‘Blossom’ star Joey Lawrence and his wife Samantha Cope are separating. They were married for two years.
Per a report by TMZ, Joey’s wife Samantha filed for divorce and she is seeking full custody of their daughter, with severe restrictions on Joey. She cited irreconcilable differences.
In court documents she is seeking for 100% physical custody with Joey having to visit as she dictates.
TMZ wrote, “she says once their daughter Dylan — born in January 2023 — turns 3, she’s willing to allow their daughter to stay with Joey for up to 2 nights a week … but, requests he not be allowed to take her for extended periods of time … until she’s older and can consent to such visits.” Samantha added she is not allowing any non-family members to have access to their daughter during a visitation with Joey.
There has been speculation about the couple’s separation when Lawrence was photographed by PEOPLE during his family vacation in Jamaica without wearing his wedding ring. Also, wife Cope was not present in the photos.
The trip consisted of Lawrence and his brothers, their mother and others.
Joey and Samantha met during the filming of a Lifetime movie together back in 2020. The couple got engaged in August of 2021, and tied the knot in May 2022 with their family and friends at the Temecula Creek Inn in Temecula, California.
At the time, Lawrence told PEOPLE that their union felt “so right” and added, “Life can be challenging at times, but when God gives you the right person, it’s worth it.”
Joey Lawrence, born on April 20, 1976, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an actor, singer, and television host who rose to fame during the 1980s and 1990s. He first gained widespread recognition as a child actor on the sitcom “Gimme a Break!” where he played the character Joey Donovan from 1983 to 1987. However, it was his role as Joey Russo on the hit show “Blossom” that truly made him a popular actor. His character, known for the catchphrase “Whoa!”, became iconic during the show’s run from 1991 to 1995.
In addition to acting, Lawrence pursued a music career and released his debut album, Joey Lawrence, in 1993, with the single “Nothin’ My Love Can’t Fix” becoming particularly popular. Throughout his career, he continued to work in television, starring in shows like “Brotherly Love” alongside his real-life brothers, and later in “Melissa & Joey,” where he co-starred with Melissa Joan Hart. Lawrence has also made appearances on reality TV, including a stint on “Dancing with the Stars,” and has taken on various hosting roles over the years.
Samantha Cope has appeared in a variety of TV shows and movies, often in supporting roles. Some of her notable work includes appearances on popular television series such as “Insecure,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” and “Private” as well as in several TV movies, including those produced by Lifetime and Hallmark. In addition to her acting career, Samantha has also worked on projects with Joey Lawrence, including co-starring in films like “A Deadly Deed” and “Swim.”