Introduction: A Look Back at Family Matters
Family Matters, the iconic 90s sitcom, took the world by storm when it debuted in 1989. For over nine seasons, the show entertained audiences with the hilarious and heartwarming stories of the Winslow family, led by the lovable and nerdy Steve Urkel. The show’s popularity made stars out of its cast members, but what happened to them after the cameras stopped rolling?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the lives of the Family Matters cast, exploring where they are now and what they’ve been up to since the show ended.
1. Jaleel White (Steve Urkel)
The Iconic Role of Steve Urkel
Jaleel White became a household name as the lovable nerd Steve Urkel. His character’s catchphrases, like “Did I do that?” and “Well, did I do that?” became cultural staples, and his portrayal of Urkel has remained one of the most beloved roles in television history.
Where Is Jaleel White Now?
After Family Matters ended, Jaleel White stayed active in Hollywood, transitioning from his role as Urkel to more mature roles. He appeared in various TV shows like Step by Step, The Big Bang Theory, and The Proud Family voice acting. He also had a role in the popular Netflix series The Big Show Show. Recently, White has embraced his role as a producer, director, and writer.
In 2020, he launched a podcast called Ever After, where he discusses life, family, and his career. Despite being known as Urkel, White’s evolution as an actor and entrepreneur has been impressive, showing he’s much more than his famous role.
2. Reginald VelJohnson (Carl Winslow)
Carl Winslow: The Heart of the Winslow Family
Reginald VelJohnson portrayed Carl Winslow, the patriarch of the Winslow family. As a police officer, Carl was the steady, loving father who often found himself dealing with the chaos caused by Steve Urkel’s antics. His grounded personality made him a fan favorite and a key figure in the show’s success.
Where Is Reginald VelJohnson Now?
Since Family Matters, VelJohnson has had a varied career. He returned to the small screen in roles on shows like Die Hard (where he played Al Powell), The Clint Eastwood Project, and Heart to Heart. VelJohnson also appeared in The Fosters and voiced a character in The Proud Family reboot. He’s still active in Hollywood, enjoying both acting and voiceover work. Fans can often find him attending fan conventions and celebrating his Family Matters legacy.
3. Jo Marie Payton (Harriette Winslow)
Harriette Winslow: The Loving Matriarch
Jo Marie Payton’s portrayal of Harriette Winslow, Carl’s wife, made her one of TV’s most beloved matriarchs. Her no-nonsense attitude, combined with her love for her family, resonated with fans and made her an integral part of the Winslow family dynamics.
Where Is Jo Marie Payton Now?
After Family Matters, Jo Marie Payton left the show in 1997, just before it ended. She made guest appearances in several TV shows, including The Wayans Bros. and The Proud Family. Payton has been involved in the voiceover industry, including voicing the character of Suga Mama on The Proud Family. In recent years, she has enjoyed a quieter lifestyle while occasionally making appearances at fan conventions.
4. Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow)
Laura Winslow: The Teen Who Grew Up on TV
Kellie Shanygne Williams played Laura Winslow, the Winslow family’s smart and independent daughter. As the object of Steve Urkel’s affection, Laura’s character arc saw her transition from a teenage girl to a young adult over the course of the show.
Where Is Kellie Shanygne Williams Now?
After Family Matters, Williams largely stepped away from acting but still made a few notable appearances, including a role on The Parkers. She also appeared in the film Dysfunctional Friends. In addition to acting, Williams focused on her personal life and became a mother. She is involved in several charitable activities and has spent time mentoring young people. Though she stays out of the limelight, Williams’ influence in the entertainment world is still felt.
5. Darius McCrary (Eddie Winslow)
Eddie Winslow: The Winslow Son Who Found Himself
Darius McCrary played Eddie Winslow, the oldest Winslow child. Initially a bit of a troublemaker, Eddie matured throughout the series, eventually becoming a responsible adult.
Where Is Darius McCrary Now?
Darius McCrary’s post-Family Matters career saw him take on various roles in both film and television. He appeared in The Young and the Restless, Star, and The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time. McCrary is also known for his work as a voice actor in Transformers: Robots in Disguise. He remains active in the industry, balancing acting with his personal interests.
6. Telma Hopkins (Rachel Crawford)
Rachel Crawford: The Loving Aunt
Telma Hopkins portrayed Rachel Crawford, Harriette’s sister who came to live with the Winslows and became a second mother figure to the family. Her role added warmth and humor to the show.
Where Is Telma Hopkins Now?
After Family Matters, Hopkins continued her career in both acting and music. She had recurring roles on shows like Half & Half and The Love Boat: The Next Wave. Hopkins is also a founding member of the 1970s vocal group Tony Orlando and Dawn, who had several hits on the charts. She is still active in Hollywood and enjoys occasional roles in television.
7. Shawn Harrison (Waldo Faldo)
Waldo Faldo: The Lovable Yet Clueless Friend
Shawn Harrison played Waldo Faldo, Eddie Winslow’s best friend. Though Waldo was often the butt of jokes for his dim-witted nature, his loyalty and big heart made him a fan favorite.
Where Is Shawn Harrison Now?
Since Family Matters, Shawn Harrison appeared in several TV shows and films, including The Parkers and Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper. He also worked in the voiceover industry, lending his talents to cartoons like The Boondocks. Today, Harrison continues to work in entertainment and is known for his diverse talents.
8. Jaimee Foxworth (Judy Winslow)
Judy Winslow: The Forgotten Daughter
Jaimee Foxworth played Judy Winslow, the youngest member of the Winslow family. While her character had an important place in the early seasons of Family Matters, Judy was written out of the show after a few seasons, leading to her being one of the less remembered characters.
Where Is Jaimee Foxworth Now?
After Family Matters, Foxworth struggled to find roles in Hollywood, eventually transitioning to adult films. However, in recent years, she has spoken out about her experiences in the entertainment industry and the pressures that led to her career choices. Today, Foxworth is focused on personal growth, with a focus on helping others who have gone through similar experiences.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy
The cast of Family Matters left a lasting impact on television and pop culture. Each actor brought something unique to their role, creating a memorable ensemble that continues to resonate with audiences today. Though the show ended years ago, the legacy of the Winslow family and their quirky neighbor Steve Urkel lives on in reruns, memes, and pop culture references.
While many of the cast members have gone on to pursue different paths, they all share a bond through their time on the iconic sitcom. Whether it’s Jaleel White’s continued success or the quieter lives of actors like Jo Marie Payton, the Family Matters cast will always be remembered for their contributions to one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time.
FAQs
1. Why was Judy Winslow written out of Family Matters?
Judy Winslow’s character was written out of Family Matters after the fourth season, and while the reasons weren’t fully explained, it’s believed that the focus shifted more toward Steve Urkel’s character.
2. What is Jaleel White doing now?
Jaleel White has transitioned into producing, directing, and writing. He also hosts a podcast and continues to act in TV shows and films.
3. Has Reginald VelJohnson appeared in any recent TV shows?
Yes, Reginald VelJohnson has appeared in several TV shows, including The Fosters and voiced a character in The Proud Family reboot.
4. What happened to Kellie Shanygne Williams after Family Matters?
Kellie Williams focused on raising her family and mentoring young people after Family Matters. She also made a few acting appearances in TV shows and films.
5. Is there a Family Matters reunion planned?
There has been no official Family Matters reunion, but the cast occasionally reunites for fan events and celebrations of the show.
