Matthew Lawrence
A familiar face from beloved 90s sitcoms and films, he grew up on screen alongside his brothers and became a staple of family entertainment.
Born 1980 (age 46)·American actor and singer·Birthday: February 11·Generation X
Biography
Matthew Lawrence's career began almost as soon as he could walk, landing commercial work as a toddler before stepping into the wider spotlight. He, alongside his brothers Joey and Andrew, became part of a recognizable family brand in Hollywood, starring together in the series 'Brotherly Love.' For a generation, however, Lawrence is best remembered for his grounded, every-kid roles in cultural touchstones. He was the earnest older brother in 'Mrs. Doubtfire' and the charming, sometimes troubled Jason on 'Boy Meets World,' providing a relatable anchor in fantastical comedic worlds. His career evolved from child actor to adult roles in films like 'The Hot Chick' and voice work for Studio Ghibli, demonstrating a durable flexibility. While stepping back from frequent on-camera work, he remains a connected figure in the industry, co-hosting a podcast with his brother and representing a specific, warm era of American television.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Matthew was born in 1980, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Matthew Was Born
The biggest hits of 1980
#1 Movie
The Empire Strikes Back
Best Picture
Ordinary People
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Matthew's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1980Born
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1985Started school
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1993Became a teenager
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1996Could drive
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1998Could vote
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Turned 21
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2010Turned 30
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2020Turned 40
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 46 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as Matt Roman in the popular ABC sitcom 'Boy Meets World' for multiple seasons.
- Played a key supporting role as Chris Hillard in the iconic Robin Williams film 'Mrs. Doubtfire'.
- Co-starred with his real-life brothers in the television series 'Brotherly Love,' which was built around their family dynamic.
- Provided the English voice for Tombo in the Disney release of Hayao Miyazaki's animated film 'Kiki's Delivery Service'.
Did You Know?
He is the middle brother of actors Joey and Andrew Lawrence.
He was married to actress Cheryl Burke from 2019 to 2022.
He and his brothers all voiced characters in the Disney animated series 'Johnny Tsunami'.
He initially auditioned for the role of Alan Matthews on 'Boy Meets World,' a part that eventually went to William Russ.
“You learn to treat the set like a job, even when you're playing a kid.”
