When you think of iconic TV moms and unforgettable animated grandmas, one name shines brighter than most: Jo Marie Payton. Known for bringing Harriette Winslow to life on Family Matters and lending her unmistakable voice to Suga Mama on The Proud Family, Payton has been a staple of American television for decades. This year, the legendary actress reached an incredible milestone—her 75th birthday.
But Jo Marie Payton’s story isn’t just about candles on a cake. It’s about resilience, talent, representation, and the impact she’s had on generations of viewers. So, let’s take a walk down memory lane, relive her greatest moments, and celebrate the remarkable woman who continues to inspire at 75.
Who Is Jo Marie Payton?
If you grew up in the ’90s, you definitely know her face. Jo Marie Payton is an American actress, singer, and voice talent whose career spans more than four decades. She broke through with her role as Harriette Winslow on Family Matters, a spin-off from Perfect Strangers. Later, she became the beloved voice of Suga Mama, Penny Proud’s hilarious grandmother, on The Proud Family.
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Born in Albany, Georgia, in 1950, Payton grew up in the South before moving to Miami, Florida. Her roots shaped her work ethic, creativity, and deep appreciation for family—values that would later define the roles she portrayed on television.
Breaking Into Hollywood
Hollywood wasn’t an easy road for Payton. In the 1970s and ’80s, opportunities for Black actresses were slim. But her persistence paid off when she landed guest roles on TV before catching her big break in 1987 with Perfect Strangers. That one guest appearance as elevator operator Harriette Winslow became the seed that grew into an entire spin-off—Family Matters.
Harriette Winslow: America’s Favorite Sitcom Mom
Let’s be real: Harriette Winslow wasn’t just another sitcom mom. She was tough but loving, funny but firm, and always ready to put Steve Urkel in his place. Jo Marie Payton gave Harriette authenticity, showing audiences a strong Black mother who balanced work, marriage, and raising kids in Chicago.
The Legacy of Family Matters
Running from 1989 to 1998, Family Matters became one of the longest-running Black sitcoms in history. While Steve Urkel may have stolen the spotlight, Harriette Winslow was the family’s backbone. Jo Marie Payton played her role for nine seasons, leaving an unforgettable mark before her departure in 1997.
Transitioning to Voice Acting: The Proud Family
Not many actors successfully jump from live-action to animation, but Payton did it seamlessly. In 2001, she began voicing Suga Mama, the feisty grandmother on Disney Channel’s The Proud Family. Her sharp wit, sass, and comedic timing turned Suga Mama into a fan-favorite character.
Suga Mama: The Grandmother We All Wanted
If Harriette Winslow was the mom we all respected, Suga Mama was the grandma we all wanted. From roasting her son Oscar to spoiling Penny, Suga Mama stole every scene. Payton’s voice work made the character larger than life and kept fans laughing across generations.
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
Fast-forward to 2022, Disney revived The Proud Family with a modern twist—The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. And yes, Jo Marie Payton returned to voice Suga Mama. At 75, her energy hasn’t dimmed a bit. She’s still cracking jokes, dropping wisdom, and keeping the Proud family in check.
A Trailblazer for Representation
Representation matters, and Jo Marie Payton’s roles broke barriers. On Family Matters, she portrayed a Black working mom in a positive light at a time when TV often leaned on stereotypes. On The Proud Family, she showcased multi-generational Black family dynamics with humor and heart.
Her Impact on Fans
For many fans, Jo Marie Payton isn’t just an actress—she’s family. People grew up with her shows, learning life lessons from Harriette and laughing with Suga Mama. To this day, social media is full of tributes, memes, and clips celebrating her unforgettable performances.
Awards and Recognition
Though she may not always get the mainstream spotlight, Payton’s work has earned respect within the industry. She has been recognized for her contributions to television and continues to be celebrated as one of the pioneers of Black family representation on screen.
Life Beyond Television
Outside of acting, Jo Marie Payton is also known for her philanthropy, advocacy, and mentoring young talent. She has spent years uplifting her community and pushing for diversity in Hollywood.
Jo Marie Payton Turns 75: A Celebration of Legacy
Reaching 75 is no small feat, especially in an industry as demanding as entertainment. But Jo Marie Payton hasn’t just survived—she’s thrived. Her career remains relevant, her characters timeless, and her influence undeniable.
Why Jo Marie Payton Still Matters Today
In an era where representation is finally getting the attention it deserves, Jo Marie Payton’s work stands as a blueprint. She showed the world that Black families deserve complex, joyful, and authentic stories on screen. Her legacy continues to inspire young actors, writers, and audiences.
Conclusion: Cheers to 75 Years of Jo Marie Payton
From sitcom sets to animated studios, Jo Marie Payton has carved out a career full of laughter, love, and legacy. At 75, she’s not slowing down—she’s still making us laugh, still inspiring generations, and still proving that family, whether on TV or in real life, always matters.
Here’s to Jo Marie Payton: a queen of television, a cultural icon, and a woman whose impact will be felt for decades to come.
FAQs
1. What is Jo Marie Payton best known for?
She’s best known for playing Harriette Winslow on Family Matters and voicing Suga Mama on The Proud Family.
2. How old is Jo Marie Payton now?
She just celebrated her 75th birthday in 2025.
3. Did Jo Marie Payton leave Family Matters?
Yes, she left during the ninth season in 1997 but left behind a lasting legacy as Harriette Winslow.
4. Is Jo Marie Payton still working today?
Absolutely! She continues to voice Suga Mama in The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.
5. Why is Jo Marie Payton considered a trailblazer?
She helped pave the way for Black family representation on TV, showing positive, authentic, and powerful portrayals that influenced generations
