Family Matters remains a beloved sitcom that captured hearts with its humor and heartwarming family dynamics. The show, a spin-off of Perfect Strangers, gave us iconic characters that are still quoted and referenced today. Fans often wonder what happened to the actors who brought the Winslow family and their unforgettable neighbor Steve Urkel to life. Let’s take a look at what the Family Matters cast has been up to since the show concluded.
Jaleel White (Steve Urkel)
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Beyond suspenders and his iconic catchphrase, “Did I do that?”, Jaleel White has enjoyed a diverse career. Following Family Matters, he starred in Grown-Ups and showcased his range in roles in Dreamgirls (2006) and Boston Legal. Many fans might also remember him as the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog in the animated series during the 90s.
White’s ventures extended to reality TV when he competed in season 14 of Dancing With the Stars in 2012. He has also taken on television arcs in series like Me, Myself & I, Trial & Error, and Raven’s Home, alongside film roles in The 15:17 to Paris (2018) and Hustle (2022). In a nostalgic turn, White reprised his famous role as Steve Urkel in the 2023 animated film Urkel Saves Santa: The Movie. Adding another layer to his story, his memoir, Growing Up Urkel, is set to be released in November 2024. In his personal life, White married Nicoletta Ruhl in 2024. Recently, Jaleel White shared his reflections on his Family Matters experience in light of the Quiet on Set documentary, stating he felt “lucky”.
Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow)
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As Laura Winslow, Kellie Shanygne Williams captured audiences with her charm and wit. After Family Matters, she broadened her acting portfolio with a role in the sitcom What About Joan with Joan Cusack and Kyle Chandler. She also stepped into hosting, appearing on Clean House.
Currently, Williams dedicates much of her time to family, public speaking, and philanthropic efforts. Notably, she founded the Kellie Williams Program in 2006, empowering students in the Washington, D.C., area to produce their own television shows in partnership with Comcast. Married to Hannibal Jackson since 2009, Williams is also a mother of two children.
Reginald VelJohnson (Carl Winslow)
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Reginald VelJohnson, known for his portrayal of the lovable patriarch Carl Winslow, has maintained a steady presence on television since Family Matters. He has made guest appearances on a wide array of shows, including That’s So Raven, Will & Grace, Bones, Chuck, Mike & Molly, and CSI. He even revisited the TGIF universe with a guest spot on Girl Meets World.
VelJohnson also held a co-starring role on Hart of Dixie and recurring roles in 3Below: Tales of Arcadia and the Turner & Hooch reboot on Disney+, where he reprised his character David Sutton from the original 1989 film. His voice acting credits include Prime Video’s Invincible. Adding to his post-Family Matters adventures, VelJohnson participated in Dancing With the Stars in 2024. Interestingly, Reginald VelJohnson admitted he didn’t seek advice from Jaleel White before his DWTS stint.
Jo Marie Payton (Harriette Winslow)
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While Jo Marie Payton, the original Harriette Winslow, departed Family Matters before its final episodes, her career continued to flourish. She made guest appearances on popular series such as Will & Grace, Moesha, and 7th Heaven. A significant role for Payton was voicing Suga Mama in the animated Disney Channel hit, The Proud Family.
Beyond television, Jo Marie Payton appeared in the 2019 film The Beach Bum. She has also returned to voice Suga Mama in the Disney+ revival, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. In her personal life, Payton married Leonard Downs in 2007 and has a daughter from a previous marriage.
Darius McCrary (Eddie Winslow)
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Darius McCrary, who played Eddie Winslow, took on starring roles after Family Matters in UPN’s Freedom. He also ventured into voice acting, voicing Jazz in the 2007 Transformers movie. From 2009 to 2011, McCrary had a notable run on The Young and the Restless, followed by a role in Charlie Sheen’s Anger Management on FX.
McCrary’s television work includes recurring roles in HBO’s The Leftovers and Fox’s Star. In a heartwarming reunion for fans, he and Kellie Shanygne Williams once again played siblings in the 2020 movie Christmas in Carolina.
Shawn Harrison (Waldo Geraldo Faldo)
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Shawn Harrison, remembered as Waldo Geraldo Faldo, has continued acting since his Family Matters days. He appeared in Moesha and secured recurring roles in Girlfriends and Legion of Super Heroes.
Harrison’s more recent credits include guest appearances on shows like Dynasty, The Ms. Pat Show, and Raven’s Home, demonstrating his consistent presence in television.
Telma Hopkins (Rachel Crawford)
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Telma Hopkins, who played Rachel Crawford, has also maintained a successful acting career. She has guest-starred in numerous popular shows such as ER, Psych, and 2 Broke Girls. Hopkins also held starring roles in UPN’s Half & Half (2002-2006) and had a recurring role in the TV adaptation of Are We There Yet? (2010-2012) on TBS.
In film, Hopkins appeared in The Matrix Resurrections (2021). She had a five-episode arc on Dead to Me and lent her voice to animated shows like The Loud House and the Rugrats reboot. From 1970 to 1977, Hopkins was married to Donald B. Allen, and they have a son together. Fans were delighted to see Telma Hopkins reunite with Reginald VelJohnson on The Young and the Restless.
Bryton James (Richie Crawford)
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Bryton James, who joined Family Matters as Richie Crawford, has become a mainstay in daytime television. Since 2004, he has been a key cast member on The Young and the Restless, earning Daytime Emmy Awards in 2007 and 2020 for his role as Devon Hamilton.
Beyond soap operas, James has provided voice work for Static Shock in DC Comics’ Young Justice and had a recurring role in The Vampire Diaries as Luka Martin. His enduring success is a testament to his talent and versatility.
The cast of Family Matters has continued to thrive in the entertainment industry and beyond. From Jaleel White’s memoir and return to Urkel, to Kellie Shanygne Williams’ philanthropic work and Reginald VelJohnson’s consistent TV presence, these actors have built impressive careers since their time on the beloved sitcom. Their diverse paths highlight the lasting impact of Family Matters and the talented individuals who brought it to life.
