Why Rider Strong Was ‘Against’ Matthew Lawrence Joining “Boy Meets World” as His Brother

**Rider Strong Reflects on Initial Hesitations About Matthew Lawrence Joining *Boy Meets World***

Rider Strong, known for his role as Shawn Hunter in the iconic ‘90s television series *Boy Meets World*, has candidly shared his initial reservations about the addition of Matthew Lawrence to the cast during its fifth season. Lawrence, who portrayed Jack Hunter, Shawn’s long-lost half-brother, provided a contrasting upbringing to Strong’s character, adding depth to the show’s narrative.

During a recent episode of the Brotherly Love podcast, hosted by Matthew Lawrence alongside his siblings, Joey and Andrew, Strong recounted his first impressions of the Lawrence brothers. Strong described himself as “shy and kind of introverted”, admitting that his quiet personality sometimes led others to perceive him as aloof. This however was not the only source of tension; he confessed to feeling intimidated by the established careers of the Lawrence brothers before they joined the series.

“It was difficult for me,” Strong stated, referencing the moment Matthew was cast. “I think there was a sense of anxiety among us about having someone like Matthew come on board. You guys were already successful in Hollywood, and that was somewhat daunting.” This reflection led to laughter among the brothers, who acknowledged their own experiences as newcomers to the industry at various points in their careers.

Matthew Lawrence’s decision to join *Boy Meets World* was met with apprehension from Strong, who felt that the brothers imposed an external dynamic on the established group. “When you stepped onto the set, it felt like there was a question – what is he doing here? Does he really need to be part of this?” Strong recounted, recalling the reservations he harboured regarding Lawrence’s involvement.

Despite these feelings, Strong’s perspective changed once he spent time with Matthew Lawrence. “It felt weird at first, but ultimately, once we interacted, it all fell into place. We realised you were a great fit,” he noted, detailing how he overcame his initial resistance. He attributed much of his trepidation to the reputation of the Lawrence family within the Hollywood realm.

Reflecting on his own insecurities, Strong admitted to feeling like an outsider in the industry, often imagining he was looking in from the outside rather than being fully immersed within it. “Back then, I always felt like I was on the periphery,” he expressed, highlighting the common sentiments of uncertainty shared by many young actors within Hollywood.

Matthew Lawrence, who joined the cast in 1998, ended up staying until the series concluded in 2000, contributing significantly to the evolution of his character and forging a complex relationship with Shawn. The show was not only a platform to explore these evolving dynamics, but it also allowed for greater character development, particularly as Jack Hunter navigated his bonds with Shawn and other key characters.

The show featured a talented ensemble cast, including Ben Savage, Danielle Fishel and Will Friedle. Their chemistry helped to cultivate a nostalgic atmosphere for audiences over its seven seasons. The series also paved the way for a sequel, *Girl Meets World*, which aired between 2014 and 2017, bringing back both Strong and Lawrence to reprise their roles effectively.

Today, Rider Strong, Danielle Fishel, and Will Friedle co-host a podcast titled *Pod Meets World*, allowing them to relive their experiences and share behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the beloved show. Through this avenue, fans are offered a glimpse into the dynamics that shaped the series, including the formative interactions that transformed the working relationships among its cast members.

In reflecting on the journey of *Boy Meets World*, it is evident that the series not only challenged its characters but also its cast, pushing them to embrace their roles in both their professional and personal lives. What began as intimidation for Strong ultimately evolved into a cherished friendship and collaboration that contributed to creating a culturally significant series.