The 1990s sitcom Family Matters remains a beloved classic for its heartwarming stories and iconic characters. Fans often wonder what happened to the talented cast after the show concluded. Let’s take a look at what the cast of Family Matters has been up to since we last saw them at 1634 Darrow Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.
Jaleel White as Steve Urkel
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Since trading in Steve Urkel’s suspenders and finally winning Laura Winslow’s affection, Jaleel White has continued a diverse career in entertainment. He appeared in the sitcom Grown-Ups and had roles in films like Dreamgirls (2006) and the TV series Boston Legal. Notably, White also voiced Sonic the Hedgehog in the animated series during the 90s, a role that resonated with a generation.
White showcased his versatility by competing on season 14 of Dancing With the Stars in 2012. He has also taken on roles in series such as Me, Myself & I, Trial & Error, and Raven’s Home, along with film appearances in The 15:17 to Paris (2018) and Hustle (2022). He recently revisited his iconic role as Urkel in the 2023 animated movie Urkel Saves Santa: The Movie. In a more personal chapter, White married Nicoletta Ruhl in 2024. Fans can also learn more about his journey in his memoir, Growing Up Urkel, released in November 2024.
Kellie Shanygne Williams as Laura Winslow
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Kellie Shanygne Williams, known to audiences as the charming Laura Winslow, expanded her acting career after Family Matters. She co-starred in the sitcom What About Joan and briefly hosted Clean House. However, Williams has largely dedicated her time to family, public speaking, and philanthropic work.
In 2006, she founded the Kellie Williams Program, providing students in the Washington, D.C., area with hands-on experience in television production. Married to Hannibal Jackson since 2009, Williams is also a mother of two.
Reginald VelJohnson as Carl Winslow
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Reginald VelJohnson, the dependable patriarch Carl Winslow, has maintained a steady presence on television since Family Matters. He’s made guest appearances on numerous popular shows, including That’s So Raven, Will & Grace, Bones, Chuck, Mike & Molly, CSI, and Girl Meets World.
VelJohnson also had a co-starring role in Hart of Dixie, recurring roles in 3Below: Tales of Arcadia, and reprised his role from the movie Turner & Hooch in the Disney+ reboot series. Adding to his diverse portfolio, he lent his voice to the animated series Invincible. In 2024, VelJohnson followed in Jaleel White’s footsteps and competed on Dancing With the Stars.
Jo Marie Payton as Harriette Winslow
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Jo Marie Payton, the original matriarch Harriette Winslow, continued her acting career after leaving Family Matters before its final episodes. She made guest appearances on shows like Will & Grace, Moesha, and 7th Heaven. Payton is widely recognized for voicing Suga Mama in the animated Disney Channel series The Proud Family.
She appeared in the film The Beach Bum (2019) and has reprised her iconic voice role as Suga Mama in the Disney+ revival, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. Payton has been married to Leonard Downs since 2007 and has a daughter from a previous marriage.
Darius McCrary as Eddie Winslow
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Darius McCrary, who played the cool older brother Eddie Winslow, transitioned to roles in UPN’s Freedom after Family Matters. He also voiced Jazz in the 2007 Transformers movie. McCrary had a two-year stint on The Young and the Restless starting in 2009, followed by a role in Anger Management.
He took on recurring roles in The Leftovers and Star. In a fun reunion, McCrary and Kellie Shanygne Williams played siblings again in the 2020 movie Christmas in Carolina.
Shawn Harrison as Waldo Geraldo Faldo
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Shawn Harrison, remembered as Waldo Geraldo Faldo, continued to work in television, appearing in Moesha and securing recurring roles in Girlfriends and Legion of Super Heroes.
Harrison has also made guest appearances in shows like Dynasty, The Ms. Pat Show, and Raven’s Home, often leveraging his comedic talents.
Telma Hopkins as Rachel Crawford
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Telma Hopkins, who played Rachel Crawford, Auntie Rachel, has enjoyed a prolific career. She has guest-starred in numerous popular series such as ER, Psych, and 2 Broke Girls. Hopkins also starred in Half & Half and had a recurring role in Are We There Yet?.
More recently, Hopkins appeared in The Matrix Resurrections (2021), had a role in Dead to Me, and lent her voice to The Loud House and the Rugrats reboot. She was married to Donald B. Allen from 1970 to 1977 and has a son.
Bryton James as Richie Crawford
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Bryton James, known as the young Richie Crawford, has achieved long-term success on The Young and the Restless since 2004, winning Daytime Emmy Awards in 2007 and 2020.
Beyond daytime drama, James has voiced Static Shock in Young Justice and had a recurring role in The Vampire Diaries. His continued success underscores the lasting talent that emerged from the Family Matters cast.
The cast of Family Matters has proven their talent extends far beyond the beloved sitcom. Each member has carved out unique paths in the entertainment industry, leaving a lasting legacy both individually and as part of the iconic Winslow family.
