Joey Lawrence was a standout teen star of the 1990s, capturing hearts with his role as the lovably naive Joey Russo on the popular sitcom Blossom, which aired on NBC from 1990 to 1995. His portrayal, complete with the iconic catchphrase “Whoa!”, made Joey Lawrence a household name and a favorite among teenage audiences. That widespread appeal gave him the perfect platform to expand his career beyond acting—Joey Lawrence even launched a music career, releasing his self-titled debut album Joey Lawrence in 1993.
When Blossom ended, Joey Lawrence didn’t slow down. He transitioned into another sitcom, Brotherly Love, which ran from 1995 to 1997 on NBC and later The WB. The show featured real-life brothers Matthew and Andrew Lawrence, adding a genuine family dynamic that fans enjoyed. Though the series had a modest run, it kept Joey Lawrence in the spotlight. He went on to appear in a few TV movies alongside his siblings, but unfortunately, many of those projects didn’t leave a lasting impression.
For a while, Joey Lawrence took on roles in a string of forgettable made-for-TV films and minor feature films. While these gigs kept him working, they didn’t exactly reignite his early fame. But then came a turning point. In the 2000s, Joey Lawrence began making a comeback. He joined the cast of the critically acclaimed drama American Dreams (NBC, 2002–05), appearing in a recurring role that reminded audiences of his talent.
Then, in 2007, Joey Lawrence stepped onto the ballroom floor for season three of Dancing with the Stars on ABC. His charm and surprisingly strong dance skills earned him third place—a major achievement that brought him back into the public eye. This renewed attention opened new doors. Embracing a more mature image, Joey Lawrence starred in well-received TV movies like My Fake Fiancé (ABC Family, 2009), which became a ratings hit.
He also found long-term success with the sitcom Melissa & Joey, which aired on ABC Family from 2010 to 2015. Starring alongside Melissa Joan Hart, Joey Lawrence proved he could carry a leading role with charisma and comedic timing. Over the years, Joey Lawrence has shown that staying relevant in Hollywood takes resilience—and maybe a little bit of that classic “Whoa!” energy. Through ups and downs, Joey Lawrence has continued to adapt, reinvent, and thrive.
When it comes to Joey Lawrence’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to Pulse (1988) as his standout performance—yes, that’s right, Joey Lawrence’s highest-rated movie is indeed Pulse. It may come as a surprise to some, but the 1988 thriller really showcased a different side of Joey Lawrence’s acting range. On the flip side, not every project has been met with the same level of acclaim. In fact, Joey Lawrence’s lowest-rated film to date is Rest Stop (2006), which, while having its niche audience, didn’t quite resonate well with mainstream critics. So, whether you’re revisiting Joey Lawrence’s early work or exploring his more obscure roles, it’s clear that his career has had its peaks and valleys—literally, if you look at the ratings. Still, Joey Lawrence continues to be a recognizable name in the industry, and moments like Pulse remind us why.