Of course! Here is an article about the cast of a beloved ’90s show. I’ve chosen Family Matters as it had a huge cultural impact and a cast with very interesting and varied post-show journeys.
Did I Do That? Catching Up with the Winslows: The Cast of ‘Family Matters’ Where Are They Now?
Remember Friday nights in the ’90s? The comforting glow of the TV, the iconic “TGIF” lineup, and the sound of that familiar theme song, “As Days Go By.” For nine seasons, from 1989 to 1998, we welcomed the Winslow family and their nerdy, suspender-wearing neighbor into our homes. Family Matters was a cornerstone of ’90s television, a show that started as a simple family sitcom and was famously hijacked by one of the most iconic characters in TV history: Steve Urkel.
The show was a heartwarming blend of family lessons, slapstick comedy, and unforgettable catchphrases. But what happened after the cameras stopped rolling and the Winslows’ front door closed for the last time? Let’s check in with the beloved cast of Family Matters and see where they are now.
Reginald VelJohnson (Carl Winslow)
On the Show: The patriarch of the Winslow clan, Carl was a loving but often exasperated Chicago police officer who just wanted a little peace and quiet. His world was constantly turned upside down by his family’s antics, and most frequently, by the chaos-causing kid next door.
Where He Is Now: Reginald VelJohnson was already a familiar face from his role as Sgt. Al Powell in the blockbuster film Die Hard (a role he reprised in Die Hard 2). He has worked consistently since Family Matters wrapped, becoming a prolific character and voice actor. You’ve seen him in shows like Hart of Dixie and Mike & Molly, and you’ve likely heard his voice in animated projects like the Disney+ hit Invincible and Tron: Uprising. He remains a beloved figure at fan conventions, forever America’s favorite TV cop and dad.
Jo Marie Payton (Harriette Winslow)
On the Show: The warm, wise, and patient matriarch, Harriette was the glue that held the Winslow family together. She was the perfect counterpart to Carl’s bluster and often the only one with enough patience for Steve Urkel.
Where She Is Now: Payton famously left the show midway through its final season, with actress Judyann Elder taking over the role. A seasoned stage and screen actress, Payton has never stopped working. Her most prominent post-Winslow role is the voice of the feisty Suga Mama in the Disney Channel’s animated series The Proud Family and its recent revival, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. She continues to appear in television series and films, and remains proud of her legacy as the original Harriette.
Jaleel White (Steve Urkel)
On the Show: Initially a one-off guest star, Jaleel White’s portrayal of the clumsy, brilliant, and hopelessly-in-love-with-Laura nerd Steve Urkel was a cultural phenomenon. His catchphrases—”Did I do that?”, “I’m wearing you down!”, “Got any cheese?”—are legendary. He even played his own suave alter-ego, Stefan Urquelle.
Where He Is Now: After shedding the glasses and suspenders, Jaleel White focused on proving his versatility. He graduated from UCLA’s film school and has taken on a variety of acting roles in shows like House, Psych, and Me, Myself & I. He was a popular contestant on Dancing with the Stars and has built a successful career as a voice actor, most notably as the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog in several animated series from the ’90s. More recently, he has appeared in the Netflix series The Big Show Show and even launched his own cannabis brand called “ItsPurpl.”
Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow)
On the Show: The intelligent and popular eldest daughter, Laura was the primary object of Steve Urkel’s affection. Her journey from being annoyed by Steve to eventually falling for him was the central romantic arc of the entire series.
Where She Is Now: After Family Matters, Kellie Shanygne Williams continued acting for a time with roles on shows like Moesha and What About Joan? However, she has since shifted her focus to her family and philanthropy. She is the founder of the Kellie Williams Program, which provides Washington D.C. area students with opportunities to produce a television show and explore careers in the arts. She occasionally reunites with her TV family for public appearances, always to the delight of fans.
Darius McCrary (Eddie Winslow)
On the Show: As the cool, girl-crazy, and often dim-witted older brother Eddie, Darius McCrary was the source of many classic sibling subplots. He was frequently seen getting advice from Carl or roping his best friend Waldo into a harebrained scheme.
Where He Is Now: McCrary has maintained a steady acting career, appearing in films like 15 Minutes and TV shows such as The Leftovers. He had a long-running role as Malcolm Winters on the soap opera The Young and the Restless and has also lent his voice to the character of Jazz in the Transformers film series. While he has faced some personal and legal challenges that have made headlines, he continues to act and engage with fans of his work.
Telma Hopkins (Rachel Crawford)
On the Show: Harriette’s witty, creative, and sometimes gossipy sister, Rachel, lived in the Winslow house with her son, Richie. An aspiring writer and owner of her own diner, “Rachel’s Place,” she was a key part of the family dynamic in the early seasons.
Where She Is Now: Telma Hopkins was a TV veteran long before Family Matters, having starred in Bosom Buddies and Gimme a Break! Her career has never slowed down. Since the show, she co-starred in the sitcom Half & Half and has had recurring roles on shows like The Young and the Restless, Dead to Me, and The Upshaws, proving her comedic timing and talent are timeless.
Jaimee Foxworth (Judy Winslow)
On the Show: The youngest Winslow daughter, Judy was a sweet presence in the show’s first four seasons… and then she simply vanished. After walking upstairs to her room in one episode, she was never seen or mentioned again, becoming one of television’s most famous “disappeared” characters.
Where She Is Now: Foxworth’s story after leaving the show is a difficult but ultimately hopeful one. She faced significant personal struggles, including financial hardship and substance abuse, and briefly worked in the adult film industry. However, she courageously shared her story on shows like Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, seeking help and turning her life around. Today, she is a mother and speaks openly about her past to help others, demonstrating incredible resilience and strength.
The legacy of Family Matters endures not just in reruns and nostalgic listicles, but in the varied and fascinating lives of its cast. From steady Hollywood careers to quiet family lives and stories of profound personal growth, the Winslows and their unforgettable neighbor have proven that, just like the theme song says, it’s the “rare and precious thing” of family—both on-screen and off—that truly matters.
