A Sitcom That Left a Legacy
Back in the late ’80s and throughout the ’90s, Family Matters wasn’t just another sitcom—it was the Black family show that millions of households grew up with. The Winslows were relatable, hilarious, and heartfelt. And of course, who could forget Steve Urkel, the lovable nerd who stole the show (and kind of took over the plot)?
But now, decades later, fans still wonder: What happened to the cast of Family Matters? Where are the Winslows today?
Let’s take a deep dive into what each cast member has been up to since the show wrapped in 1998.
The Winslow Family: Then vs. Now
Reginald VelJohnson as Carl Winslow
Then:
Carl Winslow was the backbone of the family—a tough but loving Chicago cop with a deep moral compass and a low tolerance for Urkel’s chaos.
Now:
Reginald VelJohnson continued acting in both TV and film. He made guest appearances on shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Resident, and NCIS. Despite being typecast as a cop (thanks to Family Matters and Die Hard), he’s embraced his legacy and remains beloved by fans.
Jo Marie Payton as Harriette Winslow
Then:
Harriette was the strong, no-nonsense matriarch of the Winslow clan. She originally came from Perfect Strangers, and her popularity led to the creation of Family Matters.
Now:
Jo Marie Payton left the show during its final season due to creative differences. Since then, she’s stayed active in Hollywood, voicing Suga Mama in The Proud Family and appearing on shows like Will & Grace, Moesha, and The Parkers.
Kellie Shanygne Williams as Laura Winslow
Then:
Laura was smart, sassy, and the object of Urkel’s undying love. She represented the classic ’90s big sister—stylish and sharp-tongued.
Now:
After Family Matters, Kellie took a step back from Hollywood to focus on family life. She later returned to acting and producing and even launched a program in Washington D.C. to mentor young performers.
Darius McCrary as Eddie Winslow
Then:
Eddie was the cool older brother, known for his swag and classic “big brother” mischief.
Now:
Darius has remained active in both acting and music. He’s appeared in shows like The Young and the Restless and even lent his voice to Jazz in Transformers. Off-screen, he’s faced personal struggles, including legal issues and controversial headlines, but he’s still working in the industry.
Jaimee Foxworth as Judy Winslow
Then:
Judy was the youngest Winslow—until she mysteriously disappeared from the show with no explanation after Season 4.
Now:
Jaimee faced some rough years after being written out. She struggled with depression and worked briefly in the adult film industry. But in recent years, she’s turned her life around, become a mother, and spoken openly about her journey and Hollywood’s impact on young Black actors.
Rosetta LeNoire as Mother Winslow
Then:
Grandma Winslow brought wisdom and warmth to the show. Her presence grounded the family and added generational depth.
Now:
Rosetta passed away in 2002. Before that, she had a long and celebrated career in theater and was known for championing diversity in casting. She left behind a powerful legacy both on and off-screen.
The Show-Stealer: Jaleel White as Steve Urkel
Then:
Ah, Urkel—the suspenders, the snorts, the “Did I do that?” He started as a one-off character and quickly became the centerpiece of the show.
Now:
Jaleel White tried hard to shed the Urkel image post-show. He’s done voice work (Sonic the Hedgehog), appeared on Dancing with the Stars, and starred in shows like Me, Myself & I. Though he sometimes pushes back on being typecast, he’s come to embrace Urkel’s impact on pop culture.
Telma Hopkins as Rachel Crawford
Then:
Rachel was Harriette’s sister and a single mom with big dreams. She brought a different flavor to the show and owned the kitchen as a chef.
Now:
Telma stayed in the acting game, appearing in everything from Half & Half to Are We There Yet? and The Have and the Have Nots. She’s also involved in advocacy and mentoring young talent.
Bryton McClure as Richie Crawford
Then:
Richie was Rachel’s adorable son and the show’s resident cutie pie.
Now:
Known today as Bryton James, he’s grown into a successful adult actor, starring in The Young and the Restless for years—earning Emmys along the way.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama and Departures
Why Did Judy Disappear?
One of the most talked-about Family Matters mysteries is Judy Winslow’s vanishing act. She was simply written out—with no on-screen explanation. The official reason? Budget issues. But many believe it had more to do with the show’s shift in focus to Urkel. Her absence became a cultural meme and a symbol of how Black child actors were often discarded.
Why Jo Marie Payton Left Before the Final Season
Jo Marie Payton stepped away before the show’s finale due to behind-the-scenes tension—mainly creative differences and exhaustion from the shift in tone as the show centered more on Urkel. She wanted more grounded, realistic storytelling, while the show leaned into time machines and alter-egos.
What Made Family Matters So Special?
It Wasn’t Just a Sitcom—it Was a Movement
Family Matters tackled real issues: racism, police brutality, bullying, peer pressure. All with humor and heart. That’s why it’s remembered so fondly.
It Gave Us Representation at a Crucial Time
Seeing a middle-class Black family on prime-time television? That mattered. The Winslows were relatable, aspirational, and most of all—real.
It Created an Icon
Whether you loved or hated Urkel, he became a cultural phenomenon. From dolls to catchphrases to cereal, Jaleel White’s portrayal helped define ’90s pop culture.
Legacy of the Winslow Family and Their Cultural Impact
The Blueprint for Modern Black Sitcoms
Without Family Matters, you don’t get Black-ish, Everybody Hates Chris, or even The Proud Family. The Winslows laid the foundation.
Still Streaming and Still Loved
Thanks to platforms like Hulu and Max, Family Matters is finding new audiences. Parents are introducing their kids to it, and the legacy lives on.
Conclusion: The Winslows Still Matter
So, where are the Family Matters cast now? Some are still acting, some have moved on, and a few have faced tough battles. But together, they left behind a show that shaped a generation.
And that’s the thing about Family Matters—even when it ended, it never really went away. It lives in reruns, in memes, in quotes, and in the hearts of everyone who grew up with the Winslows as their second family.
FAQs About the Cast of Family Matters Today
Q1: Are any Family Matters cast members still acting today?
Yes! Actors like Jaleel White, Bryton James, and Telma Hopkins are still active in television and film.
Q2: What happened to Jaimee Foxworth (Judy)?
She was written off the show and faced personal challenges but has since turned her life around and is now a proud mom and advocate.
Q3: Why did Jo Marie Payton leave the show early?
She left due to creative differences and a desire for more realistic storylines, especially as the show became centered around Urkel’s sci-fi antics.
Q4: Did Jaleel White embrace or reject his Urkel legacy?
He struggled with being typecast but now seems to embrace Urkel’s influence on pop culture—while building a broader acting career.
Q5: Is Family Matters still popular today?
Absolutely! It’s streaming on major platforms and continues to attract nostalgic fans and new viewers alike.
