Growing Up with the Winslows
If you grew up in the ‘90s, Family Matters probably felt like part of your own family.
From Carl’s dad jokes to Urkel’s wild inventions, the Winslows made us laugh, cry, and learn life lessons for nine unforgettable seasons. But after the show wrapped in 1998, fans were left wondering: What happened to the cast?
Decades later, the stars of Family Matters have continued to shine — on TV, in movies, and in life. Some took surprising new paths, while others stayed close to their sitcom roots. Let’s catch up with everyone’s favorite TV family and see where the Family Matters cast is today.
1. Reginald VelJohnson (Carl Winslow) – The Beloved TV Dad
You can’t talk about Family Matters without mentioning Reginald VelJohnson, the man who made “dad energy” cool.
After playing Carl Winslow — the lovable, slightly grumpy Chicago cop — VelJohnson kept working steadily in film and TV. He became a fan favorite for fatherly roles in series like Hart of Dixie, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.
Even today, VelJohnson embraces his Family Matters legacy with pride. He often appears at conventions and reunions, telling fans:
“Carl Winslow will always be a part of me — and I’m grateful for that.”
2. Jo Marie Payton (Harriette Winslow) – The Family Matriarch
As Harriette Winslow, Jo Marie Payton brought warmth, sass, and strength to the show.
After leaving Family Matters during its final season, she continued acting in series like Will & Grace, The Proud Family, and Moesha. Payton also lent her voice to the Proud Family reboot on Disney+, reprising her iconic role as Suga Mama.
Beyond acting, she’s a passionate advocate for education and the arts, inspiring younger generations of Black actresses.
Even now, she says fans still call her “Mama Winslow” — a title she wears proudly.
3. Jaleel White (Steve Urkel) – The Nerd Who Became a Legend
Let’s be honest — Jaleel White was Family Matters.
His nerdy alter ego, Steve Urkel, became a cultural icon, shaping ‘90s television forever. But fame wasn’t easy — White admitted it took years to step out of Urkel’s shadow.
Since then, he’s appeared in Psych, Boston Legal, The Big Show Show, and even competed on Dancing With the Stars. In 2021, he launched his own cannabis brand, ItsPurpl, and continues to work as a writer and producer.
White remains grateful for his time on Family Matters, saying:
“Urkel made history. And I’m proud to have been part of something that meant so much to people.”
4. Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow) – From Teen Star to Role Model
Playing Laura Winslow made Kellie Shanygne Williams a household name.
After the series ended, she acted in shows like Girlfriends, What About Joan, and Eve. But over time, she shifted her focus toward philanthropy and family.
Williams founded the Kellie Williams Program, which helps young people in Washington D.C. learn skills in media and performing arts. She’s also married with children and continues to make appearances at Family Matters reunions.
She once said,
“We didn’t realize it then, but we were part of something special — something that still makes people smile.”
5. Darius McCrary (Eddie Winslow) – Actor and Musician
As the charming, mischievous older brother Eddie, Darius McCrary grew up in front of our eyes.
After the show, he went on to star in The Young and the Restless, Freedom, and Transformers (voicing Jazz in the 2007 film).
He’s also a talented musician, releasing R&B music and performing in various projects. Though his career had ups and downs, McCrary continues to reinvent himself, proving he’s more than just the cool Winslow brother.
6. Jaimee Foxworth (Judy Winslow) – The Forgotten Sister’s Comeback
Ah, Judy Winslow — the daughter who vanished without explanation after season four.
Played by Jaimee Foxworth, Judy’s disappearance became one of TV’s biggest mysteries. After leaving the show, Jaimee faced personal struggles, including financial hardship and time away from Hollywood.
But she made an inspiring comeback, becoming an advocate for mental health and sharing her story to help others.
In interviews, Foxworth has said she’s made peace with her past:
“I went through hard times, but I came out stronger.”
7. Rosetta LeNoire (Estelle “Mother” Winslow) – A Legacy of Love
The late Rosetta LeNoire, who played Grandma Estelle, was more than a TV grandma — she was a pioneer.
Before Family Matters, she had a rich stage and film career and founded the Amas Repertory Theatre in New York to promote racial diversity in the arts.
LeNoire passed away in 2002, but her legacy lives on through her trailblazing contributions to theater and representation.
8. Michelle Thomas (Myra Monkhouse) – A Love Remembered
Michelle Thomas, who played Myra — Urkel’s sweetheart — was a fan favorite known for her grace and charm.
Tragically, she passed away in 1998 after a battle with cancer, just months after the show ended. Jaleel White, one of her closest friends, later called her “the purest soul” he ever met.
Though gone too soon, Michelle’s talent and warmth remain unforgettable.
9. Telma Hopkins (Rachel Crawford) – From Pop Star to Sitcom Star
Before becoming Harriette’s sister Rachel, Telma Hopkins was already famous — as part of the pop group Tony Orlando and Dawn.
After Family Matters, she starred in Half & Half, Are We There Yet?, and The Love Guru. She also appeared in Netflix’s Dead to Me, proving her comedic chops are timeless.
Hopkins remains active in both acting and humanitarian work, supporting causes for children and families.
10. Shawn Harrison (Waldo Faldo) – The Lovable Goofball
Who could forget Waldo Geraldo Faldo, Eddie’s hilariously clueless best friend?
Played by Shawn Harrison, Waldo became one of the show’s funniest and most beloved side characters. After Family Matters, Harrison voiced characters in animated series like Static Shock and Legion of Super Heroes.
He occasionally pops up in interviews and conventions, often saying fans still greet him with Waldo’s classic “Sup!”
11. Orlando Brown (3J) – From Sitcom Kid to Troubled Adult Star
Orlando Brown joined Family Matters in the final season as 3J, the young boy adopted by the Winslows.
After the show, he found fame on Disney Channel’s That’s So Raven. Unfortunately, his adult life included public struggles with addiction and mental health.
Recently, Brown has sought help and expressed his faith, working to rebuild his life and return to acting. His story is one of redemption and resilience.
12. Cherie Johnson (Maxine Johnson) – Laura’s Best Friend
Cherie Johnson, who played Laura’s loyal friend Maxine, went on to appear in Punky Brewster and The Parkers.
She’s also an author and producer, writing books that promote positivity and self-love. Johnson remains active on social media, where she often advocates for women’s rights and community empowerment.
13. The Winslow Reunion: Still a Family
In recent years, several Family Matters cast members have reunited for interviews, conventions, and special appearances.
They often share behind-the-scenes stories, emotional memories, and hopes for a reboot. Their chemistry — even decades later — proves that the Winslows’ bond is unbreakable.
14. A Possible Reboot on the Horizon?
Fans have been asking for a Family Matters reboot for years — and it might not be impossible.
In multiple interviews, Jaleel White, Kellie Williams, and Darius McCrary have said they’d be open to returning if the story felt meaningful.
A modern take on the Winslows, exploring what happened after the original series, could be the perfect nostalgia trip for longtime fans.
15. The Legacy That Never Faded
Family Matters didn’t just entertain — it represented.
It was one of the first mainstream sitcoms to portray a Black middle-class family with humor and heart, paving the way for shows like Black-ish and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Even decades later, the Winslows’ lessons on love, forgiveness, and laughter still hold up. That’s why the show — and its cast — remain cultural treasures.
Conclusion: The Family Still Matters
Time has passed, but the Family Matters cast continues to inspire.
Some found new careers, others built families, and a few left us far too soon. Yet their shared legacy endures — reminding us that family, in every form, truly matters.
The Winslows may have left our screens, but they’ll never leave our hearts.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Family Matters cast still close today?
A1: Yes! Many of them stay in touch, often reuniting for fan events and interviews.
Q2: Has a Family Matters reboot been confirmed?
A2: Not officially, but several cast members have expressed interest.
Q3: What happened to the youngest Winslow daughter, Judy?
A3: Jaimee Foxworth left the show early on, but she’s since spoken about her journey and recovery.
Q4: Who passed away from the Family Matters cast?
A4: Rosetta LeNoire (Estelle) and Michelle Thomas (Myra) both passed away, leaving lasting legacies.
Q5: Where can I watch Family Matters today?
A5: You can stream it on platforms like Hulu, Max, and Amazon Prime Video.
