In a candid interview, Jo Marie Payton, renowned for her role as Harriette Winslow on the beloved ’90s sitcom Family Matters, shared a startling account of an on-set confrontation with her co-star Jaleel White, who portrayed Steve Urkel. Payton revealed that during the filming of a Season 9 episode, tensions escalated to the point where White allegedly attempted to physically fight her.
The Incident on Set
Payton recounted the specific episode in question: “Original Gangsta Dawg,” where White’s character, Steve Urkel, adopts the persona of his gangster cousin, OGD. According to Payton, she objected to a particular scene, citing concerns that it wouldn’t pass the show’s standards and practices. Her refusal to proceed with the scene reportedly enraged White.
“He was so mad, he started kicking and screaming and stuff,” Payton recalled. White allegedly remarked, “She must want to melee,” to which Payton responded, “What’s a melee?” Upon understanding the implication, she asserted, “If he wanna fight, I would.” Fortunately, co-star Darius McCrary intervened, preventing the situation from escalating further.
Contextualizing the Incident
Reflecting on the incident, Payton acknowledged that White was young at the time and may have been influenced by the adults around him. She expressed understanding, stating, “I give some of those adults credit too… Letting him run wild and do whatever he wanted to do, thinking he can say what he wants to say, you know, and hurt people’s feelings and all that.”
Jaleel White’s Perspective
In his memoir Growing Up Urkel, White addressed his experiences on the Family Matters set, including the challenges of being a young actor joining an established cast. He admitted to behaviors that may have been perceived as difficult, attributing them to his youth and the pressures of fame. White expressed regret over some of his actions and acknowledged the difficulties he faced in integrating into the cast.
The Aftermath
Despite the tensions, Payton emphasized that she harbors no ill will toward White. In a subsequent interview, she stated, “I’ll always love him… I forgive everything.” This sentiment reflects the complex dynamics of working in a high-pressure environment and the ability to move past conflicts for the sake of camaraderie and mutual respect.
Conclusion
The revelation of this on-set altercation offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes challenges faced by the cast of Family Matters. While the incident was unsettling, it also highlights the growth and maturity of both Payton and White over the years. Their ability to reconcile and maintain a positive relationship serves as a testament to their professionalism and enduring bond.
FAQs
1. What episode did the alleged confrontation occur?
The incident took place during the Season 9 episode titled “Original Gangsta Dawg.”
2. How did Darius McCrary intervene?
Darius McCrary stepped in to separate the two, preventing the situation from escalating further.
3. Has Jaleel White commented on the incident?
Yes, White addressed his experiences on set in his memoir Growing Up Urkel, acknowledging past behaviors and expressing regret.
4. Are Jo Marie Payton and Jaleel White on good terms now?
Yes, both have expressed mutual respect and understanding, with Payton stating she will always love White and forgives past conflicts.
5. How did this incident affect the show’s production?
While the incident was a moment of tension, there is no indication that it had a lasting impact on the overall production of Family Matters.
