'Family Matters' Child Star Bryton James Is Now 33 & in a Famous Soap Opera

Remember the curly-haired kid who played Richie Crawford? He was the son of Rachel Crawford, played by Telma Hopkins, on the 90’s sitcom "Family Matters.” He's all grown up now!

Actor Bryton James has come a long way since his days as the cute curly-haired boy on "Family Matters." He grew up into a good looking soap opera actor with a reputation to match.

Bryton stars on the popular soapie “The Young & The Restless.” In fact, he's been on the show for more than one decade.

His career

He plays Devon on the show "The Young & The Restless." The actor has managed to avoid the curse that plagues many other child actors as they grow older.

Bryton also guest starred in the cult favorite "The Vampire Diaries."

Most find it difficult to shake their childhood characters and struggle to find constant work as an adult, but Bryton eased his way into a comfy acting job with the help of his team.

His job on "The Young & The Restless" bagged him a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series in 2007 as well as an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series in 2009.

Bryton also guest-starred in the cult favorite "The Vampire Diaries" during its second season as warlock Luka Martin. He has a growing list of voice acting gigs in his arsenal including the Cartoon Network series "Young Justice: Invasion."

Personal Life

The handsome actor was once married to Ashley Leisinger. They tied the knot on March 16, 2011, in a ceremony officiated by his co-star Christian LeBlanc but unfortunately, divorced by June 2014. They remain close friends.

His best friend is his co-star Christel Khalil whom he considers a sibling. The pair are so close that Bryton is the godfather to Khalil's son, Michael Caden. He is also godfather to his other co-star, Daniel Goddard's eldest son, Ford.

About his friendship with Christel, he said:

"Christel and I have practically grown up together and have experienced some of the same things in our adult lives. We've always had each other's backs. I'm an only child and Christel is the closest thing I have to a sibling."

Bryton is a spokesperson for many charitable organizations. He founded Recording Artists, Actors, and Athletes Against Drunk Driving in 1996.

The actor has been active in the entertainment industry since he was two years old.