Cheryl Burke Files for Divorce from Matthew Lawrence: Ending a Chapter After Three Years of Marriage

In a development that has sent ripples through the entertainment world, professional dancer Cheryl Burke has officially filed for divorce from actor Matthew Lawrence. The news, confirmed by documents obtained by HollywoodLife, marks the end of their journey together, colloquially referred to as their “last waltz” by fans and media alike. The filing took place in Los Angeles on Friday, February 18, bringing to light the formal separation of the couple who had been married since May 2019. This separation, which legally began on January 7, 2022, underscores the challenges faced by many celebrity relationships under the intense scrutiny of the public eye. The documents also confirmed the existence of a prenuptial agreement, indicating that financial matters might be streamlined despite the emotional complexity of the split.

Throughout their nearly three-year marriage, Cheryl Burke, 37, and Matthew Lawrence, 42, did not have any children, a detail noted in the divorce proceedings. The reason cited by Cheryl in the legal paperwork was the commonly used “irreconcilable differences,” a phrase that often encapsulates a myriad of personal and fundamental incompatibilities that can arise between partners over time. Their love story, however, dates back much further than their 2019 nuptials. The couple initially crossed paths in 2006 on the vibrant set of ABC’s hit show, Dancing With The Stars. At the time, Matthew’s brother, Joey Lawrence, a familiar face from the iconic Boy Meets World series, was competing as a contestant. This initial encounter blossomed into a romance that saw them dating from February 2007 until their first breakup in 2008, after about a year together.

After nearly a decade apart, fate intervened, and Cheryl and Matthew rekindled their romance in 2017. This second chance at love captivated their fans, who were hopeful for a lasting union. Their renewed commitment to each other was solidified when Matthew proposed in May 2018, coinciding with Cheryl’s birthday, making the occasion doubly special. Their wedding followed swiftly in May 2019, a beautiful ceremony that marked the beginning of what many believed would be a lifelong partnership. Unfortunately, like many high-profile relationships, theirs faced unique challenges inherent to the demands of their respective careers – a professional dancer and an actor – leading to the recent announcement of their separation and subsequent divorce filing.

Matthew Lawrence is widely recognized for his roles across film and television, including his memorable performance as Chris Hillard in the beloved 1993 film Mrs. Doubtfire, where he starred alongside the late Robin Williams. His career, spanning several decades since his youth, has cemented his status as a beloved actor, often associated with nostalgic roles from the 90s. Meanwhile, Cheryl Burke remains a pivotal and enduring figure on Dancing With The Stars, a show where she has enjoyed immense success and become a household name. Despite the personal upheaval of her divorce, fans are eagerly anticipating her potential return for Season 31 of DWTS, hoping to see the veteran pro continue to grace the ballroom with her unparalleled skill and charisma. Her dedication to the show has been unwavering, even in the face of significant personal and professional obstacles that she has publicly shared.

The previous season, Season 30 of DWTS, showcased Cheryl’s enduring talent and remarkable resilience. Partnered with Peloton fitness instructor Cody Rigsby, 34, she achieved an impressive third-place finish, a testament to their hard work and chemistry. This achievement was particularly noteworthy given the intense challenges they faced during the competition. The season was fraught with difficulties, not least when Cheryl tested positive for COVID-19 just ahead of a crucial September episode. This unexpected diagnosis forced her and Cody to perform remotely from their individual isolation, a testament to their commitment and the show’s adaptability during the pandemic. Cheryl openly shared her distress at the time, stating, “I feel so bad for Cody. I feel like I’m letting him down. I just feel like s**t, to be quite honest. And it’s so overwhelming because it’s Sunday, and the show’s tomorrow.” Her candidness resonated with many viewers, highlighting the emotional toll of such a demanding competition coupled with health setbacks.

Cheryl’s journey through Season 30 further exemplified her tenacity, navigating not only the physical demands of professional dancing but also the emotional and logistical hurdles presented by the global pandemic. Her ability to push through adversity and still deliver stellar performances with Cody Rigsby solidified her reputation as one of the show’s most dedicated and beloved pros. Her partnership with Cody was memorable for its blend of humor, genuine connection, and impressive dance routines, demonstrating her versatility as a choreographer and mentor. The duo’s consistent improvement and palpable chemistry on the dance floor kept them as strong contenders throughout the season, earning them a well-deserved spot in the finals and ultimately securing third place against tough competition. Their resilience in adapting to remote performances and the unpredictability of the season truly captured the spirit of the show.

Prior to her success in Season 30, Cheryl Burke also endured a particularly challenging Season 29 in 2020. This season was notably filmed during the global height of the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring the entire cast and crew to adhere to strict health and safety protocols, including regular testing and social distancing, to mitigate the spread of the virus. The environment was intense, with constant vigilance needed to ensure everyone’s well-being and the show’s continuity. Adding to these unprecedented circumstances, Cheryl faced a terrifying head injury during a rehearsal in October 2020 while practicing a routine with her partner, Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean. The incident, involving a fall during a lift, was alarming, but thankfully, after receiving medical clearance, she was able to return to the dance floor and continue her commitment to the competition. Such incidents highlight the physical risks and immense pressures inherent in competitive ballroom dancing, especially under the added stress of a global health crisis.

Cheryl Burke’s long-standing tenure on Dancing With The Stars, which commenced in Season 2, has seen her win two coveted Mirrorball trophies with celebrity partners Drew Lachey and Emmitt Smith, and become an indispensable part of the show’s legacy. Her dedication to her craft and her exceptional ability to mentor celebrity partners, often transforming them into genuine dancers regardless of their initial skill level, has earned her immense respect from both peers and fans. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the ballroom, Cheryl has also been refreshingly open about her personal struggles, including her journey with sobriety and mental health, adding another layer of depth and relatability to her public persona. These experiences, combined with the public nature of her relationship and subsequent divorce from Matthew Lawrence, underscore the complex realities faced by public figures in navigating their personal lives while maintaining demanding professional careers.

As Cheryl Burke steps into this new chapter of her life, fans and colleagues alike will be watching to see how she continues to evolve, both personally and professionally. Her resilience and unwavering determination, demonstrated through various challenges on and off the dance floor, suggest a future filled with continued success and perhaps new opportunities in or outside of the dance world. Similarly, Matthew Lawrence, with his established acting career and recent foray into podcasting with his brothers, is expected to continue pursuing projects that resonate with his audience. The end of their marriage, while certainly a difficult and emotional moment for both individuals, marks a significant turning point that will undoubtedly shape their individual paths moving forward. The public remains hopeful for their well-being and future endeavors, recognizing the courage it takes to navigate such significant life changes under the constant glare of media attention and public scrutiny.