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Matthew Lawrence Reflects on His Divorce from Cheryl Burke

1/3/2026, 8:11:19 PM

Overview of the Divorce

Matthew Lawrence, known for his role in "Boy Meets World," has recently opened up about his divorce from Cheryl Burke, a former professional dancer on "Dancing with the Stars." The couple, who married in 2019, finalized their split in February 2022 after nearly three years of marriage. Lawrence has expressed his reluctance to discuss the details of their breakup, emphasizing the challenges of navigating personal issues in the public eye.

Personal Reflections on Public Life

In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Lawrence reflected on the difficulties of having his private life scrutinized. He stated, “When you don’t really have control of the narrative, or if the narrative isn’t even true, you kind of just have to say, ‘Well, I’m going to have to just go on with my life.’” He acknowledged the emotional toll of public perception, noting that it is not enjoyable for anyone involved. Lawrence emphasized the importance of resilience, saying, “You just have to grow thick skin and continue on.”

Cheryl Burke's Perspective

Cheryl Burke has also shared her thoughts on the dissolution of their marriage. In various interviews, she has described the efforts they made to salvage their relationship, including attending therapy. Burke stated, “We did try. We were in therapy,” and expressed pride in her decision to walk away from the marriage without shame. She has since focused on self-discovery and healing, declaring, “I feel at peace, at ease and I’m just excited. I feel like I’ve been a reborn human being here on this planet.”

Burke has reflected on the broader implications of her divorce, noting that it coincided with significant life changes, including her departure from "Dancing with the Stars" after 26 seasons. She remarked, “It wasn’t just the divorce with my ex. It was the divorce with ‘Dancing With the Stars’ all in one year,” highlighting the emotional weight of multiple transitions occurring simultaneously.

Current Relationships and Future Endeavors

Following their split, Lawrence began dating Rozonda "Chili" Thomas from TLC in January 2023. The couple is now co-hosting Hallmark+'s new unscripted series, "Second Chance Love," which focuses on helping couples reconnect. Lawrence expressed that the show’s mission aligns with their values, stating, “It wasn’t about our relationship or doing a reality show about us.”

Burke, on the other hand, has embraced a period of celibacy, focusing on self-love and personal growth. She has publicly acknowledged the importance of prioritizing her own needs and has expressed gratitude for the lessons learned during her marriage.

Conclusion

The divorce between Matthew Lawrence and Cheryl Burke has prompted both individuals to reflect on their experiences and personal growth. While Lawrence continues to navigate life in the public eye, Burke is committed to her journey of self-discovery. Both have emphasized the importance of resilience and self-acceptance as they move forward in their respective lives.