Hey, Campers!
If you had been born 30 years ago, you would have grown up watching Joey Lawrence on TV—despite the fact that he was only born 37 years ago. So actually, you would have grown up watching Joey Lawrence grow up on TV. Joey’s been starring and making television appearances since he was five years old!
He was born Joseph Lawrence Mignogna, Jr. to Donna, a personnel manager, and Joseph Sr., an insurance broker. When Joey was a kid, his family’s last name was changed simply to Lawrence. Joey grew up with two younger brothers, Matthew and Andrew—both of whom became actors as well.
Just like you, Joey went to summer camp when he was your age. He attended Southampton Summer Day Camp in Pennsylvania which was founded only three years before Joey was born. What’s impressive is that even before his days at summer camp, Joey had already appeared a television multiple times!
That’s right! He first appeared when he was about five years old in an old Cracker Jack commercial from the 80’s. Right around the same time, he appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and performed “Give My Regards to Broadway”. This was just the tip of the iceberg!
Joey went on to guest star in TV shows here and there until he landed the role of Joey Donovan on NBC’s “Gimme a Break!” from 1983. “Gimme a Break!” lasted Joey until he was 11 years old. The following year after the show ended he provided the voice of Oliver from Disney’s “Oliver & Company”.
After another few years, Joey co-starred in the hit TV show Blossom. He played yet another Joey, Joey Russo—(whoa). He played Joey Russo for five years until the show came to an end when he was 19. After that, he played in a show called Brotherly Love which actually starred him along with his real life brothers!
Joey hasn’t stopped there either! He’s been in another show and guest starred in a number of others. In other words, the man stays busy! How busy can you be?
- John