Matthew Lawrence Speaks Out on Child Actors in Hollywood

Actor Matthew Lawrence, known for roles in “Boy Meets World” and “Mrs. Doubtfire,” has shared some insights about the darker side of Hollywood. He suggests that the industry’s focus on “inclusion” and “compassion” often conceals a more cutthroat reality, particularly for child actors.

During a recent episode of the “Brotherly Love Podcast,” alongside his brothers Joey and Andrew, Matthew discussed these challenges.

“They literally just throw it to the wolves and take no responsibility.”

Struggles with Fame

Lawrence pointed out that sudden fame can be particularly overwhelming for young performers, who might find success before fully understanding their identities. He emphasized the industry’s need to rethink its approach, suggesting it should “quietly stop teaching” children about the business.

Having started acting at just four years old, he mentioned that there’s a certain level of “responsibility” that the industry should bear towards its youngest talent. Both of his brothers, who also entered show business early, seemed to resonate with his observations.

Cast Aside After Use

Commenting on high-profile issues like the struggles of former child actor Tyler Chase, Lawrence positioned some blame on the industry for discarding individuals who no longer fit their mold of usefulness. He stated, “I feel like they didn’t fail. I feel like the business failed them,” highlighting the gap between Hollywood’s image and its actions.

As Lawrence put it, Hollywood portrays itself as a caring and inclusive community, but “As soon as something goes wrong or stops growing at that moment, the rug is pulled from them.” He argued that the industry treats children as disposable once they are no longer profitable.

Feeling of Guilt in Activism

When discussing Hollywood’s activism efforts, Lawrence suggested that these initiatives often stem from a sense of guilt. He believes that many in the industry grapple with discomfort over their wealth and fame.

However, he also noted that this guilt doesn’t inherently lead to a real understanding of broader societal issues. “They always seem to choose ‘inside’ topics when all this crap is happening in the world,” he remarked.