Kellie Shanygne Williams: Where Laura from Family Matters Is Now
We all remember Laura Winslow—the smart, stylish, and slightly sassy teenager who somehow managed to survive the chaos brought on by her persistent neighbor, Steve Urkel. But what happened to the actress behind the role? If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Where is Kellie Shanygne Williams now?” you’re not alone.
Kellie wasn’t just the heart of Family Matters—she was also one of the most recognizable young stars of ’90s television. Since the show’s end in 1998, her life has taken some unexpected turns. Let’s dive into where she is now, what she’s doing, and how she’s redefining her legacy beyond the small screen.
A Look Back at Laura Winslow’s Legacy
Kellie Shanygne Williams played Laura Winslow for all nine seasons of Family Matters, from 1989 to 1998. She was the daughter of Carl and Harriette Winslow, and the steadying force in a home frequently invaded by Urkel’s experiments and shenanigans.
But Laura wasn’t just a sitcom character. She represented the smart, ambitious Black girl next door who had goals, boundaries, and a whole lot of heart. Her role became iconic in a time when Black female leads were rare on primetime TV.
Post-Sitcom Life: Leaving the Spotlight to Build a New Life
After Family Matters wrapped, Kellie took a step back from the Hollywood limelight. Unlike many former child actors who chased fame, she shifted focus toward something more personal: building a balanced and meaningful life off-camera.
The Marriage Chapter: Family Comes First
In 2009, Kellie married Hannibal Jackson, a former U.S. Army Reserve member and successful businessman. Together, they’ve created a grounded life far away from red carpets and film sets.
The couple has two children: a daughter named Hannah and a son named John. And if you take a look at her Instagram, you’ll see a lot less glam and a lot more real-life moments—PTA meetings, family vacations, and community involvement.
Giving Back: The Kellie Williams Program
Kellie may have stepped back from acting, but she hasn’t disappeared from the scene. In fact, she’s been making a major impact behind the scenes.
In 2006, she launched the Kellie Williams Program in her hometown of Washington, D.C. The initiative provides inner-city youth with hands-on experience in media production. Through the program, kids get to write, produce, and even star in their own projects—empowering a new generation of storytellers.
This isn’t just a feel-good side project. It’s Kellie’s way of paying it forward and using her platform for purpose, not just profit.
Occasional Acting Comebacks
Though her focus has largely been on her family and advocacy work, Kellie hasn’t completely said goodbye to acting. She’s returned for a few nostalgic and heartwarming roles.
In 2020, she starred in the romantic holiday film Christmas in Carolina, which reunited her with Family Matters co-star Darius McCrary (a.k.a. Eddie Winslow). Fans loved seeing them together again, and the project sparked rumors of more reunions in the future.
In 2022, she appeared in A Family Matters Christmas, a fun nod to her sitcom roots.
Recent Appearances: Quiet But Impactful
In 2024, Kellie made a special guest appearance in The Ms. Pat Show, a BET+ series that explores modern Black family life through a comedic lens. Though it was a one-off role, fans were thrilled to see her on-screen again.
She’s also been tapped to appear in an upcoming thriller titled Dark Zero 48, where she plays a CIA agent. Yep, Laura Winslow is now saving the world.
Why She Left Hollywood—and Why That’s OK
Many fans wonder why Kellie didn’t go on to star in more shows or become a household name like some of her co-stars. The truth? She chose peace over fame.
In interviews, she’s been open about the fact that she didn’t want to raise her children in Hollywood. She found joy and fulfillment in her personal life—something we don’t celebrate enough in a world obsessed with “staying relevant.”
Her story challenges the idea that success must be loud or public. Sometimes, stepping away is the most powerful move you can make.
The Quiet Influence of Kellie Shanygne Williams
Even though she’s not on your screen every week, Kellie’s influence hasn’t faded. She helped shape an entire era of Black television and inspired countless young women to speak up, stay grounded, and chase their dreams.
She also helped normalize smart, articulate Black female leads—something we’re only now seeing more consistently on TV and in film.
A Private Life Well-Lived
If you browse through her recent interviews or social media posts, you’ll find a woman who’s deeply happy, content, and purposeful. She’s living a life most of us would envy—not because it’s flashy, but because it’s full of heart, family, and meaning.
Does She Miss Acting?
When asked if she’d return full-time to Hollywood, Kellie’s answer has always been refreshingly honest: maybe, but only if it fits her life. Acting is something she loves, but it’s no longer her everything. And that balance? It’s rare and admirable.
Where Can You Follow Her Now?
Kellie is relatively low-key on social media, but she occasionally shares updates with fans on her official Instagram account: @kellieswilliams. If you’re hoping for reunion news, that’s your best bet.
Will There Be a Family Matters Reboot?
Fans have been begging for it, and the cast is open to it—but so far, there’s no confirmed reboot. That said, Kellie has expressed interest in reuniting with her TV family, especially if the project tells a new kind of story for today’s audience.
Her Legacy Is Bigger Than You Think
Kellie Shanygne Williams might not be chasing the spotlight, but her influence still runs deep. She’s a role model for what it looks like to redefine success, prioritize family, and give back to the next generation.
In a world full of clickbait and celebrity drama, Kellie’s grounded life is a breath of fresh air. She reminds us that fame is fleeting—but legacy is forever.
Conclusion
So where is Kellie Shanygne Williams now? She’s right where she wants to be—raising a family, giving back, and living life on her own terms. Whether or not she ever returns to TV full-time, her place in television history is already secure.
She played an unforgettable role in one of the most iconic sitcoms of the ’90s, and now, she’s playing an even more important role in real life. And honestly? That’s the kind of glow-up we should all aspire to.
FAQs
1. Is Kellie Shanygne Williams still acting?
Yes, she’s appeared in recent films like Christmas in Carolina and is set to appear in Dark Zero 48, though she’s selective about her roles.
2. What does Kellie Shanygne Williams do now?
She focuses on her family, runs a youth arts program, and occasionally acts in projects that align with her values.
3. Is she still in touch with the Family Matters cast?
Yes, she remains close with many cast members and has worked on reunion projects with some of them.
4. Why did she leave Hollywood?
She chose to step back to focus on family life and found more fulfillment in parenting and advocacy.
5. Where can fans follow her updates?
Follow her on Instagram for updates and insights into her life today.
