Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Lawrence Brothers Publicly Share Family’s True Surname
Fans of the Lawrence brothers – Joey, Matthew, and Andrew – were recently taken aback when the trio disclosed their actual surname. The actors, known mononymously as the Lawrence brothers, revealed their birth name during a panel appearance, shedding light on a long-held family secret regarding their stage names.
Stage Name Origins: Why “Lawrence”?
During a recent appearance at 90s Con, Joey, 48, Matthew, 45, and Andrew, 37, whose legal surname is Mignogna, explained the rationale behind adopting “Lawrence” as their professional name during their ascent to stardom as young performers. Joey, born Joseph Lawrence Mignogna, stated, “It was my middle name.” He elaborated, “I was named after my father and paternal grandfather. In the early 1980s, the perception was that ‘Mignogna’ was difficult to pronounce and not readily recognizable.”
The former “Blossom” star noted a shift in cultural attitudes, adding, “Today, such names are embraced.” However, he recounted the prevailing sentiment in the 1980s, stating, “It was suggested we simplify it, as the name contains silent ‘G’s.” Joey clarified, “Our last name, Mignogna, is spelled similarly to filet mignon. Consequently, the decision was made: ‘Let’s call him Joey Lawrence.’ And that’s precisely what transpired.”
Parental Insight: “Insulation Factor” of Stage Name
Joey posited that it “made sense” for Matthew and Andrew to adopt their brother’s assumed surname as they pursued acting careers in Hollywood. Matthew offered additional insight, suggesting their parents, Joseph and Donna Mignogna, astutely recognized the protective advantage of using a different last name, “I believe my parents, wisely, understood there was a degree of privacy afforded by this, particularly before the internet era, allowing a form of anonymity at school,” Matthew commented.
He further explained, “While determined individuals might investigate through conventional methods, it would have been considerably more challenging to locate us. This proved to be beneficial.”
Second Thoughts: Reflecting on the Name Change
Despite the initial perceived advantages, the brothers collectively expressed regret over not using Mignogna as their professional surname. Andrew stated, “It would have simplified matters.” He added, “Frankly, maintaining two identities is cumbersome. One must consistently prove they are the same person across both names.”
Matthew recounted personal difficulties stemming from the name alteration, “Now, I am burdened with two different names, which creates obstacles for international travel.” He elaborated, “For a period, government agencies solely recognized me as Matt Lawrence because my tax records from childhood to adulthood were under that name.”
“However, my actual name is Matthew William Mignogna,” Matthew clarified. “Thus, upon reaching adulthood and using my legal name on my passport, no connection was recognized. In effect, legally, I did not exist.”
Early Careers: From Commercials to Sitcom Stardom
Joey Lawrence’s career commenced at age 5 in 1981 with a Cracker Jack commercial appearance. His breakthrough role arrived with the hit NBC sitcom “Gimme a Break!” (1983-1987). Joey achieved teen idol status in the 1990s for his portrayal of Joey Russo in the popular NBC series “Blossom,” starring alongside Mayim Bialik.
Matthew Lawrence began acting at age 3, securing a role in the soap opera “Dynasty.” He gained prominence in the 1990s with roles in numerous television programs and films, notably portraying Chris Hillard in “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993) and Jack Hunter in “Boy Meets World.”
Andrew Lawrence entered the entertainment industry at age 3, portraying a younger version of Joey in “Blossom.” He later became known for voicing T.J. Detweiler in the animated sitcom “Recess” throughout the 1990s and in subsequent “Recess” films.
“Brotherly Love” and Beyond
Joey, Matthew, and Andrew Lawrence co-starred in the sitcom “Brotherly Love” as the Roman brothers for two seasons (1995-1997). Currently, the trio hosts the “Brotherly Love Podcast,” launched in 2023, further extending their collaborative ventures.