From Divorce Filing To Baby Boy: A Deep Dive Into Joey Lawrence’s Three Marriages And Current Wife, Samantha Cope

The tumultuous and often private personal life of actor Joey Lawrence has once again become a major talking point, especially following a dramatic period of a divorce filing, a subsequent reconciliation, and a joyous new baby announcement. As of December 2025, the Brotherly Love and Melissa & Joey star is firmly back with his third wife, actress Samantha Cope, with the couple recently revealing the gender of their second child together, confirming their relationship is stronger than ever after navigating significant challenges. The most current and compelling chapter of the star's life revolves entirely around his marriage to Samantha, a relationship that began on a movie set and has quickly become a whirlwind of romance, separation, and renewed commitment.

The journey to his current marital happiness has been a complex one, spanning three marriages over two decades. Fans and followers are keen to understand the full context of his relationship history, from his first wife, Michelle Vella, to his long marriage with Chandie Yawn-Nelson, and the high-stakes, headline-making union with Samantha Cope. This deep dive explores the full timeline of Joey Lawrence's wives and puts a spotlight on the woman who is currently by his side.

Joey Lawrence: A Complete Marital and Career Biography

Joey Lawrence, full name Joseph Lawrence Mignogna Jr., has been a fixture in Hollywood since childhood. His career spans television, film, and music, making him one of the most recognizable faces from 90s pop culture.

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• Full Name: Joseph Lawrence Mignogna Jr.
• Date of Birth: April 20, 1976
• Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
• Career: Actor, Singer, Game Show Host, Producer
• Notable Roles: Joey Russo in Blossom, Joe Roman in Brotherly Love (alongside his real-life brothers Matthew and Andrew Lawrence), Joe Longo in Melissa & Joey.
• Music Career: Released his self-titled debut album in 1993, featuring the hit single "Nothin' My Love Can't Fix."
• Reality TV: Competed on Dancing with the Stars (Season 3) and Celebrity Big Brother (Season 2).

Joey Lawrence's Three Marriages Timeline

Lawrence has been married three times, with each union marking a distinct phase in his adult life.

1. Michelle Vella (2002–2005)

• Marriage Date: 2002
• Divorce Date: 2005
• Context: This was Joey Lawrence's first marriage. The union was relatively short-lived, concluding after three years. The couple did not have any children together.

2. Chandie Yawn-Nelson (2005–2022)

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• Marriage Date: 2005
• Divorce Date: 2022 (Filed in 2020, finalized in 2022)
• Context: Joey and Chandie met as teenagers on a trip to Disney World, though they reconnected years later. This was his longest marriage, lasting nearly 15 years before the filing. They share two daughters: Charleston "Charli" Lawrence and Liberty Grace Lawrence. The divorce was finalized in 2022, shortly before his third marriage.

3. Samantha Cope (2022–Present)

• Marriage Date: May 2022
• Context: The couple met while co-starring in the 2021 Lifetime movie My Husband's Secret Brother. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Dylan Rose, in January 2023. Their relationship has been the subject of the most recent headlines due to a brief separation and subsequent reconciliation.

Who Is Samantha Cope? The Actress Who Stole His Heart

Joey Lawrence's current wife, Samantha Cope, is an accomplished actress, writer, and producer in her own right. She is not just a celebrity spouse but a working professional in the entertainment industry, adding a dynamic layer to their partnership. The two share a deep connection rooted in their collaborative experience on a movie set.

Samantha Cope: Key Profile and Career Entities

Samantha Cope, who now often goes by Samantha Cope Lawrence, has built a solid career in both television and independent film. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has a background in various aspects of production, not just acting.

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• Born: May 5, 1987
• Place of Birth: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
• Profession: Actress, Writer, Producer
• How They Met: On the set of the Lifetime movie My Husband's Secret Brother (2021)
• First Child Together: Daughter, Dylan Rose Lawrence (Born January 2023)

Her filmography demonstrates her versatility, featuring roles in a mix of genres:

• Film Credits: Mac & Devin Go to High School, The Last Bid, Flowers and Honey, Mistletoe Mixup, MARRY CHRISTMAS, FRANKIE MEETS JACK, and AN ORGANIZED KILLER.
• Television Appearances: She guest-starred in the popular CBS drama NCIS in the Season 12 episode "Patience."

The Shocking Divorce Filing, Reconciliation, and New Baby Announcement

The relationship between Joey Lawrence and Samantha Cope has been anything but smooth sailing since their wedding in 2022. The most significant update in their marital status came in late 2024, creating a whirlwind of celebrity news.

In August 2024, Samantha Cope filed for divorce from Joey Lawrence, citing irreconcilable differences. The news came as a shock to fans, especially since the couple had recently welcomed their daughter, Dylan Rose. The filing suggested a potential end to the marriage after only two years.

However, the separation was short-lived. By late 2024, the couple had seemingly reconciled, choosing to work through their issues and giving their marriage a second chance.

The Latest Update: Baby Boy on the Way

The ultimate confirmation of their renewed commitment came with the announcement of a new addition to their family. Nearly one year after their reconciliation, Joey and Samantha announced they were expecting their second child together, which will be Joey's fourth child overall.

The couple made the pregnancy announcement publicly at the Dancing with the Stars 20th anniversary episode, a fitting tribute given Joey's history on the show.

In a very recent and heartwarming update, the pair revealed the gender of their new baby. On Thursday, November 27, 2025, Joey and Samantha shared a joint Instagram post confirming they are expecting a baby boy. The announcement was made with sweet family photos, celebrating their growing family during the Thanksgiving season.

This news—the filing of a divorce, the decision to reconcile, and the subsequent announcement of a baby boy—has provided a compelling narrative of commitment and perseverance. It highlights that the Melissa & Joey actor and his wife, Samantha Cope, are focused on their future as a family, putting their recent marital difficulties behind them. As they prepare to welcome their son, the Lawrence family's latest chapter is one of hope and renewed love.