When Family Matters wrapped its ninth and final season in 1998, it left behind not only a legacy of laughter but also a group of actors who had become beloved to millions of viewers. Over two decades later, fans still wonder: where did the cast members go after the Winslow family’s television chapter closed? Some stayed in Hollywood, others pursued different careers, and a few faced challenges away from the spotlight. This article traces the post-Family Matters journeys of the show’s key cast members, highlighting their triumphs, struggles, and ongoing connections to a series that continues to resonate across generations.
Reginald VelJohnson (Carl Winslow)
As the stern but lovable patriarch Carl Winslow, Reginald VelJohnson provided the backbone of the series. Already recognizable from his roles in Die Hard and Ghostbusters, VelJohnson transitioned seamlessly into television. After Family Matters, he never fully left the screen.
VelJohnson appeared in numerous guest spots on shows such as The Parkers, CSI, and Bones. His voice work as Principal Lazlo in Invincible and as the mayor in Disney’s Zootopia showcased his versatility. In recent years, he has embraced his status as a nostalgic icon, making appearances at conventions and on reunion panels. VelJohnson has also leaned into comedy again with roles in holiday movies and sitcom cameos. Today, he is remembered not only as Carl Winslow but also as an enduring symbol of television fatherhood.
Jo Marie Payton (Harriette Winslow)
Jo Marie Payton brought warmth, wit, and strength to Harriette Winslow, the family’s matriarch. She originated the role on Perfect Strangers before Family Matters spun off into its own series. However, Payton left the show during its final season, later citing creative differences and exhaustion after nearly a decade in the same role.
Post-Family Matters, Payton enjoyed a steady career in both live-action and voice work. She appeared on Will & Grace, The Proud Family (voicing Suga Mama, a fan-favorite character), and a variety of stage productions. Payton also reunited with Jaleel White and other cast members for nostalgic specials. Today, she continues to act and often reflects on the show’s impact, speaking proudly about how it gave representation to African-American families on primetime television.
Jaleel White (Steve Urkel)
No cast member became more famous than Jaleel White, whose portrayal of Steve Urkel turned him into a pop-culture phenomenon. White’s catchphrases, wardrobe, and comedic timing made him unforgettable, but the role also typecast him in Hollywood.
After the series ended, White sought to redefine his career. He appeared in shows such as Grown Ups, Boston Legal, and House. He also voiced Sonic the Hedgehog in several animated series, a role that introduced him to a new generation of fans. While White occasionally distanced himself from Urkel, he eventually embraced the character’s legacy, appearing in commercials and reunion specials that playfully reference his iconic role.
In recent years, White launched ventures outside of acting, including a podcast and entrepreneurial projects. His candid reflections on growing up in the spotlight have earned him respect for his honesty about both the rewards and challenges of child stardom.
Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow)
As Laura Winslow, the object of Steve Urkel’s affections, Kellie Shanygne Williams became a central figure on the show. Following Family Matters, she appeared on What About Joan and guest-starred on Girlfriends and The Parkers. However, Williams eventually stepped away from the limelight to focus on family and philanthropy.
Williams founded the Kellie Williams Program in Washington, D.C., which provides arts and media training for young people. She has occasionally reunited with her Family Matters co-stars for nostalgic appearances but remains largely private. Her dedication to community work underscores how she used her platform to inspire others beyond television.
Darius McCrary (Eddie Winslow)
Darius McCrary’s role as Eddie Winslow, the Winslows’ mischievous but good-hearted eldest son, gave him early fame. After Family Matters, McCrary continued acting with recurring roles on The Young and the Restless, Anger Management, and guest appearances on various series. He also lent his voice to Jazz in Michael Bay’s Transformers (2007).
Outside of acting, McCrary has pursued music and stage work. However, his personal life has been marked by difficulties, including publicized legal battles and financial challenges. Despite these struggles, he remains active in entertainment and continues to honor his time as Eddie Winslow when interacting with fans.
Jaimee Foxworth (Judy Winslow)
One of the more bittersweet cast stories belongs to Jaimee Foxworth, who played Judy Winslow, the youngest child. After the fourth season, her character was abruptly written out of the series and rarely mentioned again—a decision that sparked criticism from fans and media alike.
Post-Family Matters, Foxworth struggled to find her footing in Hollywood. She faced challenges with substance abuse and financial instability, which she openly discussed in later interviews. However, Foxworth eventually turned her life around, focusing on family and becoming an advocate for sobriety and wellness. Her story remains a reminder of the harsh realities that can accompany child stardom.
Shawn Harrison (Waldo Geraldo Faldo)
Waldo Geraldo Faldo, Eddie’s lovable but dim-witted best friend, became a surprise fan favorite thanks to Shawn Harrison’s comedic timing. After Family Matters, Harrison made guest appearances on shows such as Girlfriends and pursued voice work.
He later transitioned into behind-the-scenes work, contributing to entertainment projects in various capacities. Though not as prominent in the spotlight, Harrison has embraced the enduring affection fans have for Waldo, attending conventions and engaging with the show’s legacy.
Rosetta LeNoire (Estelle Winslow)
Rosetta LeNoire, who portrayed Grandma Estelle Winslow, was already a distinguished actress and theater pioneer before joining Family Matters. Known for her work on Broadway and her commitment to diversity in the arts, LeNoire remained a steady presence on the show until its conclusion.
Sadly, she passed away in 2002 at the age of 90. Her legacy continues through the Amas Musical Theatre in New York, which she founded to promote multiculturalism in performing arts. The affection fans still hold for “Mother Winslow” speaks to the warmth she brought to every scene.
Other Notable Cast Members
Several supporting cast members also left marks on Family Matters. Telma Hopkins, who played Rachel Crawford (Harriette’s sister), enjoyed a successful career afterward, including roles on Half & Half and Are We There Yet?. Bryton James, who played Richie Crawford as a child, grew into a successful soap opera actor, winning Daytime Emmy Awards for his role on The Young and the Restless.
Conclusion
The cast of Family Matters took different paths after the curtain fell on the Winslow family’s adventures. Some continued in Hollywood, others chose quieter lives, and a few faced struggles that mirrored the challenges of real families everywhere. Yet despite these divergent journeys, they remain forever connected by the cultural phenomenon they helped create.
More than two decades later, the cast’s work continues to entertain, inspire, and spark nostalgia. Whether through reruns, streaming platforms, or convention reunions, the Winslows and their neighbors remind audiences of a time when family sitcoms brought people together in front of the television. Their stories after the show prove that while Family Matters ended in 1998, its cast’s legacy is still very much alive.
