andrew Lawrence) was a nostalgic moment for viewers, marking the first time the former child star had ever performed on a live stage. His participation and subsequent elimination in the "Lucky Six" episode provided a deep dive into his life and career, showcasing his vocal talent and setting the stage for his current projects, including a new reality show premiering soon.

Matthew Lawrence: A Brief Biography and Career Profile

Matthew William Lawrence is an American actor, singer, and podcaster widely recognized for his work alongside his famous brothers, Joey and Andrew. His career spans decades, moving from a child star to a versatile performer.

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• Full Name: Matthew William Lawrence
• Date of Birth: February 11, 1980
• Birth Place: Abington, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Profession: Actor, Podcaster, Singer
• Notable Roles: Chris Hillard in Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Jack Hunter in Boy Meets World (1997–2000), and Billy in The Hot Chick (2002).
• Family Connection: He starred with his brothers, Joey Lawrence and Andrew Lawrence, in the popular sitcom Brotherly Love (1995–1997) and several Disney Channel Original Movies like Horse Sense.
• Current Projects: Co-hosts the "Brotherly Love" podcast with his siblings and is set to co-host a new reality dating series, Second Chance Love, with his girlfriend Chilli (from the group TLC).

The Paparazzo Journey: Performances and Elimination

Paparazzo made his debut on "Lucky 13 Night" of Season 13, introducing himself with a slick, camera-lens-inspired costume that perfectly fit the show's celebrity-driven theme. His choice of songs was emotionally resonant and showcased an unexpected vocal range, surprising the judges who mostly knew him for his acting career.

His first performance was a soulful rendition of "Unpretty" by TLC, a choice that was particularly meaningful as his girlfriend, Chilli, is a member of the iconic group. Later, he performed Leonard Cohen’s classic "Hallelujah." Lawrence revealed that performing on the show was his first time ever singing on a stage, a fact that made his performances even more impressive.

Despite his heartfelt performances, Paparazzo was ultimately unmasked after being eliminated in the "Lucky Six" round. He later spoke about the experience, calling it a tribute to his career and his late co-star, Robin Williams, whom he worked with on Mrs. Doubtfire.

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The 5 Definitive Clues That Pointed to Matthew Lawrence

The clues for Paparazzo were deeply rooted in Matthew Lawrence's history as a child star, a member of the famous Lawrence brothers trio, and his most iconic roles. These five clues were the most telling indicators of the man behind the mask.

1. The 'America's Sweetheart' Prom Date Clue

One of the most specific and revealing clues was Paparazzo mentioning that he took "America's Sweetheart" to the prom. This directly links to his time on Boy Meets World, where he played Jack Hunter. Matthew Lawrence actually took his co-star, Danielle Fishel, who played Topanga Lawrence and was considered an "America's Sweetheart" of the time, to her real-life prom. This was a massive giveaway for dedicated fans of the classic '90s sitcom.

2. The 'Mrs. Doubtfire' Tribute

Paparazzo made several emotional mentions of a mentor and a father figure who had a "huge impact" on his life. After his unmasking, Matthew Lawrence confirmed he felt the presence of his late Mrs. Doubtfire co-star, Robin Williams, while he was performing. His decision to join the show was partly a way to pay tribute to the legendary actor who played his father in the iconic 1993 film.

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3. The 'Reptile Zoo' Clue

In one of the clue packages, a framed picture of reptiles was shown, with Paparazzo stating, "I have a reptile zoo. It's right in my backyard." This seemingly random clue is a fun, factual detail about Matthew Lawrence’s personal life. The actor is known to be an avid reptile enthusiast and collector, and he does, in fact, maintain a large collection of reptiles at his home.

4. The 'Dog Tale' and 'The Hot Chick' References

Two separate clues referenced his filmography beyond the major hits. The appearance of a dog was a nod to his voice role as Rusty the Dog in the 1998 movie Rusty: A Dog's Tale. The mention of "working with the greats" and a quick shot of a slot machine with three Frankenstein heads were more cryptic, but they strongly hinted at his co-stars. The "greats" include legends like Robin Williams and Jim Carrey, with whom he starred in the body-swap comedy The Hot Chick.

5. The 'Never Performed on Stage' Revelation

Paparazzo described himself as a child star who had never performed on a stage before, only on TV or movie sets. Matthew Lawrence confirmed this, explaining that his background was strictly in film and television, making The Masked Singer a completely new and terrifying experience. This personal detail provided a strong emotional anchor to the celebrity's true identity, showcasing his courage in stepping out of his comfort zone.

What Matthew Lawrence Is Doing Now (2025 Updates)

Since his time on The Masked Singer, Matthew Lawrence has been busy transitioning his career and personal life. His experience on the show gave him the confidence to pursue new avenues, including music and hosting.

The biggest update for Lawrence is his upcoming reality television project with his long-time girlfriend, Chilli, of the iconic R&B group TLC. The couple is set to co-host a new reality dating series called Second Chance Love, which is scheduled to premiere on New Year's Day on Hallmark+. This venture capitalizes on their relationship and Lawrence's newfound comfort in the spotlight, proving that his time as Paparazzo opened up new doors in the entertainment industry.

Furthermore, Matthew continues to work closely with his brothers, Joey and Andrew, on their popular "Brotherly Love" podcast, where they discuss their lives, careers, and the nostalgic stories that have cemented their status as '90s icons. Lawrence's unmasking on The Masked Singer was a memorable moment for Season 13, reminding fans of his impressive career and hinting at an exciting future in television and beyond.