Is Reginald VelJohnson Gay? His 'Family Matters' Co-Star Once Was Asked about Carl Winslow's Sexuality

Reginald VelJohnson found fame when he appeared in one of Hollywood's successful blockbuster movies and later became a household name after making his mark as a TV star. Since then, his personal life has been of interest as questions of whether he is gay have been at the fore after playing a family man on-screen for years.

Actor Reginald VelJohnson discovered a love for acting from a young age as he participated in school plays. He knew he wanted to be an actor right after graduating high school.

The Queens, New York native attended New York University, where he studied theater and finally launched his career in the late 1980s. He gained recognition in the action film, "Die Hard."

VelJohnson played a villain-killing police officer named AI Powell alongside actor Bruce Willis, the late Alan Rickman, and John Amos. His stint in the classic film opened doors for him in Hollywood.

VelJohnson starred in the hit sitcom, "Family Matters," as a policeman named Carl Winslow for nine seasons. He played alongside Darius McCrary, who played his on-screen son Eddie Winslow, and Jaleel White (Steve Urkel).

Reginald VelJohnson's Co-Star Commented on His Sexuality

Gaining fame led to an interest in VelJohnson's personal life as his sexuality has been questioned in the tabloids. However, he has not publicly addressed speculations of whether he is a gay man. VelJohnson's co-star, McCrary, was also asked about it during a "Comedy Hype" interview in 2019.

The longtime television actor deflected when the interviewer mentioned that people had been wondering whether VelJohnson is gay, and he answered by saying:

"Why is it even a question? I mean with any artist. What does their sexuality have to do with them entertaining you, then performing for you?"

The television star further explained that the media is used as a weapon to control the narrative and that, at times, when one reads negative things about others, it is because someone might not be happy with them behind the scenes. Therefore, they use the media for character assassination.

Reginald VelJohnson on Wanting a Romantic Partner

Although he has not commented on what the tabloids have written about him, VelJohnson has hinted at wanting a significant other in the past. This was the only time he talked about the status of his relationship.

In a November 1990 interview, the Hollywood star admitted that playing the head of the house in "Family Matters," a series aired from 1989 to 1998, made him think about having a companion.

At the time, he had relocated to Tinseltown and shared a condo with his two cats, Sammy and Johnny. VelJohnson said portraying his role on the show and going back home to cats at the end of the day only made him look forward to going back to work the next day:

"It's time for a woman. Playing Carl, I consider myself a daddy in training. […] It's lonely sometimes."

VelJohnson has spoken about a woman before, his co-star, JoMarie Payton, who played his on-screen wife, Harriette Winslow, on the ABC series, "Family Matters." He recalled their working relationship in a June 2022 interview:

"I just fell in love with her the first time I saw her. And she's really wonderful to work with."

VelJohnson described the actress as a "special lady," adding they never butted heads as co-stars, which he was grateful for. He ensured they had a good relationship on and off the set.

Little Is Known about Reginald VelJohnson

Aside from his working relationship with his co-star, not much is known about VelJohnson. What is known is that he had a place to call home in the early years of his career.

The film star, who starred alongside Tom Hanks in "Turner and Hooch," purchased a $700,000 home in Los Angeles in 1992. His house was situated in Laurel Canyon at the time.

According to reports, it featured three master suites and a guest house. VelJohnson described his abode as a "hacienda, ranch style, with a pool like a big kidney bean."

The now-71-year-old also reportedly revealed that his house boasted a kitchenette by the pool area, which would be helpful when he hosted parties.