Family Matters remains a beloved sitcom, capturing hearts with its humor and family-centric stories. Fans often wonder what happened to the Family Matters cast after the show concluded. Let’s take a look at what the actors behind the iconic Winslow family and their friends have been up to since leaving their roles in this 90s TV staple.
Jaleel White (Steve Urkel)
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Jaleel White, known globally as Steve Urkel, the suspender-wearing, nerdy neighbor who became the breakout character of Family Matters, has continued a steady acting career. Post-Urkel, White starred in Grown-Ups and appeared in films like Dreamgirls (2006) and The 15:17 to Paris (2018). He also lent his voice to Sonic the Hedgehog in the 90s animated series. White’s television appearances include roles in Boston Legal, Me, Myself & I, Trial & Error, and Raven’s Home. In 2012, he showcased his dance moves on Dancing With the Stars, finishing in eighth place. Recently, White reprised his iconic role in the animated film Urkel Saves Santa: The Movie (2023) and is set to release his memoir, Growing Up Urkel, in November. In his personal life, Jaleel White married Nicoletta Ruhl in 2024, marking a new chapter for the actor who once captured Laura Winslow’s heart on screen.
Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow)
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Kellie Shanygne Williams, who played the object of Steve Urkel’s affection, Laura Winslow, expanded her acting portfolio after Family Matters. She co-starred in What About Joan and briefly hosted Clean House. However, Williams has largely dedicated her time to family and philanthropic endeavors. She founded the Kellie Williams Program in 2006, aimed at providing opportunities for students in the Washington, D.C. area to engage in television production. Married to Hannibal Jackson since 2009, Williams is a mother of two and remains active in public speaking and charitable work, demonstrating a commitment to community and family values beyond her acting career.
Reginald VelJohnson (Carl Winslow)
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Reginald VelJohnson, the patriarch Carl Winslow, has enjoyed a prolific television career since Family Matters. He’s made guest appearances on numerous 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 and recurring roles in 3Below: Tales of Arcadia and the Turner & Hooch reboot on Disney+, where he reprised his role from the original 1989 movie. Adding voice acting to his repertoire, he contributed to Prime Video’s Invincible. In 2024, VelJohnson followed in Jaleel White’s footsteps by competing on Dancing With the Stars, finishing in 10th place. His enduring presence on television showcases a career that extends well beyond his iconic role as Carl Winslow.
Jo Marie Payton (Harriette Winslow)
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Jo Marie Payton, the original Harriette Winslow, while leaving Family Matters before its final episodes, continued to grace television screens. She made guest appearances on shows like Will & Grace, Moesha, and 7th Heaven. Payton is also widely recognized for her voice work as Suga Mama in Disney Channel’s The Proud Family, a role she reprised in the Disney+ reboot The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. She also appeared in the film The Beach Bum (2019). Married to Leonard Downs since 2007, with a daughter from a previous marriage, Payton’s career demonstrates a lasting impact in both live-action and animated television.
Darius McCrary (Eddie Winslow)
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Darius McCrary, who played the eldest Winslow son, Eddie, transitioned to various roles after Family Matters. He starred in Freedom and voiced Jazz in the 2007 Transformers movie. McCrary had a two-year stint on The Young and the Restless and a role in Anger Management. His television credits also include recurring roles in The Leftovers and Star. In a heartwarming reunion for Family Matters fans, McCrary and Kellie Shanygne Williams acted as siblings again in the 2020 movie Christmas in Carolina. McCrary’s post-Family Matters career shows his versatility across different genres and roles.
Shawn Harrison (Waldo Geraldo Faldo)
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Shawn Harrison, remembered as Waldo Geraldo Faldo, Eddie’s best friend, continued acting in television. He appeared in Moesha and had recurring roles in Girlfriends and Legion of Super Heroes. Harrison’s more recent work includes guest spots on Dynasty, The Ms. Pat Show, and Raven’s Home. While Waldo is an unforgettable character, Harrison has carved out a consistent career in television, showcasing his comedic and acting talents in various projects.
Telma Hopkins (Rachel Crawford)
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Telma Hopkins, who played Rachel Crawford, the Winslows’ widowed sister-in-law, has maintained a vibrant career in television. She made guest appearances in popular series like ER, Psych, and 2 Broke Girls. Hopkins also starred in Half & Half and had a recurring role in Are We There Yet?. Her film roles include The Matrix Resurrections (2021), and she had a notable arc in Dead to Me. Additionally, Hopkins has lent her voice to animated shows such as The Loud House and the Rugrats reboot. With a career spanning decades, Hopkins remains a recognizable face in both comedy and drama.
Bryton James (Richie Crawford)
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Bryton James, who joined Family Matters later as Richie Crawford, has achieved significant success in daytime television. Since 2004, James has been a key cast member of The Young and the Restless, winning Daytime Emmy Awards in 2007 and 2020 for his portrayal of Devon Hamilton. Beyond soaps, he voiced Static Shock in Young Justice and had a recurring role in The Vampire Diaries. James’s career exemplifies a successful transition from child actor to established television star, marked by consistent work and critical acclaim.
The cast of Family Matters has not only grown up before our eyes but has also continued to thrive in the entertainment industry and beyond. From Jaleel White’s iconic Urkel to Reginald VelJohnson’s steady presence on TV, each Family Matters cast member has carved their own path, leaving a lasting legacy both individually and as part of one of television’s most beloved families.
