Family Matters remains a beloved sitcom, capturing hearts with its humor and heartwarming family dynamics. Fans often wonder what happened to the iconic cast after the show concluded. Let’s take a look at what the stars of Family Matters have been up to since leaving their roles in Chicago.
Jaleel White (Steve Urkel)
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Since hanging up Steve Urkel’s suspenders, Jaleel White has continued a diverse career in Hollywood. Beyond his memorable role, White starred in Grown-Ups and showcased his range in projects like Dreamgirls (2006) and Boston Legal. Voice acting became another avenue for White, famously voicing Sonic the Hedgehog in the animated series during the 1990s.
White demonstrated his versatility by competing on season 14 of Dancing With the Stars in 2012. He has also appeared in various television series, including Me, Myself & I, Trial & Error, and Raven’s Home, and films such as The 15:17 to Paris (2018) and Hustle (2022). In a nostalgic return, White reprised his role as Urkel in the 2023 animated film Urkel Saves Santa: The Movie. Adding another layer to his public persona, he released his memoir, Growing Up Urkel, in November 2024 and married Nicoletta Ruhl in 2024.
Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow)
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Kellie Shanygne Williams, known for portraying Laura Winslow, expanded her acting career post-Family Matters. She co-starred in What About Joan and briefly hosted Clean House. However, Williams has largely dedicated her time to family, public speaking, and philanthropic endeavors. She founded the Kellie Williams Program in 2006, benefiting students in the Washington, D.C. area with opportunities in television production. Married to Hannibal Jackson since 2009, Williams is also a mother of two.
Reginald VelJohnson (Carl Winslow)
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Reginald VelJohnson, the patriarch Carl Winslow, has maintained a steady presence on television. He has made guest appearances in 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 film role in the Turner & Hooch reboot series. Voice acting credits include Invincible. Adding to his reality TV appearances, VelJohnson participated in Dancing With the Stars in 2024.
Jo Marie Payton (Harriette Winslow)
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Jo Marie Payton, who originally played Harriette Winslow, continued acting after her departure from Family Matters. She made guest appearances on Will & Grace, Moesha, and 7th Heaven. Payton is widely recognized for her voice work as Suga Mama in The Proud Family franchise. She appeared in the film The Beach Bum (2019) and reprised her iconic voice role in The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. Married to Leonard Downs since 2007, Payton has one daughter.
Darius McCrary (Eddie Winslow)
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Darius McCrary, known to audiences as Eddie Winslow, continued his acting career in various television roles. He starred in Freedom and lent his voice to Jazz in the 2007 Transformers film. McCrary had a notable two-year stint on The Young and the Restless and a role in Anger Management. Recurring roles followed in The Leftovers and Star. In a heartwarming on-screen reunion, he and Kellie Shanygne Williams played siblings again in Christmas in Carolina (2020).
Shawn Harrison (Waldo Geraldo Faldo)
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Shawn Harrison, who played Waldo Geraldo Faldo, has maintained a career in television after Family Matters. He appeared in Moesha and had recurring roles in Girlfriends and Legion of Super Heroes. Harrison has also made guest appearances on shows like Dynasty, The Ms. Pat Show, and Raven’s Home.
Telma Hopkins (Rachel Crawford)
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Telma Hopkins, portraying Rachel Crawford, continued her active career in television. She has guest-starred in numerous popular series, including ER, Psych, and 2 Broke Girls. Hopkins starred in Half & Half and had a recurring role in the Are We There Yet? TV series. Her film credits include The Matrix Resurrections (2021), and she had a recurring role in Dead to Me. Voice acting roles include The Loud House and the Rugrats reboot. Hopkins was married to Donald B. Allen from 1970 to 1977 and has a son.
Bryton James (Richie Crawford)
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Bryton James, who played the youngest Winslow family member, Richie Crawford, has achieved long-term success on The Young and the Restless since 2004, earning Daytime Emmy Awards in 2007 and 2020. He has also contributed voice work to Young Justice and had a recurring role in The Vampire Diaries.
The cast of Family Matters has continued to thrive in the entertainment industry, each carving out unique paths while leaving behind a legacy with the beloved sitcom.
