Joey Lawrence Reveals That's Not His Real Name: Reflection on Fame
Joey, Matthew, and Andrew Lawrence recently shared insights into their lives at 90s Con. The event took place in Hartford, Connecticut, on March 28, 2025. During the panel, they discussed their last name choice and expressed a longing to revert to their original name, PEOPLE reported.
Joey, who is legally named Joseph Lawrence Mignogna, shared, "It was my middle name." He was named after his father and grandfather. At 48, Joey recounted that when he began acting in the early '80s, he faced hurdles. "No one can pronounce Mignogna. That’s not a name people say," he noted.
"Today, things like that are celebrated," Joey offered. "In the '80s, we were told to water this down. There are silent Gs."
As a result, Joey adopted his middle name, Lawrence. When Matthew, 45, and Andrew, 37, entered show business, they followed suit. Matthew recognized this decision brought some advantages. "There was an insulation factor," he remarked. "It made finding us more difficult." However, he lamented, "Now I have two names and can’t travel internationally."
All three brothers admitted any wish to revert to their original surname for simplicity. "It would have made it easier," said Andrew. "It’s really a pain having two names. You need to prove you’re both people." Matthew agreed, noting, "The government recognized me as Matt Lawrence due to my taxes as a child."
Matthew explained the confusion caused by his legal name. "My real name is Matthew William Mignogna. Using my real name on my passport made me virtually invisible."
From 1995 to 1997, the brothers starred as Roman siblings in the show "Brotherly Love," alongside Liz Vassey and Melinda Culea.
Joey gained fame for his role in the '90s hit "Blossom," and even voiced characters in major films. Matthew gained attention from the film "Mrs. Doubtfire" and appeared on "Boy Meets World." Andrew, born in the industry with "Brotherly Love," voiced T.J. Detweiler in the popular cartoon "Recess."
Launching a podcast in 2023, also titled "Brotherly Love," Andrew highlighted its significance. "It was an excuse to sit around and talk with my brothers," he shared. "It’s something I truly enjoy."
90s Con runs until March 30, featuring various nostalgia-filled activities and discussions in Hartford.
Earlier, SSP wrote that Maren Morris discussed how her son Hayes influenced her music.