From Ballroom To Breakup: 5 Shocking Details About Matthew Lawrence And Cheryl Burke's Split And Their Surprising New Lives

The whirlwind romance between actor Matthew Lawrence and professional dancer Cheryl Burke was a true Hollywood second-chance love story, but their 2022 divorce marked a painful, public ending. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the former couple has embarked on dramatically different, and equally surprising, new life chapters that continue to capture the public's curiosity. While Lawrence has found a high-profile, unexpected romance, Burke is focusing on an intense journey of personal healing and self-discovery, leading to candid revelations about their marriage and the reasons behind their split.

The separation, which was finalized in September 2022, has been followed by two years of profound change for both stars. For fans who followed their on-again, off-again relationship that began on the set of Dancing with the Stars, the current updates—from a new celebrity girlfriend to a commitment to celibacy—offer a fascinating, fresh look at life after a high-stakes Hollywood divorce.

Complete Profile: Matthew Lawrence & Cheryl Burke

Here is a detailed biographical snapshot of the two celebrities whose lives converged and then dramatically diverged.

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• Matthew Lawrence (Actor, Singer, Podcaster)
  • Full Name: Matthew William Lawrence (also known as Matt W. Lawrence)
  • Born: February 11, 1980 (Age 45 as of 2025)
  • Birthplace: Abington Township, Pennsylvania, U.S.
  • Family: Brother of actors Joey Lawrence and Andrew Lawrence.
  • Career Highlights:
    • Child star roles in Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) and Gimme a Break! (1987-1988).
    • Best known for playing Jack Hunter on the ABC sitcom Boy Meets World (1997–2000).
    • Starred alongside his brothers in the sitcom Brotherly Love (1995–1997).
    • Other film credits include The Hot Chick (2002).
  • Marital Status: Divorced from Cheryl Burke (m. 2019; div. 2022). Currently dating Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas.
• Cheryl Burke (Professional Dancer, Host, Entrepreneur)
  • Full Name: Cheryl Stephanie Burke (Born Stephanie Burke)
  • Born: May 3, 1984 (Age 40 as of 2025)
  • Birthplace: San Mateo, California, U.S.
  • Career Highlights:
    • Two-time champion of the ABC reality competition series Dancing with the Stars (DWTS).
    • Appeared in 26 seasons of DWTS, making her one of the longest-running professional dancers.
    • Emmy-nominated professional dancer and choreographer.
    • Co-founder of the "Better U" foundation.
    • Opened her own dance studio, Cheryl Burke Dance, in 2008.
  • Marital Status: Divorced from Matthew Lawrence (m. 2019; div. 2022). Currently single and celibate.

The Matthew Lawrence and Cheryl Burke Relationship Timeline: A Second Chance That Failed

The couple's relationship was characterized by two distinct phases, making their eventual divorce even more poignant. Their first meeting was in 2006, when Matthew's brother, Joey Lawrence, was a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, where Cheryl was a pro dancer.

• 2006–2008: The First Chapter. Matthew and Cheryl began dating shortly after meeting. Their initial romance lasted about a year, and they split in February 2008. Burke later called this split one of her biggest regrets.
• 2017: The Reunion. Nearly a decade later, the couple reconnected and started dating again. Burke spoke openly about getting a second chance at love, which she attributed to fate.
• 2018: The Engagement. Lawrence proposed to Burke on her 34th birthday with a stunning ring.
• May 2019: The Marriage. The couple married in a beautiful ceremony in San Diego, California.
• February 2022: Divorce Filing. Burke filed for divorce after less than three years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences.
• September 2022: Divorce Finalized. The divorce was officially finalized, marking the end of their second chance.

The official documents cited irreconcilable differences, but Burke later revealed the split was due to a combination of factors, including growing apart, different priorities, and life goals. She also admitted that finances played a role in the breakdown of the marriage.

Matthew Lawrence's New Chapter: A Surprising Romance with TLC's Chilli

While the ink was still drying on his divorce papers, Matthew Lawrence began an unexpected and high-profile relationship. Since late 2022, Lawrence has been dating Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, a member of the iconic R&B girl group TLC.

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Their relationship quickly became serious, with the two stars ringing in 2025 together in New York City's Times Square. Chilli has publicly stated that Lawrence is "The One," expressing her deep love and commitment to the actor. The couple, who have a significant age difference (Chilli is 53, Matthew is 45 as of 2025), have become one of Hollywood's most talked-about duos, often sharing affectionate photos and updates with their fans.

This new romance demonstrates a clear intention from Matthew Lawrence to move forward quickly after the dissolution of his marriage to Burke, embracing a new life with a partner who is also a well-known figure from the '90s entertainment landscape.

Cheryl Burke's Post-Divorce Journey: Celibacy, Healing, and Codependency

In stark contrast to her ex-husband, Cheryl Burke has chosen a path of intense introspection and personal development. The former DWTS pro has been incredibly candid about her life after divorce, revealing that she is embracing single life and has committed to celibacy.

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Burke's decision to remain celibate and not date is rooted in a desire to heal from past trauma and break a cycle of codependency she recognized in her previous relationships, including her marriage to Lawrence. She is prioritizing self-love, personal growth, and independence, using this time to truly get to know herself outside of a romantic partnership. Burke has spoken openly on her podcast, Sex, Lies, & Spray Tans, about the complexities of her journey, including admitting that she and Lawrence grew apart due to different priorities and life goals.

Her focus on mental health, sobriety, and breaking generational patterns of abuse and codependency has resonated with many fans, showcasing her evolution from a professional dancer to a motivational speaker and advocate for mental wellness. This period of celibacy is a deliberate choice to ensure her next relationship, whenever it may be, is built on a foundation of true self-sufficiency, not need.

Key Takeaways: The Unconventional Aftermath

The story of Matthew Lawrence and Cheryl Burke serves as a modern example of how celebrity couples navigate a public divorce. The key takeaways from their post-split lives are:

• Different Speeds of Moving On: Lawrence quickly found a new, serious partner in TLC's Chilli, while Burke chose a period of intense, solitary healing.
• Candid Divorce Reasons: Burke's openness about the split being about more than just "irreconcilable differences"—including growing apart and financial issues—provides a more nuanced look at the end of their marriage.
• Focus on Mental Wellness: Burke's commitment to celibacy and addressing her codependency issues highlights a growing trend of celebrities prioritizing mental health over immediate rebound relationships.
• Topical Authority Entities: The narrative is enriched by the involvement of other major entities like Boy Meets World, Dancing with the Stars, and the R&B group TLC, connecting their personal lives to a broader pop culture landscape.

As Matthew Lawrence and Chilli continue to build their relationship, and Cheryl Burke continues her journey of self-love and independence, both stars are proving that the end of one chapter is simply the beginning of a fresh, albeit unconventional, new story.