Joey Lawrence, the quintessential 90s heartthrob, is currently experiencing one of the most dynamic periods of his life, both personally and professionally. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the actor, musician, and producer is making headlines for expanding his family while simultaneously launching major new television and film projects. This deep dive captures the freshest updates on the star who first captured the world’s attention with a simple, iconic catchphrase.
The star, known for his roles in Blossom and Melissa & Joey, has successfully navigated a decades-long career, transitioning from a teen idol to a versatile family man and producer. From a highly anticipated new TV series alongside his famous brothers to welcoming another child, Lawrence is proving that his career is anything but a relic of the past, continuously evolving and generating new excitement for his loyal fanbase.
Joey Lawrence: A Complete Biography and Profile
Joseph Lawrence Mignogna III, known professionally as Joey Lawrence, is an American actor, musician, and television personality. Born into a show business family, he and his younger brothers, Matthew and Andrew Lawrence, became one of the most famous sibling trios of the 1990s and 2000s.
- Full Name: Joseph Lawrence Mignogna III
- Born: April 20, 1976
- Age: 49 (as of late 2025)
- Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
- Spouses:
- Michelle Vella (m. 2002; div. 2005)
- Chandie Yawn-Nelson (m. 2005; div. 2022)
- Samantha Cope (m. 2022)
- Children: Three daughters (soon to be four children total)
- Dylan Lawrence (with Chandie Yawn-Nelson)
- Liberty Grace Lawrence (with Chandie Yawn-Nelson)
- Charleston "Charli" Lawrence (with Samantha Cope)
- Known For: Joey Russo on Blossom, Joe Longo on Melissa & Joey, and Joe Roman on Brotherly Love.
- Music Career: Released the hit song "Nothin' My Love Can't Fix" in 1993.
Lawrence’s career began in the early 1980s, but he achieved global fame as the dim-witted but charming Joey Russo on the NBC sitcom Blossom from 1991 to 1995. He later starred with his brothers in the series Brotherly Love and, more recently, co-starred with Melissa Joan Hart in the ABC Family/Freeform sitcom Melissa & Joey from 2010 to 2015. His ability to move seamlessly between comedy, drama, and music has cemented his status as a lasting figure in Hollywood.
The Lawrence Family is Growing: Expecting Baby No. 4
One of the most significant and recent pieces of news surrounding Joey Lawrence is the announcement that he and his wife, actress Samantha Cope, are expecting their second child together, which will be his fourth child overall. The couple, who met on the set of the 2021 Lifetime movie My Husband's Secret Brother, tied the knot in May 2022.
They welcomed their first daughter, Charleston "Charli" Lawrence, in 2023. The news of a second pregnancy with Cope comes just over a year after Charli's birth, signaling a new chapter of domestic bliss for the star. Lawrence also has two older daughters, Dylan and Liberty Grace, from his previous marriage to Chandie Yawn-Nelson. This expansion of the Lawrence family is a major topic of discussion among fans, highlighting Lawrence's current focus on fatherhood and family life.
The actor has been open about the challenges and rewards of a blended family, recently reflecting on his past relationships and personal growth. He has acknowledged making "terrible mistakes" in his previous marriage, indicating a period of deep self-reflection and personal evolution that has informed his current, happy relationship with Samantha Cope. This level of candor has resonated with fans who appreciate his honesty about the complexities of life and love in the public eye.
The Anticipated 'Lawrence House' TV Project and New Films
While his personal life is thriving, Joey Lawrence’s career is also hitting a new peak with several exciting projects in the pipeline for 2024 and 2025. The most talked-about development is the potential television series, 'Lawrence House,' which he is developing with his brothers, Matthew and Andrew.
The three brothers, who famously co-starred in the sitcom Brotherly Love (1995–1997), have been teasing details of this new venture at fan conventions like 90s Con. While concrete plot details remain under wraps, the project is expected to capitalize on the brothers' undeniable chemistry and nostalgic appeal. The "Lawrence House" title itself suggests a return to a family-centric, multi-camera format, or perhaps a more modern take on a family ensemble show, which would be a major draw for fans who grew up watching their original work.
Beyond the TV project, Joey Lawrence has been busy in the holiday movie circuit, a genre that has seen a massive resurgence in recent years. His recent filmography includes several made-for-TV movies and independent features, demonstrating his continued commitment to acting.
- Recent & Upcoming Film Projects:
- Marry Christmas (2024): A recent addition to the holiday romance genre.
- The Great Christmas Snow-In (2025): Another upcoming holiday-themed romantic movie that has fans excited for the festive season.
- Frankie Meets Jack (2023): A romantic comedy co-starring his wife, Samantha Cope.
- Pardoned by Grace (2022) & Money Plane (2020): Recent roles showcasing his versatility in drama and action.
These projects illustrate that Lawrence is actively seeking diverse roles and is successfully transitioning into a new phase of his career, balancing nostalgic fan service with fresh, contemporary content.
The Mignogna Revelation: Regret Over a Fake Last Name
A fascinating recent revelation that adds a layer of depth to the Lawrence brothers' public persona involves their stage name. During a recent public appearance, Joey, Matthew, and Andrew admitted to regretting the decision to drop their original, Italian surname, Mignogna, in favor of the simpler "Lawrence." Their father, Joseph Lawrence Mignogna Jr., was an opera singer, and the family's heritage is deeply rooted in their full name.
The decision to use "Lawrence" was made early in their careers, likely for ease of pronunciation and marketability in the entertainment industry. However, the brothers’ recent admission of regret over this choice speaks to a desire to reconnect with their heritage and perhaps a sign of maturity and reflection on their journey. This entity, Mignogna, is a crucial piece of their true identity and a new detail that fans are only now fully grasping.
This candid discussion about their name—and the subsequent public interest—is a testament to the enduring curiosity surrounding the Lawrence brothers. It underscores their unique position in pop culture: a trio of siblings who grew up in the spotlight and are now navigating adulthood, fatherhood, and a new wave of career success while reflecting on the choices that shaped their lives.
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