Whatever Happened To The Cast Of Family Matters?

Friday nights in the ’90s were ruled by one block of programming: TGIF. TGIF, which stands for “Thank Goodness It’s Friday,” aired on ABC and included TV shows like “Full House,” “Dinosaurs,” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” One of the programming block’s best offerings was “Family Matters,” a sitcom about the Winslows, a tight-knit family living in Chicago. The show was a major success, running for over 200 episodes and earning an Emmy nomination along the way. With Hollywood stars like Reginald VelJohnson of “Die Hard” fame and comedy veteran Telma Hopkins, as well as one of the most memorable characters in TV history on the cast, the show was bound to be a hit.

It’s been over 20 years since “Family Matters” ended, and fans love the show just the same. Although it no longer airs on ABC on Friday nights, the sitcom is still watched by some thanks to streaming platforms, and Steve Urkel is still just as beloved — or annoying — now as he was when the show was in its prime. Because “Family Matters” ran for so long, viewers spent many years of their lives becoming familiar with these characters, and naturally, many wonder what the cast is up to today. If you’re one such viewer, you’re in luck. We’ve got the scoop on what happened to all your favorite “Family Matters” actors.

Reginald VelJohnson starred in Progressive commercials

Reginald VelJohnson played Carl Winslow on “Family Matters,” a loving and protective father who eventually became known as one of America’s dads thanks to the role. After “Family Matters” ended, VelJohnson kept acting, popping up in a few sitcoms like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” where he played himself, and taking on some recurring roles, like on the CW show “Hart of Dixie.”

In early 2023, VelJohnson starred in a slew of “TV Dad” Progressive commercials, heavily leaning into his old status of a beloved father. “It really was warm and I had a good time and they had a good time with me, I hope,” VelJohnson told Forbes of his time shooting the Progressive commercials.

VelJohnson also spoke of the legacy of “Family Matters,” and why it was so popular at the time it aired. “I think having a Black family on Miller-Boyett’s [production] roster was kind of a unique thing, and we got used to being around each other. It just felt good and people seem to like what we were doing and that’s why it lasted so long,” VelJohnson said. The former TV dad added that he’s been prioritizing his health and that, as long as he’s healthy and capable, he’ll continue acting.

Darius McCrary continued working in entertainment

Darius McCrary became known in the entertainment industry for his role as Eddie Winslow on “Family Matters.” Eddie was the only boy in the Winslow family, and while he often found himself getting into teenage trouble, he grew up to be a responsible, protective, brave man. In real life, McCrary continued acting after the end of “Family Matters,” finding roles in both film and television shows. McCrary also expanded his work to include producing and rapping, and he still remains involved in the entertainment industry today. “It’s just a blessing to be here all these years and to continue working, continue learning, and to have people still interested in what you’re doing,” McCrary said on Daily Blast LIVE of his continued success in a difficult business.

McCrary also started a podcast called “I’M NOT LAUGHIN’.” “I want to give a voice to celebrities because we get such a bad rap a lot of times, and times have changed. It’s different now. If you don’t say something now when you find yourself on the other end of injustice, then it’s just as bad,” McCrary told HipHollywood about his show. McCrary co-hosted the podcast with his former co-star Kellie Shanygne Williams.

Kellie Shanygne Williams executive produced A Family Matters Christmas

Kellie Shanygne Williams played Laura Winslow on “Family Matters,” the middle child in the Winslow family who was known for her brains. Williams was just a teenager when she began filming “Family Matters,” so she became an adult while filming a hit television show. “Growing up in front of the camera was, for me, kind of strange. At the most awkward time in your life, you’re in front of the whole world to see. A lot of times I would just watch the show and just be totally, like, embarrassed,” Williams said in an interview about the realities of being a child actor.

Williams kept acting after the end of “Family Matters,” finding work on TV shows like “What About Jan” and “Eve” in the early and mid-2000s. However, after 2009, Williams took a break from acting, a hiatus that coincided with the birth of her two children.