‘Family Matters’ Cast: Where Are They Now? – A 2025 Update

Revisiting a TV Classic

If you were around in the 1990s, chances are Family Matters was part of your weekly watch list. This heartwarming sitcom about the Winslow family—and their nerdy, awkward, and unforgettable neighbor Steve Urkel—ran for nine seasons and helped shape American TV culture. But what happened after the final episode aired in 1998?

Let’s fast forward to 2025 and catch up with the cast of Family Matters—where they are now, what they’re doing, and how life has changed since those TGIF days.

Jaleel White (Steve Urkel)

From Nerd Icon to Multitalented Entertainer

Jaleel White is forever remembered as the suspender-wearing genius Steve Urkel. After Family Matters, White kept acting, did voice work (he voiced Sonic the Hedgehog!), and even competed on Dancing With the Stars. In recent years, he’s returned to comedy and started a podcast, discussing everything from fame to fatherhood. Jaleel has also been open about the pressure of being a child star and how he’s grown past the character that made him famous.

Reginald VelJohnson (Carl Winslow)

The Ultimate TV Dad Still Going Strong

Reginald VelJohnson was the rock-solid dad we all admired—stern but lovable. After Family Matters, he stayed active in Hollywood, popping up in sitcoms, commercials, and movies. You may have even spotted him in the Turner & Hooch reboot series. His calming, authoritative presence hasn’t changed, and he’s become a go-to figure for nostalgic dad roles.

Jo Marie Payton (Harriette Winslow)

Matriarch On-Screen and Off

Jo Marie Payton brought strength and class to the Winslow household. She left Family Matters before its final season, but she continued acting in shows like The Proud Family, where she voiced Suga Mama. She remains active in TV today and often speaks about Black representation in media and the importance of portraying strong mother figures.

Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow)

From TV Teen to Real-Life Role Model

As the smart and sassy Laura, Kellie was a fan favorite. After the show ended, she acted sporadically but shifted focus to family and advocacy. She’s involved in community outreach and launched a program in D.C. to help inner-city youth explore the arts. Kellie keeps a relatively low profile but occasionally connects with fans through interviews and nostalgic reunions.

Darius McCrary (Eddie Winslow)

Actor, Musician, Advocate

Darius McCrary has had a rollercoaster career post-Family Matters. He appeared in soap operas, movies like Saw VI, and even lent his voice to Transformers. In recent years, he’s talked about mental health, personal struggles, and using his platform to advocate for men’s emotional well-being. He’s still active in both music and film.

Jaimee Foxworth (Judy Winslow)

A Comeback Rooted in Strength

Jaimee Foxworth played the youngest Winslow child—but mysteriously vanished from the show without explanation in later seasons. Her real-life journey has included career setbacks, public scrutiny, and reinvention. She stepped away from the spotlight for years but later returned to speak candidly about her experiences and advocate for women’s recovery and empowerment.

Shawn Harrison (Waldo Faldo)

From Goofball to Voice Actor and Creator

Waldo was everyone’s favorite lovable airhead, and Shawn Harrison made the role unforgettable. After the show, he transitioned into voice work and appeared in various TV roles. Though he stays out of the tabloids, he’s respected in the voice acting world and continues working behind the scenes on creative projects.

Telma Hopkins (Rachel Crawford)

Veteran Actress With a Long Legacy

Telma Hopkins, who played Aunt Rachel, had already built a successful career in TV and music before Family Matters. She continued acting afterward in shows like Half & Half, Are We There Yet?, and most recently, The Ms. Pat Show. With decades in entertainment, Telma remains a powerful figure for Black women in media.

Rosetta LeNoire (Estelle “Mother” Winslow)

A Legacy That Lives On

Rosetta LeNoire played the wise and witty Grandma Winslow. She passed away in 2002, but her legacy lives on—not just through Family Matters, but also through her groundbreaking work in theater and arts advocacy. She founded Amas Musical Theatre, dedicated to diversity in the arts, and is still honored today for her contributions.

Where Are They Now: Summary by Role

The Cast’s Enduring Bond

Despite the years, the cast has reunited on multiple occasions. They’ve appeared in reunion specials and tributes, and many stay connected through social media and shared public appearances. It’s clear that Family Matters wasn’t just a show—it was truly a family off-screen, too.

Conclusion: Why the Family Matters Cast Still Matters

More than two decades later, the cast of Family Matters continues to inspire, create, and connect. Whether they stayed in the spotlight or chose quieter paths, they each contributed to something unforgettable. The Winslows taught us lessons about family, respect, perseverance, and love—and those lessons still hold up in 2025.

FAQs

1. Why did Judy Winslow disappear from Family Matters?
The character Judy was written out without explanation in season 4 due to creative and budgetary decisions. It remains one of the most talked-about character exits in TV history.

2. Did the cast of Family Matters ever reunite?
Yes, several members have reunited for interviews, fan events, and tributes. They often speak fondly of their time together.

3. Is Jaleel White still acting?
Yes, Jaleel White remains active in the entertainment industry through acting, podcasting, and producing.

4. What is Jo Marie Payton doing now?
She continues voice acting (notably in The Proud Family) and occasionally appears in new TV projects.

5. Can I stream Family Matters today?
Yes, the full series is available on multiple streaming platforms, making it easy to relive or discover the magic of the Winslow family.