Matthew Lawrence Breaks Silence on Divorce from Cheryl Burke as His 'Life Is in Bloom'

Kelly Wynne
·2 min read
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Matthew Lawrence is opening up about his divorce from Cheryl Burke.

The Boy Meets World alum spoke on his split from the Dancing with the Stars alum for the first time, admitting, "It tested me."

"And I learned so much about myself, and I'm so thankful and blessed for the opportunity to grow and that's what came out of it," he told Entertainment Tonight.

Lawrence, 43, added on his Brotherly Love podcast: "I ended up getting involved with people that I was trying to please. It never frickin' works."

RELATED: Cheryl Burke Says She's 'Not in a Rush' to Date Again After Matthew Lawrence Divorce

Matthew Lawrence and Cheryl Burke
Matthew Lawrence and Cheryl Burke

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

Lawrence and Burke, 38, tied the knot in 2019 and finalized their divorce in 2022. The pro dancer has been vocal about life after the split while Lawrence remained tight-lipped. "This is really opening up my life, which I feel like comes natural, but I also have to be okay to open up my heart," she told PEOPLE after the split.

"This is a really trying time for me right now in my life, and I think naturally what I tend to do is I tend to build a wall. And I am not attainable in that sense, but I think this is part of my work, is to let that guard down regardless of feelings and being able to be okay with that."

RELATED: Cheryl Burke Wins Custody of Dog in Matthew Lawrence Divorce: '2023, We're Off to a Great Start!'

Cheryl Burke and Matthew Lawrence
Cheryl Burke and Matthew Lawrence

David Livingston/FilmMagic, Jim Smeal/Shutterstock Cheryl Burke; Matthew Lawrence

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The pair were also intended to head to trial over their shared dog, Ysabella. Burke officially won custody of the pooch in January.

Though Burke appears to be single, Lawrence has moved on. He's been linked to TLC's Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas since January.

Cheryl Burke and Matthew Lawrence attend the RIDE Foundation's 2nd Annual Dance For Freedon at gala The Broad Stage on September 29, 2018 in Santa Monica, California.
Cheryl Burke and Matthew Lawrence attend the RIDE Foundation's 2nd Annual Dance For Freedon at gala The Broad Stage on September 29, 2018 in Santa Monica, California.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

"Life is always a surprise," Lawrence told ET of his relationship with the musician. "My life is in a complete bloom right now. I get to spend time with an amazing woman like Chilli. I've never gotten to be able to experience that kind of relationship before, so it's quite special. She's a really, really special human being. I wish more people on the planet were like her. We'd be much better off."