Gabrielle Union has always been known for her dedication to her craft, and even in the early days of her career, she wasn’t afraid to speak up. Before her breakout role in Bring It On (2000), Union starred in the Disney TV movie H-E Double Hockey Sticks alongside Matthew Lawrence and Will Friedle.
Recently, Lawrence shared a behind-the-scenes story from the film’s production that resulted in him getting called into the studio office—all because Union wanted to rehearse and he refused.
A Young Gabrielle Union Stood Her Ground
While appearing on Will Friedle and Sabrina Bryan’s Magical Rewind podcast, Lawrence recalled how Union’s work ethic clashed with his laid-back approach to rehearsals.
“She wanted to rehearse, and I was like, ‘No, I’m good,’” Lawrence admitted.
At the time, Lawrence preferred to memorize his lines and keep things fresh, rather than running through the same material multiple times. But Union, already displaying the strong work ethic that would later define her Hollywood career, wasn’t having it.
“She got angry and went and reported me to the director and the studio,” he said.
The Only Time Lawrence Got in Trouble on Set
Though Lawrence has been in the industry since childhood, he revealed that this was the only time he ever got called into the office for his behavior on set.
“I’m usually the advocate, and I’m fighting for kids and, like, women’s rights,” he explained. “And this is the only time in my life where I was called into the office for something I did on set. And I had no clue what I did wrong.”
When asked how he felt about the situation, he admitted, “I was embarrassed.”
A Sign of Union’s Future Stardom
Despite the awkward encounter at the time, Lawrence acknowledged that Union’s confidence and work ethic were already setting her up for success.
“She knew what she wanted, and she wasn’t afraid to ask for it,” he said, noting that she carried herself like a true professional even in the early stages of her career.
Friedle added that Union’s star quality was evident to everyone on set, saying, “I remember people saying, ‘Oh, she’s gonna be huge.’”
Looking Back: A Lesson in Professionalism
While the situation might have been embarrassing for Lawrence back then, it highlights how Gabrielle Union approached her career with seriousness and confidence—even before she became a household name.
Now, as a successful actress, producer, and entrepreneur, Union’s commitment to her craft has paid off in a big way. And as for Lawrence? Well, he learned that sometimes, a little rehearsal goes a long way.