While Steve Urkel (Jaleel White) became the standout character on *Family Matters*, he was actually introduced later in the series. Urkel first appeared midway through Season 1, and what was initially intended to be a one-time guest role eventually evolved into a central part of the show.
Harriette Winslow, played by Jo Marie Payton, was a key figure in the early success of *Family Matters*. Payton originally portrayed Harriette as an elevator operator on *Perfect Strangers*, and her well-received performance led to the creation of the spinoff. However, midway through the ninth and final season of *Family Matters*, Payton departed from the show, and Judyann Elder took over the role of Harriette for the remainder of the series.
Payton chose to leave the show because she felt it had reached its peak. In a 2010 interview with TV Series Finale, she explained, “I think it probably was because the show was kind of running out of air, what they call ‘jumping the shark,’ you know what I mean?” She also sought the opportunity to explore other creative projects, stating, “I just wanted something else to do, just to energize me a little bit more, on the creative side.”
Payton’s exit was partly influenced by the show’s move from ABC to CBS at the end of Season 8 in 1997. The network change coincided with the end of Payton’s contract. She described the situation: “I was like a free agent and so when they went to CBS and all, they asked me to come back. And we agreed that I would come back just to kick off the move to CBS and that’s how that whole deal went. I was to do half of a season, eight of the episodes. And I had an option out and I exercised my option. I did.”
Payton also dispelled rumors that her departure was due to conflicts with Jaleel White, clarifying that her decision was based purely on creative and contractual reasons.
After playing Harriette Winslow for over 200 episodes, Payton’s departure was a significant change for the cast, especially with Judyann Elder stepping into the role. Reginald VelJohnson, who played Carl Winslow, remarked in a 2017 interview with Entertainment Weekly, “It was hard for me after nine years of doing something with one person. It was like getting a divorce and then marrying somebody else. It was weird.”
The cast of *Family Matters* had previously dealt with sudden changes; for instance, Judy (Jaimee Foxworth), the youngest Winslow family member, abruptly disappeared during Season 4 and was never mentioned again.
