It’s been more than two decades since Family Matters aired its final episode in 1998, but for fans, it feels like yesterday. The Winslow family, with their hilarious neighbor Steve Urkel, brought heart, humor, and unforgettable moments into millions of homes.
But as time passed, many fans began wondering: Are the cast members of “Family Matters” still close today, or have they gone their separate ways?
Let’s take a heartfelt look at what’s become of the iconic cast — and whether that family bond still lives on.
A Quick Trip Down Memory Lane
Before we dive in, let’s remember what made Family Matters so special.
The show wasn’t just another sitcom — it was about love, discipline, laughter, and community. The Winslows weren’t perfect, but they were real. That chemistry wasn’t only acting — it came from genuine friendships behind the scenes.
Now let’s see where those bonds stand today.
Reginald VelJohnson (Carl Winslow) — The Heart of the Family
Reginald VelJohnson, who played the lovable police officer and patriarch Carl Winslow, has always been proud of his time on Family Matters.
In interviews, he’s said he still keeps in touch with several cast members, especially Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow).
VelJohnson even posted throwback photos and messages of love for his on-screen family, proving that, to him, “Family Matters never really ended.”
Jo Marie Payton (Harriette Winslow) — The Mom Who Still Keeps in Touch
Jo Marie Payton, the original Harriette Winslow, was known as the glue of the family both on and off screen.
Even after leaving the show before its final season, she’s maintained friendships with her co-stars. She’s praised Jaleel White (Steve Urkel) in recent interviews, saying they’ve moved past old tensions and now share “mutual respect and love.”
In fact, Payton attended a Family Matters reunion event in 2017 — and fans were thrilled to see that warm energy still alive.
Jaleel White (Steve Urkel) — The Icon With a Soft Spot for His TV Family
For years, rumors swirled about Jaleel White being distant from the cast. But the truth is more nuanced.
White has admitted that fame came fast and young, which created some growing pains. Yet in recent years, he’s been one of the strongest advocates for a Family Matters reboot.
In 2021, he reunited with VelJohnson and Williams for a podcast interview — their laughter and chemistry were instant. White even said, “No matter what, those people will always be my family.”
Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow) — Still Sisterly as Ever
Kellie Shanygne Williams, who played Laura Winslow, remains close with her TV family. She often posts heartfelt tributes to her former co-stars, calling Reginald VelJohnson her “second dad.”
She also reunited with Darius McCrary (Eddie Winslow) in several events, and their friendship still looks as strong as it was on screen.
In 2023, Williams even teased fans by saying, “A reunion would be amazing — because we really are still family.”
Darius McCrary (Eddie Winslow) — Loyal to the End
Darius McCrary has kept his Family Matters ties alive through the years. He and Jaleel White often cross paths at conventions and events, and he’s been vocal about how the show “changed his life forever.”
He once said, “We didn’t just act like a family — we became one.”
Even after decades, he still refers to his castmates as “my brothers and sisters.”
Bryton James (Richie Crawford) — The Kid Who Grew Up on Set
Bryton James, who played Richie, was just a kid on the show — but he’s now a veteran actor (you might recognize him from The Young and the Restless).
He’s shared that the Winslows helped shape his career and that he stays in touch with Kellie and Darius. They occasionally attend fan conventions together, proving those early bonds stuck.
Telma Hopkins (Rachel Crawford) — The Aunt Who Still Checks In
Telma Hopkins played Aunt Rachel — always wise, stylish, and funny. Over the years, she’s stayed close with her castmates, especially Jo Marie Payton.
They’ve both appeared at Family Matters fan reunions and conventions, and Hopkins has said that whenever they meet, “it feels like going home.”
Did the Cast Ever Reunite?
Yes — and it was magical.
In 2017, Entertainment Weekly brought the cast together for a nostalgic photo shoot. Fans lost their minds. Seeing Steve, Laura, Carl, and Harriette together again brought tears to many eyes.
The reunion photos — all smiles and hugs — showed that while years may have passed, the love definitely hadn’t.
What About the Rumored On-Set Drama?
It’s no secret there were some tensions during the original run. Fame, long work hours, and creative differences occasionally caused friction — especially between Jaleel White and Jo Marie Payton.
But both have since addressed it maturely, admitting that those moments were just part of growing up in Hollywood.
Today, they both speak with affection and pride about their shared journey — proof that time really does heal.
Social Media Connections: The New Family Reunion
In the age of Instagram and Twitter, the Family Matters cast has found new ways to stay connected.
Fans often spot them commenting on each other’s posts, celebrating birthdays, or sharing behind-the-scenes memories.
Those online exchanges show that, while they may not have dinner together every week, they still care deeply about each other.
Why Their Bond Still Matters
The reason Family Matters still resonates isn’t just because it was funny — it’s because it felt real.
The chemistry you saw on-screen came from genuine love and respect among the cast. That’s why, decades later, they still support each other.
In Hollywood, where casts often drift apart, the Family Matters crew is proof that some TV families truly last.
Could We See a Reunion or Reboot?
With recent talk about a Family Matters revival, fans are hopeful the old crew might reunite once again.
If it happens, you can expect many of the original stars to return — and not just for a paycheck. They’d do it for nostalgia, love, and the fans who grew up with them.
Conclusion
So, are the Family Matters cast members still close today?
Yes — maybe not every single one all the time, but the heart of that family bond is still alive and well.
They’ve laughed, cried, and grown up together, and after all these years, they remain more than co-stars — they’re truly a family that still matters.
FAQs
1. Do the “Family Matters” cast members still talk today?
Yes! Many of them still keep in touch through social media and occasional reunions.
2. Did the cast have any conflicts?
Yes, like any family, they had disagreements, but they’ve all moved past them.
3. Has there been a full cast reunion recently?
Yes, the 2017 Entertainment Weekly reunion brought most of the cast back together.
4. Are Jaleel White and Reginald VelJohnson still friends?
Yes, they remain on good terms and have reunited for interviews and fan events.
5. Will there be a new season or reboot?
Nothing’s confirmed, but many cast members have said they’d love to return.
