Through following similar family-centric themes other sitcoms perfected at the time, “Family Matters” was bound for success due to their creative depiction of a middle-class African-American family in the suburbs of Chicago. Their claim to fame, however, wouldn’t be apparent until the show introduced Steve Urkel — a quirky main-stay character who saved the show from being dropped by ABC. This, in turn, allowed “Family Matters” to run for 215 episodes and sustain a credible shelf-life for nine years after its release in 1989.
In 1989, we were also introduced to Richie Crawford — the playful, yet sometimes disobedient, son of Rachel Crawford. Though Richie was initially played by Joseph and Julius Wright, three-year-old Bryton James eventually got the role in 1990 and went on to star in 144 episodes. During his appearance on Maurice Benard’s podcast “State of Mind,” James actor spoke about how he took to the success “Family Matters” had garnered. “Back then, I was so young that I was just having fun … I didn’t understand how people knew who I was when I was, you know, out on the street and stuff like that for a while,” he stated. While each “Family Matters” cast member underwent their own dramatic transformations, none are as interesting as James’ road to adulthood. From being a spokesperson for various charities to finding consistent work on a well-known soap opera, here is what Bryton James has been up to after he departed from “Family Matters.”
He tackled other creative pursuits after Family Matters ended
In most cases, the changes in having a less consistent schedule would leave actors spinning around aimlessly, trying to find work in other areas. For Bryton James, this granted him the free time to tackle other pursuits in his life he wouldn’t have been able to if “Family Matters” hadn’t ended. Before his departure, James took part in several charity events held by the organization D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education). According to his biography on Soap Net, this venture ultimately landed him in front of notable figures such as Bill Clinton and the late Michael Jackson. From there, Bryton started his own charity organization called “R.A.D.D Kids,” which allowed him to tour the United States, spreading awareness of drugs and alcohol to young kids.
Surprisingly enough, his charitable efforts were a launching pad for what soon became a budding music career that saw him sign with Universal Music Group in Germany. Once “Family Matters” ended, James had already transitioned into a full-time artist. Due to the success of his first single, “The Way I Feel About You,” James got the opportunity to tour overseas. “It did very, very well,” he stated. “I toured over there for about a year and a half before coming back.” From appearing in a Paul McCartney music video to participating in Michael Jackson’s benefit concert following 9/11, James achieved massive success in the first few years after “Family Matters” ended.
