What Happened to Kellie Shanygne Williams? Laura Winslow’s Life After Family Matters

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Kellie Shanygne Williams: Where Laura From Family Matters Is Now

For nine incredible seasons, Kellie Shanygne Williams graced our screens as Laura Winslow, the smart, stylish, no-nonsense teen who somehow tolerated Steve Urkel’s constant chaos. But what happened after the curtain fell on Family Matters?

Let’s take a deep dive into the life and legacy of Kellie Shanygne Williams—where she’s been, what she’s doing now, and why fans still adore her decades later.

Who Is Kellie Shanygne Williams?

Kellie Shanygne Williams is an actress, producer, and philanthropist best known for her role as Laura Winslow on the hit sitcom Family Matters, which aired from 1989 to 1998. Born on March 22, 1976, in Washington, D.C., Kellie was a natural on camera from a young age.

Laura Winslow: The Sitcom Icon

Laura Winslow wasn’t just any character—she was the heart of the Winslow household. While Steve Urkel brought the laughs, Laura brought the balance. She was smart, compassionate, and not afraid to stand her ground.

For millions of fans, she represented the confident, career-focused girl next door.

Why Kellie Stepped Back From Hollywood

After Family Matters, Kellie took on a few more acting roles but eventually stepped back from the spotlight. Why?

Family. Faith. Fulfillment.
In Kellie’s own words, she chose to live a more private life—something rare for a former child star. She wanted to raise a family and invest in real-world impact.

Post-Family Matters Career Highlights

TV Roles After Laura

While she never matched the level of fame she had on Family Matters, Kellie kept acting in guest roles:

  • Moesha

  • The Parkers

  • Girlfriends

  • What About Joan?

Each appearance showed that her talent extended far beyond Laura Winslow.

Movie Appearances

She also appeared in a few films:

  • Ride (1998)

  • In the Mix (2005)

  • Steppin’ (2009)

  • Blessed & Cursed (2010)

Though most were small projects, they revealed Kellie’s versatility on screen.

Marriage and Motherhood

In 2009, Kellie married Hannibal Jackson, a military reserve member turned IT executive. They now have two children: Hannah Belle (born 2010) and John Ervin (born 2012).

She proudly stepped away from Hollywood to focus on her kids, proving she was just as committed to her real-life role as “mom” as she was to her role on screen.

Kellie Williams’ Nonprofit Work

Not only is she an actress and mom, but Kellie is also a passionate community leader. In 2006, she co-founded the Kellie Williams Program, a nonprofit teaching inner-city youth in Washington, D.C. the ins and outs of TV production.

Talk about giving back to the next generation.

Return to the Screen: Reunions and Comebacks

Fans of Family Matters were thrilled to see Kellie back in the public eye in recent years.

Holiday Movies

She reunited with her former co-star Darius McCrary (a.k.a. Eddie Winslow) in Christmas in Carolina (2020)—a fun, feel-good romantic comedy that brought some major nostalgia.

A Family Matters Christmas (2022)

In another festive film, she starred in A Family Matters Christmas (also known as Merry Little Switchmas), further solidifying that the Winslow siblings still have chemistry—even off the sitcom set.

Stepping Back Into the Spotlight

In 2024, Kellie popped up in new TV appearances, including The Ms. Pat Show, and is set to appear in a BET+ film titled First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story, playing CIA agent Olivia Reyes. Yep—Laura grew up and became a boss.

Where Is She Now?

Currently, Kellie splits her time between raising her family, community engagement, and select acting roles. She’s also active on social media, sharing glimpses into her life with fans who’ve followed her journey since the ’90s.

Why Fans Still Love Kellie Today

It’s simple: Kellie represents something real. In an industry full of scandals, she chose a path that aligned with her values. She didn’t chase fame—she chose purpose.

And that’s what makes her unforgettable.

How She’s Inspiring a New Generation

Kellie continues to be a role model not just for young Black women in entertainment, but for anyone trying to balance career, family, and personal growth.

She proves that you don’t need to be constantly trending to make an impact—you just need to stay true to yourself.

Could a Family Matters Reboot Be Coming?

Rumors of a reboot or reunion have swirled for years, especially with the rise of nostalgic reboots like Fuller House and Bel-Air. While nothing has been confirmed, the original cast—including Kellie—has expressed interest.

Fingers crossed, folks.

Conclusion

From beloved sitcom teen to empowering mother and mentor, Kellie Shanygne Williams has shown the world what grace, growth, and groundedness look like. She may not be on your TV every night, but she’s still changing lives—in a quieter, more powerful way.

If you’ve ever wondered where Laura Winslow ended up, the answer is simple: she’s thriving.

FAQs

1. Is Kellie Shanygne Williams still acting?
Yes! She’s made several recent appearances in TV shows and holiday movies and continues to act selectively.

2. Who did Kellie Williams marry?
She married Hannibal Jackson in 2009. They have two children together.

3. What is the Kellie Williams Program?
A nonprofit she co-founded in 2006 to help underserved youth learn television production skills.

4. Will there be a Family Matters reboot?
Nothing’s confirmed yet, but the cast has expressed interest—so it’s definitely possible!

5. What’s Kellie’s most recent project?
She’s set to appear in First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story on BET+ as CIA Agent Olivia Reyes.

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