Whatever Happened to the Stars of “Family Matters”

Family Matters first aired on ABC back in 1989. While it wasn’t the first sitcom to feature a predominately African-American cast, it was one of the most successful – and longest running.

The sitcom originally focused on the character of Carl Winslow, a Chicago cop, and his family – as well as his wise cracking mother, Estelle ‘Mother’ Winslow.

The show quickly shifted focus, however, when the character of Steve Urkel was introduced.

Jaleel White’s depiction of the nerdy, nasal next-door neighbor captured the attention of millions, and his strange infatuation with Carl’s daughter, Laura, as well as his catchphrases and weird mannerisms soon made him, and the rest of the Family Matters cast, household names.

But what have the beloved actors been up to in the years since the show aired? Read on to find out!

Harriette Winslow

Family Matters started out as a spin-off series of another popular sitcom: Perfect Strangers.

It was there that we were first introduced to the character of Harriette Winslow, played by the actress Jo Marie Payton.

In Family Matters, Harriette is Carl Winslow’s wife, and the mother of Eddie, Laura and Judy.

The head of the household, Harriette originally wanted to join Chicago’s police force, just like her husband – but her pregnancies meant postponing her dreams.

An admirable mother figure, and always kind, Harriette was a role model for many people throughout the years – and appeared in more episodes of Family Matters than any other actor: 200 out of the show’s total of 215 episodes.

But what happened to her career after the show ended?

Jo Marie Payton

Jo Marie Payton’s time on Family Matters was definitely the highlight of her career so far – but she’s been keeping pretty busy since.

After Family Matters ended, Payton appeared in several more successful sitcoms – including a role in five episodes of Will & Grace as Mrs. Freeman, and voicing the character of Suga Mama in The Proud Family.
In 2015, she reunited with Reginald VelJohnson, who portrayed Carl on Family Matters, for the made-for-tv romantic comedy, The Flight Before Christmas, and, most recently, has starred as Lorraine Mann in the Mann and Wife sitcom – as well as working on three other projects she has lined up.

Carl Winslow

Carl Winslow stood at the very center of his family.

A proud police officer, his family looked up to him and admired him, but he could sometimes be a little stubborn and strict – traits which would often lead to arguments with family members, friends and neighbors.
Played by Reginald VelJohnson, the character of Carl Winslow appeared in all 215 episodes of Family Matters – a record shared with only one other character/actor.

Reginald VelJohnson

Reginald VelJohnson is nothing if not prolific.

With over one hundred acting credits to his name, he’s appeared in countless films and TV shows.

Other than Family Matters, he’s also appeared in the Die Hard film franchise alongside Bruce Willis, as well as in several other movies, dramas and sitcoms.
His most recent work includes a recurring role in the comedic police procedural, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, where he makes several guest appearances as himself.

Eddie Winslow

Darius McCrary played Eddie – Carl and Harriette’s oldest child.

While Eddie’s younger sister, Laura, was working hard at school, Eddie’s focus was more, shall we say, social: he was mostly interested in dating, cars – and practical jokes.
Eddie’s less “serious” personality landed him in trouble over the course of the series, even getting him mixed up with the law – which, considering his father’s job, was not the best turn of events for his character!

Darius McCrary

Excluding a few small roles, it’s safe to say that Darius McCrary got his start in acting playing Eddie.

Family Matters proved to be a great jumping board for him into the world of acting – and despite his iconic role in the show, he’s probably best known today for his part in the soap opera The Young and the Restless.
In addition to his television work, McCrary also starred in the horror film The Summoning, and voiced the character of Jazz in Transformers.