For millions of viewers, Family Matters was one of the most beloved family sitcoms of the ’90s. Whether you tuned in for the hilarious antics of Steve Urkel or the heartfelt moments with the Winslow family, it left an indelible mark on TV history. But despite its iconic status, there are still many facts about the show that even the most die-hard fans don’t know!
In this article, we’re going to uncover 20 bizarre and weird facts about Family Matters that might just blow your mind. From behind-the-scenes secrets to cast quirks and forgotten moments, get ready to rediscover the show in a whole new light!
1. The Winslow House Wasn’t a Real Set
Though the Winslow family’s iconic home looked like a regular suburban Chicago house, it wasn’t a real building. The house was built inside a soundstage at Hollywood Center Studios (now Sunset Las Palmas Studios). That’s right—what looked like a cozy family home was really a meticulously crafted set!
2. Judy Winslow Was Written Off With No Explanation
Jaimee Foxworth, who played the youngest Winslow child, Judy, suddenly disappeared from the show after the fourth season. Fans were left confused because there was no explanation for her departure. It became one of the most notable examples of “Chuck Cunningham Syndrome,” where a character simply vanishes with no mention of their absence.
3. Steve Urkel Wasn’t Supposed to Be a Main Character
Steve Urkel, played by Jaleel White, became the breakout star of Family Matters, but he wasn’t originally intended to be a central character. He was just a guest star, appearing in the first season’s pilot. However, his infectious personality and the chemistry between him and the Winslow family made him so popular that the show’s creators decided to make him a regular!
4. The Character of Steve Urkel Had a Love Interest—But Not for Long
In the early seasons, Steve Urkel had a serious crush on Laura Winslow, played by Kellie Shanygne Williams. However, fans might not know that Steve actually had a love interest named Myra, a character who became his girlfriend in the later seasons. Myra was introduced as a rival to Laura, but she disappeared unexpectedly, leaving fans wondering what happened to her.
5. The Urkel Dance Wasn’t Scripted
Steve Urkel’s infamous “Urkel Dance” became a pop culture phenomenon, but did you know that it wasn’t originally scripted? Jaleel White, who played Steve, came up with the quirky dance on his own. It quickly became one of the show’s signature moments and had audiences imitating it for years to come.
6. Carl Winslow Was Based on a Real Police Officer
Reginald VelJohnson’s portrayal of Carl Winslow was inspired by an actual police officer the show’s producers met while researching for the role. The real-life officer was said to have had a strong moral compass and a deep sense of duty, which Reginald VelJohnson brought to the character of Carl Winslow.
7. The Show Was a Spin-Off of Perfect Strangers
Family Matters actually started as a spin-off from the hit show Perfect Strangers. The character of Harriette Winslow, Carl’s wife, was first introduced on Perfect Strangers before the producers decided to spin her off into her own show, which would ultimately become Family Matters.
8. The Theme Song Was Almost Different
The catchy Family Matters theme song, “As Days Go By,” became iconic, but it almost wasn’t the show’s theme at all. The original theme was actually a much slower ballad, but it was later changed to the upbeat tune we all know and love after producers decided the original song didn’t match the show’s vibe.
9. There Was a Major Behind-the-Scenes Feud Between Two Cast Members
While the cast was generally close-knit, there was some tension behind the scenes between Jaleel White (Steve Urkel) and Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow). According to reports, Jaleel and Kellie had a rocky relationship in the early seasons, as Jaleel’s growing popularity created some jealousy between the two. Over time, they reportedly patched things up, but the tension was real!
10. Urkel’s Catchphrases Were Completely Improvised
Steve Urkel’s iconic catchphrase, “Did I do that?” became one of the most recognizable lines in TV history. But did you know that Jaleel White came up with that line on his own? It wasn’t scripted, and White improvised it during a rehearsal. It quickly became Urkel’s signature line and is still quoted today.
11. The Show Was Originally Going to Be Called House Matters
Before it became Family Matters, the show was initially going to be called House Matters. The title was changed at the last minute because producers felt it was too generic and didn’t reflect the family-centered nature of the show.
12. There Was a Family Matters Movie
In 1995, a Family Matters TV movie was released. The film, titled Family Matters: The Wedding, followed Carl and Harriette as they prepare for their wedding anniversary celebration. The TV movie was a fun way to bring fans back to the world of the Winslow family.
13. The Show’s Ratings Dropped When Urkel Left
When Jaleel White took a brief break from the show, the ratings for Family Matters noticeably dropped. Viewers had become so attached to Urkel that his absence caused fans to lose interest, leading the show’s creators to quickly bring him back to save the series.
14. Steve Urkel’s Name Is a Homage to a Real Person
The name “Urkel” wasn’t just random. It was inspired by a real person—a high school friend of the show’s co-creator, William Bickley. Bickley thought his friend had the same quirky, nerdy vibe that he envisioned for the character of Steve Urkel, so he used his last name for the character.
15. The Winslow Family Home Was One of the Most Expensive Sets
Building the Winslow family home was no small feat. It was one of the most expensive sets on television at the time, with producers spending a hefty budget on the detail and design to ensure the set looked like an authentic suburban home.
16. The Character of Waldo Didn’t Have a Name at First
Waldo Geraldo Faldo, played by Shawn Harrison, was originally just called “The Dork.” The producers didn’t come up with the name “Waldo” until later into the show. The name was chosen because it was quirky, just like the character.
17. Family Matters Was the First Show to Feature the “Panic Room” Concept
Before it became a common feature in modern homes, Family Matters was one of the first shows to introduce the concept of a “panic room.” In one episode, the Winslow family has to hide from an intruder, and the panic room plays a crucial role in their safety.
18. The Show Took on Social Issues
Although it was a lighthearted sitcom, Family Matters wasn’t afraid to tackle serious issues. Over the years, the show addressed topics like racism, teen pregnancy, and drug use, bringing real-life struggles to the forefront of American family television.
19. The Cast Didn’t Always Get Along with the Show’s Creators
While the cast had a great relationship with each other, there was tension between some of the main actors and the show’s creators. Some felt that their characters weren’t given enough depth, while others were frustrated with the direction the show was taking. Still, the cast managed to work through the differences to create a beloved show.
20. Steve Urkel Got a Spin-Off Show
In 1997, Jaleel White got his own spin-off from Family Matters, aptly named Urkel’s Dance Party. Although the show never made it past the pilot, it’s a fun piece of Family Matters trivia for true fans.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Family Matters
Family Matters remains one of the most iconic sitcoms of the ’90s, with its hilarious moments and unforgettable characters. While many fans are familiar with the show’s main plot points and beloved characters, the quirky behind-the-scenes facts uncovered here reveal that there’s so much more to this classic series than meets the eye. From its surprising spin-offs to unexpected changes behind the scenes, Family Matters was far more than just a family sitcom—it was a show full of secrets, surprises, and moments that will forever be etched in TV history.
FAQs
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Why was Judy Winslow written off Family Matters? Judy Winslow’s character was written off without explanation after the fourth season. The decision remains one of the most puzzling aspects of the show.
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Was Steve Urkel’s character always intended to be a main character? No, Steve Urkel was originally a guest character. His popularity with viewers led the producers to make him a regular part of the show.
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Why did Family Matters address serious issues like racism and drug use? The show’s creators wanted to make sure the series touched on real-life issues while maintaining its family-friendly tone.
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Did the actors get along with the show’s creators? While the cast generally had good relationships with each other, there was some tension with the creators regarding character development and story direction.
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What other TV projects did Jaleel White work on after Family Matters? After Family Matters, Jaleel White continued to work in television and voice acting, most notably lending his voice to Sonic the Hedgehog and appearing in various TV guest spots.
