Cheryl Burke Says Being the 'Breadwinner' in Marriage to Matthew Lawrence Wasn't 'Good' for the Relationship

The former 'Dancing with the Stars' pro and 'Boy Meets World' alum officially divorced in 2022

Cheryl Burke took some pointers on love from her marriage to Matthew Lawrence

The Dancing with the Stars alum “learned that you can't buy love,” she told Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes on an episode of their Amy & T.J. podcast.

“I tried to not — obviously, I didn't buy my ex husband — but, like, I definitely would say I was the breadwinner,” she said while reflecting on her marriage and divorce. “Like, I supported us, and I don't think it's black and white.”

Cheryl Burke attends the United Ukrainian Ballet performance of Giselle at the Segerstrom Center For The Arts on June 29, 2023 in Costa Mesa, California.
Cheryl Burke in June 2023.

Corine Solberg/Getty 

Burke’s Dancing with the Stars gig kept her in the spotlight throughout her marriage to Lawrence, who is best known for starring in '90s hits Boy Meets World, Mrs. Doubtfire and Brotherly Love.

Of bringing home finances, Burke added, “It's like — it made me feel good, but then it didn't necessarily make the relationship good.”

Host Robach chimed in to share her own experience in past relationships. “I had a false sense of security,” she said. “But it's also emasculating, and so it creates an awful dynamic.”

Looking forward, Burke isn’t afraid to be in charge of a household — or in charge of herself. “I just don't know if I do,” she said while contemplating if she wants someone “who takes care of me.” 

Burke and Lawrence finalized their divorce in 2022. The actor has since gone public with his relationship with TLC's Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas.

Matthew Lawrence and dancer Cheryl Burke arrive at the 25th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 20, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California.
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Though Burke is still single, she has an idea of who she’s looking to date next.

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“I want someone who wants to evolve, like, that wants to consistently and wants to, like, work on himself, be able to take accountability when needed,” she said. “Because, like, you can blame all day long, but at the end of the day, you're stuck with you for the rest of your freaking life. You better like yourself."

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