Family Matters Cast Then and Now: What Happened to Steve Urkel & the Winslows? (md04)

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‘Family Matters’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

If you grew up watching Family Matters, you remember the laughter, the family lessons, and of course — Steve Urkel’s unforgettable “Did I do that?” The sitcom ran from 1989 to 1998, becoming one of the most beloved family shows of the ’90s.

But what happened to the cast after the cameras stopped rolling? Let’s catch up with the Winslow family and their quirky neighbor Urkel — decades later.

1. Jaleel White (Steve Urkel)

It’s impossible to talk about Family Matters without mentioning Jaleel White, the man who brought Steve Urkel to life.

Originally meant to appear in just one episode, Urkel became the show’s breakout star, stealing scenes with his nerdy charm, suspenders, and high-pitched laugh.

After Family Matters:

  • White continued acting in TV shows and movies.

  • He voiced Sonic the Hedgehog in the animated series Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog.

  • Recently, he launched a cannabis brand called “ItsPurpl” in partnership with Snoop Dogg.

Today: Jaleel White remains active in Hollywood, appearing in reality shows and podcasts, and continues to embrace the nostalgia fans feel for his iconic role.

2. Reginald VelJohnson (Carl Winslow)

Carl Winslow, the loving but often exasperated father, was played by Reginald VelJohnson — a seasoned actor even before Family Matters.

Fans also recognized him as Sergeant Al Powell in Die Hard (1988).

After the show:

  • VelJohnson stayed busy, appearing in Hart of Dixie, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.

  • He’s often typecast as a fatherly or police figure, something he’s embraced with humor.

Today: He continues to act and remains one of the most beloved TV dads in sitcom history.

3. Jo Marie Payton (Harriette Winslow)

As the matriarch Harriette Winslow, Jo Marie Payton portrayed warmth, strength, and a touch of sass.

Fun fact: Family Matters actually started as a spin-off of Perfect Strangers, where Payton first appeared as an elevator operator.

After Family Matters:

  • She voiced Suga Mama on The Proud Family

  • Appeared on Moesha, Will & Grace, and Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns

Today: Jo Marie continues acting and often appears at fan conventions celebrating Black sitcom history.

4. Darius McCrary (Eddie Winslow)

Darius McCrary grew up on TV as Eddie Winslow, the Winslows’ cool but mischievous son.

After the show:

  • He acted in Young and the Restless, Anger Management, and Star.

  • McCrary also pursued a music career, working as a singer and producer.

Today: He continues performing, doing podcast interviews, and remains active on social media where he shares inspirational posts.

5. Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow)

As Laura Winslow, Kellie Shanygne Williams was every bit the smart, grounded, and sometimes annoyed sister to Eddie — and Urkel’s lifelong crush.

After Family Matters:

  • She starred in What About Joan? and Eve.

  • Later took a break from Hollywood to focus on family and community work.

Today: Williams is married with kids and occasionally appears at Family Matters reunions and fan events.

6. Jaimee Foxworth (Judy Winslow)

The youngest Winslow daughter, Judy, disappeared mysteriously after Season 4 — a move that puzzled fans for decades.

After the show:

  • Foxworth faced personal struggles and later appeared in documentaries about her life.

  • She eventually focused on recovery and advocacy, speaking openly about her past experiences.

Today: Jaimee Foxworth lives a more private life and continues to inspire fans who admired her honesty and resilience.

7. Telma Hopkins (Rachel Crawford)

Telma Hopkins, who played Rachel, Harriette’s widowed sister, was known for her upbeat personality and comedic timing.

Before Family Matters: she was already a music star with the group Tony Orlando and Dawn.

After the show:

  • Appeared in Half & Half, Are We There Yet?, and The Young and the Restless.

  • Still performs occasionally and mentors young actors.

Today: Hopkins remains active in both TV and advocacy work.

8. Rosetta LeNoire (Estelle “Mother” Winslow)

As Grandma Winslow, Rosetta LeNoire brought wisdom and warmth to the show.

After Family Matters:
She appeared in a few films and was honored for her lifelong work promoting diversity in the arts.

Today: Rosetta sadly passed away in 2002, but her impact on television remains strong.

9. Shawn Harrison (Waldo Faldo)

Who could forget Waldo Geraldo Faldo, Eddie’s lovable but dim-witted best friend?

Played by Shawn Harrison, the character brought endless comic relief.

After the show:

  • He voiced characters in Static Shock and Legion of Superheroes.

  • Occasionally appears in reunion specials and conventions.

Today: Harrison still works in entertainment and stays connected with fans.

10. Bryton James (Richie Crawford)

Bryton James played Rachel’s son, little Richie Crawford.

After Family Matters:

  • He became a major daytime TV star on The Young and the Restless.

  • Won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for his performance.

Today: He’s still a fan favorite on soap operas and close with his Family Matters castmates.

11. Michelle Thomas (Myra Monkhouse)

Michelle Thomas played Myra, Steve Urkel’s sweet but jealous girlfriend.

She was talented, funny, and added depth to Urkel’s love life.

Sadly: Michelle passed away from cancer in 1998, shortly after the show ended. She was only 30 years old.

Her Family Matters family remembers her as radiant, kind, and full of light.

12. Cherie Johnson (Maxine Johnson)

Cherie Johnson, Laura’s best friend Maxine, was a fan-favorite side character.

After the show:

  • She continued acting in The Parkers and Coach Carter.

  • Also became a writer and producer, focusing on empowering women of color in Hollywood.

Today: Johnson is active on social media, podcasts, and independent film projects.

13. The Legacy of Family Matters

Even decades later, Family Matters remains a cultural touchstone:

  • One of the first mainstream sitcoms centered on an African-American middle-class family

  • Broke barriers in representation and humor

  • Continues to air in syndication worldwide

Fans love it not only for the laughs but for the life lessons it taught every week.

14. Reunions and Nostalgia

The cast has reunited several times:

  • Entertainment Tonight specials

  • Fan conventions

  • Anniversary retrospectives

Each reunion reminds fans why Family Matters remains timeless — it felt like our family.

15. Conclusion

The cast of Family Matters has gone on to live diverse, inspiring lives. Some continued in entertainment, others pursued different passions, but they all share one thing — a show that touched millions and continues to make new fans even today.

Three decades later, the Winslows — and yes, even Steve Urkel — still matter.

FAQs

1. Who played Steve Urkel on Family Matters?
Jaleel White.

2. When did Family Matters air?
From 1989 to 1998.

3. What happened to the youngest Winslow daughter?
Judy disappeared after Season 4 with no on-screen explanation.

4. Who passed away from the cast?
Rosetta LeNoire (2002) and Michelle Thomas (1998).

5. Is the cast still in touch today?
Yes, several remain close and participate in fan events and reunions.

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