Revisiting a ’90s TV Treasure
Remember gathering around the TV on Friday nights for TGIF? If you grew up in the ’90s, chances are Family Matters was a staple in your household. With its lovable nerd Steve Urkel, heartfelt life lessons, and unforgettable catchphrases (yes, “Did I do that?”), the show became an instant classic.
But now, decades later, you might be wondering—where is the cast of Family Matters today? Spoiler: Some are still in the spotlight, some went behind the scenes, and a few took paths you’d never expect.
Let’s dive deep into what the stars of Family Matters have been up to since the show ended.
Jaleel White (Steve Urkel): More Than Just a Nerd
Breaking Free From Urkel
Jaleel White will always be remembered as Steve Urkel, the suspenders-wearing, cheese-loving genius next door. But after Family Matters ended in 1998, White worked hard to shake off the “Urkel” image.
What He’s Doing Now
Jaleel kept busy with guest roles in shows like Psych, NCIS, and The Big Show Show. In 2021, he launched his own cannabis brand called Purple Urkle (yep, really), showing he’s totally in on the joke. He’s also voiced Sonic the Hedgehog in animated series and appeared in commercials, podcasts, and even Dancing with the Stars.
Reginald VelJohnson (Carl Winslow): America’s Favorite TV Dad
From Cop to Cult Favorite
Before playing Carl Winslow, the head of the Winslow household, Reginald VelJohnson was already known for playing police officers (hello, Die Hard fans). But Family Matters cemented his place as one of the most beloved TV dads ever.
Where Is He Now?
VelJohnson has continued acting in film and TV, showing up in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Lazor Wulf, and Hallmark movies. His voice has also been featured in several animated series. He’s low-key but still very much part of Hollywood.
Jo Marie Payton (Harriette Winslow): The Matriarch Who Made It Work
A Grounded, Strong Mom Role Model
Jo Marie Payton brought warmth and sass to the character of Harriette, Carl’s wife. She was the original star—Family Matters was actually a spinoff of Perfect Strangers, where Harriette worked as an elevator operator.
Life After the Sitcom
Jo Marie left the show near the end of the final season and went on to voice Suga Mama in The Proud Family. She’s remained active in TV, stage productions, and voice acting—proving talent and longevity go hand in hand.
Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow): From TV Crush to Private Life
Steve’s Longtime Love Interest
Laura Winslow, played by Kellie Williams, was smart, confident, and a constant source of frustration and motivation for Urkel. Their will-they-won’t-they dynamic kept fans coming back.
Where Did She Go?
After Family Matters, Kellie starred in a few short-lived series and took a step back from Hollywood. Today, she’s a mom, wife, and advocate, and she launched a performing arts program for youth in the D.C. area. Occasionally, she makes nostalgic appearances at fan events and reunions.
Darius McCrary (Eddie Winslow): From Big Brother to Musician
The Cool Older Brother
Darius played Eddie Winslow, Carl and Harriette’s eldest son. He was charismatic, a bit mischievous, but always lovable.
What He’s Up to Today
Darius continued acting, appearing in soap operas like The Young and the Restless and lending his voice to Jazz in Transformers. He also pursued a career in music and recently launched a podcast. He’s been open about personal challenges, making comebacks with resilience.
Bryton James (Richie Crawford): Child Star to Soap Opera Favorite
Cute Kid, Big Talent
Richie, Harriette’s nephew and the Winslows’ adopted son, was played by Bryton James. He won hearts with his adorable lines and innocent smile.
From Sitcoms to Soap Stardom
Bryton made the jump to daytime TV and has starred as Devon Hamilton on The Young and the Restless since 2004—winning Daytime Emmys along the way. He’s one of the most successful post-Family Matters actors.
Telma Hopkins (Rachel Crawford): The Aunt with Attitude
Aunt Rachel Always Had the Best Lines
Telma played Rachel, Harriette’s sister and Richie’s mother. She was witty, entrepreneurial (remember Rachel’s Place?), and a scene-stealer.
Still Rocking the Screen
Telma Hopkins has never slowed down. She’s appeared in shows like Dead to Me, The CW’s Dynasty, and Family Reunion. A former member of pop group Tony Orlando and Dawn, she’s a multi-talented force who’s still shining.
Shawn Harrison (Waldo Faldo): TV’s Lovable Goofball
The Sweet, Dim-Witted Best Friend
Who could forget Waldo Geraldo Faldo? He was Eddie’s loyal (if clueless) friend and comic relief in almost every scene he appeared in.
A Low-Key Life After the Laughs
Shawn Harrison mostly stepped away from the spotlight, occasionally doing voice work and indie projects. He remains a fan favorite at reunions and conventions, where nostalgia runs high.
Rosetta LeNoire (Estelle “Mother” Winslow): A Legacy of Strength
The Wise, Loving Grandma
“Mother Winslow” brought a generational balance to the show. Played by Rosetta LeNoire, she was sweet but sharp—and always ready with wisdom or wit.
A Lasting Impact
Rosetta passed away in 2002, but her contributions to theater and television are remembered fondly. She was a trailblazer and founded the Rosetta LeNoire Musical Theatre Academy, leaving behind a legacy of artistic empowerment.
The Impact of ‘Family Matters’ on Pop Culture
A Sitcom That Pushed Boundaries
Family Matters wasn’t just about laughs. It tackled serious themes—racism, gun violence, peer pressure—without losing its heart. It was one of the longest-running Black sitcoms in TV history.
Steve Urkel Became a Cultural Icon
Jaleel White didn’t just play a nerd—he redefined what it meant to be one. Urkel gear hit toy shelves. Catchphrases made their way into classrooms. It was that big.
Why This Cast Still Matters Today
Representation and Relatability
The Winslows weren’t just a sitcom family—they felt real. They showed a loving, middle-class Black family navigating everyday life, long before diversity was a buzzword.
A Blueprint for Modern Sitcoms
Shows like Black-ish, The Wonder Years reboot, and Abbott Elementary owe part of their DNA to what Family Matters created—a space where comedy and culture coexist.
Fan Reunions and Nostalgia Revivals
Will There Be a Family Matters Reboot?
Rumors of a reboot have floated for years. While nothing’s officially confirmed, Jaleel White has expressed mixed feelings about returning to the role. Still, cast reunions, like the one on E! True Hollywood Story, continue to keep the fanbase buzzing.
Conclusion: The Love for ‘Family Matters’ Never Left
The cast of Family Matters may have moved on to new projects and passions, but the magic they created on screen hasn’t faded one bit. Whether you watched it live or caught reruns growing up, there’s something about this show that sticks.
Maybe it’s the heartfelt lessons. Maybe it’s the chaos of a tight-knit family. Or maybe—just maybe—it’s a nerd in suspenders who made us all feel like it was okay to be different.
One thing’s for sure: Family Matters still matters.
FAQs
1. Is Jaleel White still acting?
Yes! Jaleel White continues to act in TV shows, voice animated characters, and even runs his own cannabis brand, Purple Urkle.
2. What happened to the actress who played Laura Winslow?
Kellie Shanygne Williams left acting to focus on her family and community work but occasionally appears at reunions and fan events.
3. Who’s the most successful actor from the show today?
Bryton James, who played Richie, has had a long-running role on The Young and the Restless and has won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards.
4. Are any of the Family Matters cast members still friends?
Yes! Many of the cast members have stayed in touch and have appeared together at conventions and on talk shows.
5. Did Family Matters end on a cliffhanger?
Not quite, but the final season shifted focus and introduced new characters, which left some storylines open-ended.
