A Reunion Everyone Was Talking About—Except Her
In 2017, Entertainment Weekly hosted a much-anticipated cast reunion for the beloved ’90s sitcom Family Matters. The internet was buzzing. The photo shoot featured nearly every key cast member—except one: Jaimee Foxworth, who played Judy Winslow. Fans noticed. And so did Jaimee.
The silence surrounding her absence spoke volumes. But eventually, Jaimee spoke up—and what she had to say struck a chord with longtime fans of the show.
How She Found Out Will Shock You
Imagine this: you’re scrolling your phone and suddenly see your former co-stars in a big reunion photoshoot… and you weren’t even contacted. That’s exactly what happened to Jaimee. She didn’t hear about the Family Matters reunion from a producer, a publicist, or a network.
She heard it from a friend—fellow castmate Shawn Harrison (aka Waldo). He texted her to give her a heads-up. That’s when she realized: no one ever invited her.
“A Slap in the Face” – Jaimee Speaks Up
In her own words, Jaimee called it what it felt like: a slap in the face. After all, she was part of the original cast. Judy Winslow was the youngest daughter of the Winslow family and appeared in the first four seasons of the show.
To be completely excluded from a reunion celebrating the show’s legacy—without explanation—was painful. It wasn’t just a scheduling error. It felt intentional.
The Judy Winslow Mystery: What Really Happened?
Let’s rewind. For those who don’t remember, Judy Winslow was abruptly written off the show after season four. No explanation. No goodbye episode. She simply walked up the stairs… and never came back down.
Fans were confused. Jaimee was hurt. And Hollywood didn’t offer any closure—not back then, and not now.
Was Her Past the Reason for the Snub?
Many have speculated that Jaimee’s controversial stint in adult entertainment during the early 2000s may have influenced the decision to exclude her from the reunion. But if that’s the case, is that really fair?
Jaimee doesn’t think so. She’s openly addressed that chapter of her life, taken accountability, and moved forward. As she put it, she’s not the first actress to make controversial choices, and she certainly won’t be the last.
Her past doesn’t erase her role on the show—or her importance to its legacy.
Fans React: “Where’s Judy?”
If producers thought no one would notice Jaimee’s absence, they were wrong. Fans took to social media with outrage, confusion, and disappointment.
Tweets and posts poured in, asking why Judy Winslow was missing from the celebration. Some even joked about her “eternal stay upstairs.” But beneath the humor was a real sense of injustice.
A Pattern of Erasure
Sadly, this wasn’t the first time Jaimee felt invisible. Being dropped from the show without notice as a child was the first blow. Being excluded from the reunion years later just confirmed that the industry still didn’t acknowledge her place in the Family Matters family.
Her story is part of a larger conversation about how child actors—especially Black child actors—are treated and remembered in Hollywood.
Support from Her Castmates
Despite the oversight, some of Jaimee’s former co-stars reached out and supported her. They expressed regret over the situation and acknowledged that she should have been there.
For fans, this was a small comfort. At least someone from the “family” still remembered her.
What Jaimee Is Doing Now
Today, Jaimee Foxworth is a mother, advocate, and survivor. She’s moved far beyond her past struggles and now focuses on raising her son and promoting mental health awareness.
She’s also been candid in interviews about her experiences in the entertainment industry, using her voice to help others who’ve felt forgotten, discarded, or overlooked.
Hollywood’s Double Standard
Let’s be honest: there’s a double standard in the entertainment industry. Male actors and even white female stars often bounce back from scandal. But for Black actresses—especially those who start out young—there’s far less forgiveness.
Jaimee’s exclusion from the Family Matters reunion wasn’t just about a missed phone call. It represented a deeper, systemic issue in how Hollywood chooses who is “worthy” of nostalgia.
Would a Reboot Change Anything?
Talks of a Family Matters reboot have surfaced over the years. If one ever happens, many fans have said it won’t feel right without Judy. She was part of the original DNA of the show, and ignoring her story isn’t just bad writing—it’s bad ethics.
A reboot could offer closure. A return. Even just an acknowledgment. And Jaimee deserves that much.
Why This Still Matters
This isn’t just a story about a reunion photo shoot. It’s about how we treat people once the spotlight dims. It’s about dignity, memory, and inclusion. Jaimee Foxworth was a part of something that shaped childhoods, family dynamics, and pop culture. Her legacy shouldn’t be erased.
Conclusion: She Never Left—They Just Forgot
Jaimee Foxworth didn’t choose to be excluded. She didn’t forget where she came from. She didn’t ask to be erased from the photo—or the show’s memory. But despite the rejection, she’s stood strong, spoken her truth, and claimed her space.
It’s never too late to include someone who was there from the start. Judy Winslow may have gone upstairs, but Jaimee Foxworth never really left our hearts.
FAQs
Q1: Why was Jaimee Foxworth not in the Family Matters reunion shoot?
A: She was not invited or contacted, and found out about it from a castmate—causing confusion and hurt.
Q2: What role did she play on Family Matters?
A: Jaimee played Judy Winslow, the youngest daughter, during the first four seasons of the show.
Q3: Did Jaimee respond publicly?
A: Yes, she called the exclusion “a slap in the face” and expressed her disappointment in interviews.
Q4: Is Jaimee still acting?
A: She is not currently active in acting but focuses on motherhood and advocacy work.
Q5: Will Judy Winslow return if there’s a reboot?
A: Nothing is confirmed, but fans and some cast members believe she should absolutely be included.
