A Lesson in Hollywood Etiquette: Matthew Lawrence Reflects on an Early Career Misstep
In a candid conversation on the podcast Magical Rewind, actor Matthew Lawrence shared a humbling story from his early career, offering a glimpse into the challenges of working in Hollywood and the importance of professionalism. The episode, hosted by his former Boy Meets World co-star Will Friedle and actress Sabrina Bryan, delved into behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the 1999 TV movie H-E Double Hockey Sticks. The film, which starred Friedle as a mischievous character tasked with capturing the soul of a young hockey player (played by Lawrence), also featured a then-up-and-coming actress named Gabrielle Union. During the filming process, Lawrence found himself at the center of a surprising conflict with Union, a moment that would leave him embarrassed and serve as a valuable learning experience.
According to Lawrence, the tension arose when Union approached him to rehearse lines together. At the time, Lawrence, who was still early in his career, declined her offer. “There was this one moment where — and, again, I’m oblivious, I had no idea — she wanted to rehearse,” he recalled. “And I was like, ‘No, I’m good.’” Lawrence explained that his reasoning was rooted in his belief that rehearsing lines too much could take away the spontaneity and “freshness” of a performance. While his intention was to preserve the authenticity of his acting, his decision didn’t sit well with Union.
Lawrence admitted that Union was displeased with his response and decided to take her concerns to the director and the studio. “And she got angry and went and reported me to the director and the studio,” he said. This was the first and only time in his career that he faced such repercussions for his behavior on set. Lawrence, who described himself as an advocate for others, including children and women’s rights, was caught off guard by the situation. He expressed that he had “no clue” how his actions had affected Union and was left feeling embarrassed by the ordeal.
Despite the awkwardness of the moment, Lawrence reflected on the incident with humility and gratitude. He acknowledged that it served as a much-needed lesson in the importance of professionalism and collaboration in the entertainment industry. He also noted that, at the time, he wasn’t fully aware of Union’s rising star power. However, the crew on set had already recognized her talent and predicted that she would become a major star. As it turned out, they were right. The same year H-E Double Hockey Sticks was released, Union appeared in two iconic films, 10 Things I Hate About You and She’s All That, followed by the cult classic Bring It On and Love & Basketball the next year. Her career trajectory underscored the importance of treating every colleague with respect, regardless of their level of fame or experience.
Looking back, Lawrence expressed no ill will toward Union and instead used the experience as an opportunity for personal growth. He recognized that his actions, though well-intentioned, had caused friction and impacted his working relationship with a talented actress. His story serves as a reminder that even the smallest interactions on set can have a lasting impact and that communication and empathy are essential tools for building positive collaborations. For Lawrence, the incident was a humbling reminder of the importance of being open to feedback and willing to adapt, even when it challenges one’s own methods or beliefs.
In sharing this story, Lawrence not only offered a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of working in Hollywood but also highlighted the value of learning from one’s mistakes. His willingness to reflect on the experience with honesty and humor demonstrated a level of maturity and self-awareness that is rare in the entertainment industry. As he continues to navigate his career, Lawrence’s anecdote serves as a reminder that growth often comes from embracing difficult moments and using them as opportunities to become better versions of ourselves.
