Why Did Rider Strong Break Down on the Boy Meets World Set?

June 22, 2025: Actor and director Rider Strong recently reflected on a difficult moment he experienced while filming Boy Meets World. Speaking on the Pod Meets World podcast with former co-stars Danielle Fishel and Will Friedle, Strong recalled having a “breakdown” during rehearsals for the Season 6 episode “Getting Hitched” in 1999.

In the episode, Strong’s character Shawn Hunter is grieving the death of his father, Chet, while grappling with the realization that his dad might have been secretly supporting his college education. The emotional storyline added pressure on Strong, who said he felt stuck in a repetitive pattern.

Also Read: Courtney Thorne-Smith Ends 18-Year Marriage?!

“This is where I had my breakdown,” Strong admitted. “I was really bored by my character. I felt like I was saying the same thing every week.”

At the time, the young actor felt frustrated by the constant drama assigned to his character. “Why do they keep throwing drama at me?” he remembered thinking.

Looking back now, Strong sees the depth in the episode. “Actually, my character is finally expressing himself. This is good,” he said, acknowledging the emotional weight of the storyline involving Chet’s death.

Boy Meets World, which aired from 1993 to 2000, often tackled serious life issues beneath its sitcom surface. Strong later reprised his role as Shawn in the spinoff Girl Meets World (2014–2017).