Many people who grew up in the late 80’s and 90’s have fond memories of the sitcom Family matters. Family Matters provided a template that defined family television in that era. Ordinarily, what was meant to be a spin-off full of laughter and life lessons quickly transformed into a sensational and cultural phenomenon thanks to Steve Urkel’s character who wasn’t supposed to be in the show originally.
Fans have not forgotten Steve Urkel’s antics, the lessons resonate even after several years. Over two decades since the show ended yet fans get nostalgic at the memories the series brings. Fans keep asking the same question: “Where are the cast members now, and who is still acting now?”
Here’s a then-and -now look at the acting journey of the Family Matters cast.
Reginald VelJohnson (Carl Winslow): The Face of 90’s Fatherhood
Reginald VelJohnson played Carl Winslow, who was a blend of strict but loving father. He had a balance of discipline and love. A perfect example of what true fatherhood should look like. He was a police officer and a family man. Carl became one of the most memorable Tv dads in the 90s.
The end of Family Matters did not end VelJohnson’s acting career instead, he moved on into guest roles across sitcoms, dramas and holiday films. He became a pop culture icon and featured in many movies like The Mighty Ducks in 1994, Superhero movie in 2008 where he played a comedic role. He has also made guest appearances in the series titled Brooklyn Nine-Nine and That’s So Raven.
Even today, he remains active in Hollywood, he appears frequently in reunion specials and nostalgic events dedicated to classic 90 sitcoms.
Jo Marie Payton (Harriette Winslow): The Original Matriarch
Jo Marie Payton played Harriette Winslow, the devoted mother of the Winslow family. An interesting fact is that she made her first appearance as Harriette on Perfect Strangers before the character got her own spin off series. However, Payton didn’t stay in the show till the end as she exited the show later on, this change is still remembered by fans of the show.
Following her exit from the show, she stayed in active entertainment where she continued various television and voice acting roles in shows such as The Proud Family produced in 2005, Bad Ass 2 in 2014, and other theater productions. Over the years, she has been invited to different interviews where she has frequently reflected on the show’s legacy.
Jaleel White (Steve Urkel): The Star Nobody Saw Coming
Fans say that no character defined Family Matters more than Steve Urkel. Jaleel White who played this role wasn’t originally meant to be in the show till the end. However, Urkel’s character connected wildly with the audience which served as his big break in the series.
With his unique high-pitched voice, dress sense, and most popular catchphrase “Did I do that?”, Urkel went on to earn a place as a widely acclaimed global pop culture icon. This overnight fame contributed to White’s continued work in television, theatres, voice acting and later on featuring in reality TV and reunion specials.
After the show, White took on a voice acting role in Sonic the Hedgehog as Sonic in the 1990s. He also appeared in Dreamgirls which was produced in 2006, Big Fat Liar in 2002 and reality tv projects like Dancing with the stars. From time to time, White speaks openly on how playing Urkel shaped his career journey. Today, he still remains active in the entertainment industry and plays the role of an actor, host and producer.
Darius McCrary (Eddie Winslow): The Charming Older Brother
Eddie Winslow was portrayed by Darius McCrary as the charismatic, often mischievous eldest son of the Winslow family.
At the end of the series, McCrary went on to feature in several tv shows and films. He went on to build a career in voice acting across animation and gaming projects. He also worked on solo film projects and theater works. One of the notable projects he took on includes the movie Transformers produced in 2007. He also played a supporting role in 15 Minutes of Fame produced in 2012.Although, he maintains a low profile in mainstream Hollywood today, he still appears from time to time in entertainment projects and conventions.
Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow): From Sitcom Teen to Private Life
Kellie Shanygne Williams played the role of Laura Winslow in Family Matters. As Eddie’s younger sister and Steve Urkel’s love interest, her character helped drive one of the shows unforgettable plot.
After Family Matters, Kellie stepped back from limelight to focus on her education and family life. From time to time she featured in entertainment projects. Although she has returned for special appearances, she largely maintains a private lifestyle away from the spotlight of Hollywood.
Jaimee Foxworth (Judy Winslow): The Missing Sibling Everyone Remembers
Jaimee Foxworth played Judy Winslow, the youngest Winslow child. Even though her character disappeared without a trace, her departure remains one of the most debated casting changes in history. After leaving the series, Foxworth appeared in reality Tv and interviews discussing her experiences in the industry and life away from fame. However, she made appearances in Ride or Die produced in 2003 and The House of Pain produced in 2006. She is not so much in the spotlight but focuses on her family and engages in selective media engagements.
Rosetta LeNoire (Estelle Winslow): The Beloved Grandmother Figure
Rosetta LeNoire played Estelle Winslow, Carl’s wise and loving mother. Fans say she brought a warm, steady presence to the series, helping to ground and balance the Winslow family dynamic. She featured in the Last Dragon produced in 1985 and the popular movie Garfield produced in 2004
A pioneering figure in the entertainment industry with a successful career long before Family matters. She passed away in 2002 but her influence and legacy continues to be honored in Hollywood.
Bryton James (Richie Crawfoord) : From Child Star to Soap Opera Success
Bryton James played Richie Crawford, the young neighbor who became part of the Winslow household’s extended circle. Following the sitcom, he transitioned into daytime drama with a role in The Young and the Restless in 2004, where he went on to build a long and successful career. In 2007 he features in the movie High School Musical 2. He also played a role in Car Dogs in 2016. He is active in the industry till date.
The Legacy of Family Matters
The true essence of Family Matters wasn’t just about fun and memorable phrases, it was about family, about bond, community, and growing in a dynamic world. Even though Steve Urkel became the central star of the series, the Winslow family represented something deeper for fans worldwide. It represented unconditional love, stability, discipline and the fact that family will always be there come the highs and the lows. This was something the audience could relate to and this immortalized the show in the minds of the audience.
Today, reruns continue to introduce new characters to the show but the show has maintained its humor and heart. While the cast has taken different journeys with some acting, others living away from the spotlight, the impact of the series is undeniable. Decades later, Family Matters continues to preserve the spirit of its message reinforcing the central idea that family really does matter.
