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.

Rachel Crawford

Telma Hopkins joined the cast of the show as the character of Rachel Crawford, Harriette's widowed sister. After losing her husband, Rachel - who is Eddie, Laura and Judy's aunt - decides to move in with the Winslows. Her colorful personality, complete with her colorful collection of hats and her distinct singing voice, really spiced up the household's dynamic, and her entrepreneurial nature eventually had her opening up her own burger joint… after Urkel accidentally burned down Leroy's place.

Telma Hopkins

The one thing most viewers remember the character of Rachel Crawford for is probably her amazing singing voice - which is no surprise, considering Telma Hopkins, the actress who portrayed her, was actually a well-established singer long before she joined the show's cast, holding the position of vocalist in the pop group Tony Orlando and Dawn. After Family Matters ended, Hopkins decided to continue her acting career, and found herself playing recurring roles in several other comedies, including Are We There Yet? and Lab Rats.

Richie Crawford

Riche, played by Bryton McClure, is Rachel Crawford's son on the show. We first meet his character while he's carried in his mother's arms as a baby, but over the course of the show we got to watch him grow up into a boy. While the rest of the Winslow family were busy with their drama, Richie would often be in his own little world, oblivious to the trouble and strife - and, surprisingly enough, to Urkel as well! Richie was a hugely popular addition to the show, and ended up in appearing in over 140 episodes in total.

Bryton McClure

Bryton McClure had really grown up since his time on the show - and has, since then, decided to change his name to Bryton James. Bryton has really made a name for himself as an actor in the years since, taking on roles like Luka in the supernatural drama The Vampire Diaries and the voice of Cyborg in DC's animated superhero show, DC Super Friends. His biggest acting gig, though, is indisputably in the daytime drama show, The Young and the Restless, in which he has been acting for over 14 years… and 832 episodes.

Mother Winslow

The Winslow household is full of characters, but it would not be the same without Carl's mother, Estelle Winslow - better known as Mother Winslow. Street wise, full of life lessons, wisdom and advice, Mother Winslow moved in with Carl and his family after Carl's father passed away. One of the show's most popular characters, Mother Winslow eventually moves back out of her son's home after she finds love.

Rosetta LeNoire

Rosetta LeNoire had already had a long career in television before she joined the cast of Family Matters. She appeared in sitcoms like Amen and Give Me a Break! and, after she finished her part in Family Matters went on to appear in a small role as a nurse in an episode of the Cosby Show. Rosetta lived to the ripe old age of 90, and peacefully passed away in 2002.

Myra Monkhouse

One of Steve Urkel's defining characteristics was his long-lasting crush on Laura. But at some point, Laura's boyfriend, Ted, got sick and tired of Urkel mooning over his girlfriend, and decided that to distract him, he'd set him up with his cousin, Myra Monkhouse, played by Michelle Thomas. At first, Urkel wasn't very interested in meeting Myra, but when they finally saw each other, sparks flew and the two hit it off immediately. Myra and Urkel seemed perfect for each other, but Myra soon turned obsessive, and Urkel eventually decided to stop seeing her.

Michelle Thomas

Like several other Family Matters cast members, following her time on the show, Michelle Thomas went on to appear in the soap opera The Young and the Restless. She portrayed the character of Callie for a total of 38 episodes, but then, abruptly, in 1998, she had to take medical leave from the show. Michelle had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, and underwent several operations and treatments in an attempt to combat it - but tragically, in late 1998, at the young age of 30, she passed away.

Waldo Faldo

Eddie Winslow's best friend, Waldo Geraldo Faldo, played by Shawn Harrison and known for catchphrases like "No prob, bob!", was a little slower on the uptake than the rest of the show's characters. In fact, his bumbling could often get the better of even the most patient characters - Steve Urkel included! Still, beneath his somewhat obtuse facade, Waldo was an extremely talented chef, just looking for love. He eventually finds love with Maxine, and the two live happily ever after.

Shawn Harrison

Family Matters was Shawn Harrison's biggest gig to date - but that doesn't mean he hasn't been keeping at it in the years since. Since Family Matters finished airing, Harrison has had several roles in sitcoms like Eve and Moesha, and has lent his voice to several characters in the animated kids' show, Legion of Superheroes. Today, Harrison is involved with a film called Uncle Ed's Bucket List - which, at the time this is being written, is in post-production.

Greta McClure

Tammy Townsend played Greta McClure in the last season of Family Matters. The daughter of the owner of Mighty Weenie, Greta starts out as one of Laura's friends, but soon crosses a line by dating Eddie, Laura's brother. Greta's dad isn't too happy with their relationship, and objects to it quite vocally - but he eventually gives them his blessing - and Greta ends up being Eddie's last "proper" girlfriend on the show.

Tammy Townsend

Tammy Townsend was already quite successful by the time she guest starred in Family Matters. Before her appearance on the show, she had guest roles in sitcoms like Charles in Charge and Different Strokes, and, after the show ended, went on to star in Days of Our Lives, as well as playing the lead role of K.C. in the Disney Channel's K.C. Undercover.

Judy Winslow

Judy Winslow - played by the child actress Jaimee Foxworth - was Carl and Harriette's youngest daughter. Jaimee Foxworth played the character during the show's first four seasons, and as an audience we had the privilege of watching her grow up in front of our eyes. But then, something very perplexing happens. On one fourth season episode, Judy walks up the stairs - and is never heard from again. The family never mentions her, and it's as if she'd been written out of existence. The subject of many conspiracy theories, the truth of the matter is that apparently, the character of Judy was removed from the show due to budgetary reasons.

Jaimee Foxworth

Jaimee Foxworth starred in 96 episodes of Family Matters in total before her character was dropped from the series. Following her departure from the series, Jaimee and her family found themselves in financial difficulties, and the former child actress suffered from a series of unfortunate events in her life, including substance abuse. Since then, she's been able to turn things around, and in 2009 she featured in a documentary about her path from her work in one of America's most popular TV shows to her perseverance through her difficulties.

Maxine Johnson

Cherie Johnson played Maxine on the show. Maxine was Laura Winslow's best friend, but because of her neglectful parents could sometimes be a bad influence on the oldest Winslow daughter. Maxine was often trying to get Laura into trouble - but she eventually cools off after she starts dating Waldo.

Cherie Johnson

Cherie Johnson got her start in Punky Brewster, where she played Punky's best friend, under her own name. After her time on Punky Brewster, Cherie went on to appear in Days of Our Lives, before she landed her role in Family Matters. Since then, she's appeared on various TV shows, as well as several movies. In addition to acting, Johnson also writes and process. She starred in an indie film called I Do… I Did!, which she also wrote and produced, and published four books so far.

Lt. Murtaugh

Barry Jenner is the actor who played Lt. Murtaugh, Carl's boss at the Chicago Police Department. At one point in the show, Murtaugh falls in love with Harriette's sister, Rachel, and asks her to go out. Rachel eventually agrees, but has a terrible time with him - he acts obnoxiously and Rachel decides he's not for her. Still, despite Murtaugh's failed date, he continued to make appearances on the show every now and then, and guest starred in a total of 18 episodes.

Barry Jenner

Barry Jenner's portrayal of Carl's boss was informed by his real-life experiences working at the Los Angeles Police Department. Following his time on Family Matters, Jenner appeared in several other hit shows, including Dallas and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. With over 50 acting credits to his name, Jenner had a prolific career. His last appearance was in the 2016 thriller, The Caretaker, but, tragically, he passed away later that year due to complications with leukemia.

Weasel

Weasel, played by Alex Park, was one of the darker characters to appear on the show. One of Eddie's friends, he had a taste for rocking the boat. He spread rumors about Laura and her boyfriend Ted, making them split up, and also made Eddie break up with a girl he felt wasn't pretty enough for him. We guess the name "Weasel" was well earned! Despite their friendship, though, Eddie eventually stands up for his sister in front of Weasel - proving that family does matter to him.

Shavar Ross

Shavar Ross had appeared in several television shows before he joined the cast of Family Matters, acting alongside several of his future castmates in shows like Punky Brewster and Different Strokes. As a matter of fact, he's probably best known for playing Dudley in Different Strokes, a character who gets assaulted on the show - a life experience Shavar actually lived through in real life, as he later told E!. Today, in addition to his work as an actor, Ross owns and operates several business - including an online course teaching people about starting their own retail companies.

Nick Neidermeyer

Harriette Winslow works at Fergusons Department Store - and her boss there is a man by the name of Nick Biedermeyer, played by Ron Orbach. Harriette and Nick don't really get along, so in the hopes of working things out, Harriette decides to ask Carl to invite Nick over for poker night. Unfortunately, Nick rubs the usually easy-going Harriette the wrong way, and she ends up daring him to fire her - and throws a pie in his face. That's not the last the Winslows see of Nick, though, since he ends up moving to their street and becoming their neighbor.

Ron Orbach

Ron Orbach's first big break was in Family Matters - as well as in a comedy show called Platypus Man. Since then, he's landed several roles in various television shows, and landed his voice to video game characters in games like Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and Avatar: The Game. Most recently, he's appeared in a 2017 comedy film called Chicanery.

Aunt Oona

When we first met Urkle's Aunt Oona on the show, many of us got the sense that we knew her from somewhere - but just couldn't place the shy, introverted character's actress for the life of us. The Winslows tried to help Aunt Oona gain more confidence, and entered her into a karaoke competition - and it was only there, when she blew everyone away with her unbelievable singing voice, that we realized the actress playing her was none other than the indomitable Donna Summer!

Donna Summer

Donna Summer probably needs no introduction - but just in case you've been living under a rock, she was one of the biggest icons of the seventies. Her music was a unique blend of Soul, R&B and disco, and she was a regular presence at the top of the charts. Dubbed the Queen of Disco, Summer won a total of five Grammy Awards - and also worked the acting circuit in a number of unforgettable appearances. Summer passed away in 2012, at the age of 63.

Ms. Steuben

Ms. Steuben, played by Susan Krebs, was a teacher at Vanderbilt High School, where both Laura and Steve Urkel studied. Like many other people, Ms. Steuben would often get splitting headaches due to the mere presence of Urkel, and even made him promise he won't apply for any of her classes in economics - a promise he ended up breaking, when he realizes Laura had signed up for her class.

Susan Krebs

Susan Krebs has played countless roles in the years both before and since Family Matters. She starred in MASH, The Jeffersons, and Growing Pains, to name a few, as well as in several Hollywood blockbusters like 28 Days and the Oscar winning Million Dollar Baby, as well taking on the role of Cynthia in Mad Men.

Gwendolyn

Alright, so this next character, Gwendolyn, only appeared in three episodes of the show - but while she was a relative unknown at the time, she is notable for the person her actress would later become. We first met Gwendolyn in the "Just One Date" episode, after she had recently moved to the neighborhood. Sporting a huge crush on Richie Crawford, Rachel's son, Gwendolyn tries to befriend him - but Richie doesn't show much interest. But who was the actress depicting the young girl?

Naya Rivera

Gwendolyn was played by a very young Naya Rivera — who would, in later years, become famous for her role as Santana Lopez in the musical comedy hit TV show, Glee. But before she landed her iconic role in Glee, Naya managed to appear in several other classic TV shows, including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Baywatch. In recent years, she's also appeared in the Step Up film franchise. Sadly, Rivera’s rising star was tragically cut short when she died in a boating accident in July 2020.

Laura Winslow

Few characters were as important in Family Matters as the character of Laura Winslow, played by Kellie Shanygne. Carl and Harriette's daughter, Laura is smart, strong and independent - not to mention an ambitious straight-A's student. The focus of Steve Urkel's affections - and much of the show's comedic tension - Laura, who wanted to study at Harvard, ends up studying closer to home, with Steve joining her cohort. Laura Winslow is one of the only characters to feature in all 215 episodes of the show - but what has Kellie Shanygne been up to in the years since?

Kellie Shanygne Williams

Kellie Shanygne's first major acting gig was with Family Matters, but in the years since she's also appeared on shows like Eve, Moesha and What About Joan - but decided to quit acting for good back in 2011. Since then, she's been focusing her efforts on her work at the Kellie Williams Program - a social initiative based in Washington D.C., which gives 14-20 year olds a chance to create - and produce - their own TV shows.

Steve Urkel

What would Family Matters be without the character of Steve Urkel? First introduced halfway through the first season, Steve was supposed to be a "throwaway character" - but he proved so popular with viewers that ultimately, he literally became the star of the show. Thanks to his clumsiness, strange mannerisms, high pitched voice and strange infatuation with Laura, the show's producers quickly promoted him to become one of the show's core cast members - and, despite originally being cast for just one appearance, he ended up appearing in 208 out of the show's total 215 episodes.

Jaleel White

Jaleel White has been acting, for all intents and purposes, since he was born. Since the age of three he appeared as a child star in countless TV shows and movies - and voiced Sonic the Hedgehog throughout the '90s, as well. Most recently he appeared in Me, Myself and I and Fresh Off the Boat and has turned to more "serious" acting roles, leaving comedy largely behind him. The reason it took Jaleel two decades to delve into more serious roles is largely because of Urkel. In recent interviews, he claimed the character was more of a curse than a blessing, as for years he was typecast and not taken seriously as an actor. To the world, he was simply Urkel.

Vonda Mahoney

We first meet the character of Vonda Mahoney, played by Danielle Nicolet, in one of Eddie's romantic escapades. Eddie starts out dating her believing she's "easy," and will do anything to be popular - but when Urkel advises her to be herself, and that her kindness will shine through and make people like her even without her pandering, Eddie realizes his folly - and begins liking Vonda for who she is.

Danielle Nicolet today

Family Matters helped launch Danielle Nicolet's career, but it was far from being her most major role. She's played Maggie in the comedic Central Intelligence movie, and voiced Storm on Marvel's X-Men animated series. Starting in 2015, Nicolet took on the role of Cecile Horton in the WC's Flash television show - a role she still holds today. Over the past two decades, Nicolet has gathered more than 70 acting credits… and is still going strong.