Where Is the Cast of 'Family Matters' Now – 30+ Pics

One actor joined a celebrity dance competition, another opened up about lasting damage from his TV role, and a former castmate resurfaced after years away from the spotlight.

"Family Matters" aired from 1989 to 1998, centering on the Winslow family and their nerdy neighbor, Steve Urkel. The series became one of television's longest-running family sitcoms.

Fans remain invested in the lives of its cast more than two decades later. From steady acting careers to unexpected industry changes, here's where the stars of the show are today in over 30 photos.

1. Reginald VelJohnson (Carl Winslow)

He played the firm but lovable father figure in the Winslow household, but fans also remember him from major action films in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Queens-born actor appeared in both "Die Hard" and "Die Hard 2" before becoming a sitcom staple.

In 2024, he joined the cast of season 33 of "Dancing With The Stars," partnered with professional dancer Emma Slater. Still active in the entertainment world, he continues to lend his voice to animated projects and remains connected to Hollywood today.

2. Jaleel White (Steve Urkel)

With his suspenders, thick glasses, and a high-pitched voice, he turned Steve into one of the most recognizable characters of the '90s. However, behind the success of his character was a young actor navigating the pressures of growing up in the spotlight.

"I was a kid that was really just struggling to fit in in real life while playing that character," he once told Rolling Stone. The voice that made Steve famous took a toll, as it damaged his voice. "During puberty, I spoke at the same pitch for extended periods of time," he shared.

His time on set wasn't always smooth. Co-star Jo Marie Payton recalled one tense moment, "There was one time he actually wanted to physically fight me." Despite such clashes, he's maintained a long-standing career in television and film.

In May 2024, he married Nicoletta Ruhl, a tech executive who serves as vice president of strategic partnerships at StatusPRO. She has built VR projects with the NFL and previously worked with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The actor, who remains very active in the industry, once credited his daughter as a key motivator in his life, stating, "I think my biggest motivating factor right now is my daughter."

3. Darius McCrary (Eddie Winslow)

He was the charming older brother who dealt with school, dating, and a nosy neighbor, and he's continued acting ever since. He started in Hollywood at the age of nine, earning credits in films like "Saw VI," "Big Shots," and "Transformers," where he voiced the character Jazz.

More recently, he appeared in "Sebastian" (2025), "Greenwood Rising: The Rise of Black Wall Street" (2024), and "Who's Cheating Who?" (2024).

4. Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow)

As Laura, she was smart, confident, and never afraid to speak her mind. These days, she co-hosts a podcast with Telma Hopkins called "Welcome to the Family." The show revisits episodes of "Family Matters" and shares behind-the-scenes stories.

In 2024, she portrayed Dr. Colleen Sullivan in "Christmas at Xander Point," and she has three more projects on the way. She is married to Hannibal Jackson, and they have two children together.

5. Jo Marie Payton (Harriette Winslow)

She has remained a steady presence on-screen since her time as Harriette, the glue that held the family together. Her past work includes "Colors" (1988), "The Beach Bum" (2019), and "Mann and Wife" (2015–2016).

More recently, she voiced characters in "The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder" and starred in "Miss Governer" (2025), appearing in 16 episodes. She has three upcoming projects lined up.

6. Bryton James (Richie Crawford)

He joined the cast as young Richie and is now a familiar face on daytime TV. He has played a major role on "The Young and the Restless" for years and previously voiced characters in "Young Justice" and "Hero Factory." Beyond acting, he is also the co-creator of Dysko, a social networking app.

7. Shawn Harrison (Waldo Faldo)

The actor who brought laughs as Waldo, the lovable sidekick known for his goofy lines and good heart, has kept busy with acting and producing. Since then, he's acted in shows like "Day by Day" and "A Sitcom for Gio," and continues to work in television.

8. Jaimee Foxworth (Judy Winslow)

She played the youngest Winslow until her character suddenly disappeared. By the end of season four, she was gone with no explanation. Her exit was never explained in the storyline, although her lines had gradually diminished.

Payton, her TV mom, later said, "They took my baby," expressing her disappointment with the decision. "When I asked what happened to her, as she wasn't at rehearsal, I was told that it didn't matter."

Foxworth herself explained, "The producers felt that they could do it and no one would notice." Following her departure at age 13, she eventually moved into the adult film industry. She struggled with substance abuse and eventually appeared on "Celebrity Rehab."

She later worked in the adult film industry, a decision that drew public attention. Despite everything, she rebuilt her life and welcomed a son in 2009. "I've been through a lot of pain in the past and ... I now look forward to years of joy to share with my child," she told People.

When Entertainment Weekly published a "Family Matters" reunion cover in 2017, she was not included. "I was not invited at all. I wasn't even contacted," she said. "It was a slap in the face from Entertainment Weekly."

Now, she's focused on raising her son and completing her book about growing up in the spotlight. "I'm not that little girl anymore," she stated. "Judy and Family Matters don't define me."

9. Telma Hopkins (Rachel Crawford)

She played Aunt Rachel and was the mother of Richie on the show. A seasoned performer, she's known for "Half & Half," "The Love Guru," and her many sitcom roles.

More recently, she appeared in "The Young and the Restless" (2021–2024), "Brewster's Millions: Christmas" (2024), and "Clean Slate" (2025). Alongside Williams, she co-hosts the podcast "Welcome to the Family."

Whether staying active in Hollywood, branching into tech, or sharing their stories through new platforms, each member has taken a distinct path, all while remaining part of a show that left a lasting impression on American pop culture.