Family Matters, one of the most beloved family sitcoms of the 90s, introduced us to the Winslow family and their hilarious neighbor, Steve Urkel. For nearly a decade, we laughed, cried, and celebrated the ups and downs of the Winslow family dynamic. But what happened to the cast members after the show ended? In this article, we’ll take a look at what the actors have been up to since Family Matters concluded in 1998.
The Iconic Steve Urkel: Jaleel White’s Post-Family Matters Journey
From Nerdy Neighbor to Hollywood Veteran
Jaleel White, who portrayed the unforgettable Steve Urkel, was the face of Family Matters and became a pop culture icon. After playing the nerdy, lovable neighbor for over 200 episodes, White’s life after Family Matters has been quite eventful.
Jaleel White’s Career Evolution
Post-Family Matters, White dabbled in various TV roles, voice acting, and even ventured into producing and directing. He voiced Sonic the Hedgehog in the animated series, which was another huge hit. He also appeared in sitcoms like Me, Myself & I and made guest appearances in other popular TV shows.
More recently, Jaleel White has embraced his role as an entrepreneur and author. He released his memoir, “Jaleel White: The Urkel Chronicles”, where he reflects on his journey through Hollywood, his iconic role, and his personal experiences.
The Urkel Legacy
Steve Urkel will forever be associated with Jaleel White. His catchphrases, like “Did I do that?” and his slapstick humor, continue to resonate with fans. While Jaleel’s career path has shifted, his legacy as the nerdy genius will always remain a significant part of his identity.
Harriette Winslow: Jo Marie Payton’s Post-Family Matters Career
A Strong, Loving Matriarch
Jo Marie Payton’s portrayal of Harriette Winslow, the matriarch of the Winslow family, made her one of TV’s most beloved moms. Harriette was strong, compassionate, and an essential character in the show’s success.
Jo Marie Payton’s Acting and Legacy
After Family Matters, Payton continued to act in various TV shows, including guest appearances on sitcoms like The Parkers and The Bold and the Beautiful. She also performed in voice roles and appeared in a few movies.
More recently, Jo Marie Payton has enjoyed success with her stage career and continued to inspire fans with her strong character portrayals. In interviews, she often reminisces about her time on Family Matters and her close relationships with the cast.
Carl Winslow: Reginald VelJohnson’s Evolution in Hollywood
From Police Officer to Iconic TV Dad
Reginald VelJohnson’s role as Carl Winslow, the level-headed and loving father, left a lasting impression on audiences. His portrayal of a dad who is both funny and nurturing made him a standout on the show.
Reginald VelJohnson’s Career After Family Matters
VelJohnson didn’t let the end of Family Matters slow him down. He continued to find work in both film and TV, making notable appearances in movies like Die Hard and Turner & Hooch. On television, he starred in series like Heart of the City and Traces of the Dragon.
In recent years, VelJohnson has stayed active in the entertainment industry, participating in voice-over work and making appearances on popular TV shows such as The Middle and The Mindy Project. Fans of the show still love him for his iconic role as Carl Winslow, and he continues to be a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Laura Winslow: Kellie Shanygne Williams’ Life After Family Matters
Growing Up on Screen
Kellie Shanygne Williams played Laura Winslow, the smart and witty daughter of Carl and Harriette. Over the years, Laura became a beloved character who grew up before the eyes of millions of viewers.
Kellie Shanygne Williams’ Continued Success
After Family Matters, Williams briefly appeared in a few TV roles, including Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper and The Parkers. In addition to acting, Kellie has become a passionate advocate for youth education and has worked with several organizations to support children and young adults.
More recently, Williams has shifted her focus to community work, creating programs and initiatives that promote education and self-improvement for youth.
Eddie Winslow: Darius McCrary’s Transition from Family Matters to Hollywood
The Charismatic Teen Star
Darius McCrary brought Eddie Winslow to life, playing the cool older brother of Laura and Judy. Eddie had a lovable, mischievous side, and his character’s growth throughout the series was one of the highlights of Family Matters.
Darius McCrary’s Career and Personal Life
Since leaving the show, McCrary has worked in a variety of entertainment industries, including music and voice acting. He voiced characters in animated series and appeared in other sitcoms like The Young and the Restless. He has also been active in various musical projects.
McCrary has often spoken about his experiences growing up in the spotlight and how it shaped his approach to life and career. Despite facing some personal struggles, McCrary continues to work in the entertainment industry and remains active on social media.
Judy Winslow: Jaimee Foxworth’s Quiet Life After Family Matters
A Sudden Exit from Family Matters
Jaimee Foxworth played Judy Winslow, the youngest member of the Winslow family. While her role started strong, Judy’s character was written off the show without explanation after the fourth season, and she was never seen again.
Jaimee Foxworth’s Life After Family Matters
After Family Matters, Foxworth faced a challenging time. She turned to modeling and acting in adult films, a decision that garnered significant media attention. However, Foxworth has since turned her life around, focusing on personal growth and advocating for mental health awareness.
She now leads a quieter life, reflecting on her experiences and sharing her story with others to help those facing similar challenges.
Family Matters Reunion: The Cast Reflects on Their Journey
Reconnecting with Fans
The cast of Family Matters has reunited a few times over the years for special events, and fans have enjoyed watching them reflect on their time together. In interviews and documentaries, the cast members have shared behind-the-scenes stories, touching on their relationships with each other and their experiences working on the show.
What Fans Can Expect
Despite their busy lives, the cast remains proud of the legacy they built with Family Matters. Although a full-fledged reunion has yet to happen, the cast continues to show love for their fans and the iconic show that shaped their careers.
Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Family Matters
Though Family Matters ended more than two decades ago, its impact is still felt today. The cast, now with a wealth of experiences under their belts, has continued to live on in the hearts of fans. Whether it’s through their work in entertainment, community efforts, or personal growth, the cast members of Family Matters continue to inspire.
As we look back on the Winslow family and the unforgettable characters of Family Matters, we can’t help but appreciate the mark they left on TV history.
FAQs
1. What happened to Steve Urkel after Family Matters?
Jaleel White transitioned to voice acting and has worked on various TV shows. He even published a memoir detailing his experiences in Hollywood.
2. Is Reginald VelJohnson still acting?
Yes, Reginald VelJohnson continues to act in TV shows and movies, including recent appearances on The Mindy Project and The Middle.
3. Why was Judy Winslow written off the show?
There has been no clear explanation, but Jaimee Foxworth’s character, Judy, disappeared from the series after the fourth season, and the show never addressed her departure.
4. What is Kellie Shanygne Williams doing now?
Kellie Williams is focused on her community work, particularly initiatives that support education and personal development for youth.
5. Has Darius McCrary continued acting after Family Matters?
Yes, Darius McCrary has stayed active in the entertainment industry, including voice acting and appearing in various TV roles.
