5 Surprising Ways Matthew Lawrence And Cheryl Burke Have Completely Transformed Their Lives After Divorce
The highly-publicized divorce of actor Matthew Lawrence and professional dancer Cheryl Burke has evolved from a painful ending into two entirely new beginnings, with both celebrities charting dramatically different paths in their post-marital lives. As of December 2025, the former couple, who finalized their split in 2022, is focusing on personal growth, new relationships, and career ventures that showcase a complete transformation from their time together. Their journey—from a second-chance romance to an amicable separation and the resolution of a highly-contested pet custody battle—offers a candid look into how two stars rebuild their identities after a high-profile marriage ends.
The latest updates reveal Matthew Lawrence is deeply committed to a new, "very healthy" relationship, while Cheryl Burke has embraced a period of celibacy and radical self-healing, prioritizing mental health and independence over dating. The contrast in their current situations highlights the unique and often unpredictable ways celebrities navigate life after a major split. We dive into the five most surprising developments in their lives, including Matthew’s new reality TV show and Cheryl’s empowering reason for choosing celibacy.
Matthew Lawrence and Cheryl Burke: Complete Biographical Profiles
Before their on-again, off-again romance led to a 2019 marriage and a 2022 divorce, Matthew Lawrence and Cheryl Burke were established figures in their respective fields of acting and professional dancing. Understanding their individual careers provides context for their current, separate evolutions.
Matthew Lawrence (Actor, Podcaster)
- Full Name: Matthew William Lawrence
- Date of Birth: February 11, 1980
- Occupation: Actor, podcaster, and singer.
- Career Highlights: Matthew Lawrence is widely recognized as a 90s heartthrob, known for his roles in major film and television productions.
- Film: Played Chris Hillard in the iconic comedy *Mrs. Doubtfire* (1993).
- Television: Starred as Jack Hunter on the popular ABC series *Boy Meets World* (1997–2000).
- Television: Appeared alongside his real-life brothers, Joey and Andrew Lawrence, in the sitcom *Brotherly Love*.
Cheryl Burke (Professional Dancer, TV Host)
- Full Name: Cheryl Stephanie Burke
- Date of Birth: May 3, 1984
- Occupation: Professional dancer, model, television host, and entrepreneur.
- Career Highlights: Cheryl Burke is a celebrated figure in the world of ballroom dancing and reality television.
- Dancing with the Stars (DWTS): She is best known for her long tenure as a professional partner on ABC's *Dancing with the Stars*.
- Championships: Burke was the first professional dancer on *DWTS* to win the competition twice consecutively, taking home the Mirrorball Trophy with celebrity partners Drew Lachey (Season 2) and Emmitt Smith (Season 3).
- Accolades: She is an Emmy-nominated professional dancer with over 25 years of dancing experience.
The Second Chance That Failed: A Relationship Timeline and Divorce Details
Matthew Lawrence and Cheryl Burke’s relationship was defined by a significant break and a seemingly successful reconciliation, making their eventual divorce a major surprise to fans and the media. The couple first met in 2006 when Matthew's brother, Joey Lawrence, was a contestant on *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS).
The On-Again, Off-Again Romance
Their initial romance was brief, lasting from January 2007 to February 2008, before they called it quits. They reconnected nearly a decade later and began dating again in 2017, viewing it as a second chance at love. The couple became engaged in 2018 and married in May 2019 in San Diego, California.
However, the marriage was short-lived. Cheryl Burke filed for divorce in February 2022, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was officially finalized later that year.
The Pet Custody Battle
One of the most emotionally charged aspects of their separation was the custody of their shared dog, an Australian shepherd named Ysabella. The legal battle over the beloved pet was resolved in January 2023, though the specific terms were not widely publicized.
Matthew Lawrence and Cheryl Burke: 5 Surprising Post-Divorce Transformations (2025 Update)
The former couple has moved on in radically different, yet equally compelling, ways. Their current lives are a testament to finding happiness and stability after a high-profile marriage ends.
1. Matthew Lawrence Finds "Very Healthy" Love with TLC Icon Chilli
Matthew Lawrence's most significant post-divorce development is his relationship with Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, a member of the iconic R&B group TLC. The couple has been together for almost three years and frequently shares glimpses of their connection on social media, with Matthew describing their bond as "very healthy."
The pair was seen ringing in 2025 together in New York City's Times Square, sharing a kiss and confirming they are still going strong. Their relationship has been a topic of public interest, with fans celebrating the unexpected coupling of the 90s heartthrob and the music legend.
2. Matthew and Chilli Debut a New Reality TV Show
Taking their romance to the small screen, Matthew Lawrence and Chilli are set to star in a new reality TV dating show called *Second Chance Love*. The series is scheduled to debut in January 2025, suggesting the couple is ready to share their relationship dynamics, including how they maintain a peaceful, non-combative partnership, with the world.
3. Cheryl Burke Embraces Celibacy and Self-Love
In stark contrast to her ex-husband’s new public romance, Cheryl Burke has made the personal and empowering choice to remain single and celibate. She has openly discussed her decision, stating that she is "not dating and choosing not to date."
Burke explained that this period is crucial for her personal growth and healing. She is actively working on breaking a cycle of codependency and focusing on self-love after her divorce trauma. This commitment to self-improvement and emotional independence is a core theme of her current life.
4. Burke Prioritizes Mental Health and Trauma Healing
Cheryl Burke has been candid about using her celibacy as a tool for deeper healing from past trauma. She views her single status not as a restriction but as an empowering choice to prioritize her mental health and emotional well-being. This focus on self-healing and personal growth has resonated deeply with her fanbase, who see her transparency as a source of inspiration.
5. The Former Spouses Maintain Public Silence and Focus on Separate Futures
Since the finalization of the divorce and the resolution of the pet custody matter, both Matthew Lawrence and Cheryl Burke have maintained a respectful public silence regarding the details of their split. This mutual decision to focus on their separate, evolving futures—Matthew with his new partner and reality show, and Cheryl with her journey of celibacy and self-discovery—marks a mature chapter in their post-divorce lives. The lack of ongoing public drama allows both celebrities to redefine their careers and personal identities on their own terms.
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