Remember the annoying but loveable nerd Steve Urkel that wore high water pants, suspenders, pocket protectors and big red glasses? He loved to proclaim his love for Laura and cheese. Plus he loved to annoy Carl, Laura’s Dad, on a daily basis. The show I am talking about is Family Matters. It was a great show that you could watch as a whole family and laugh at all the humor the show had to offer. But what is the cast up to now that the show no longer airs?
Carl Winslow played Laura’s dad on the show. His character was played by Reginald Vel Johnson. Reginald has acted in Die Hard opposite of Bruce Willis as Sergeant Al Powell. He also played as Paul Hogan’s chauffer Gus in Crocodile Dundee. Since the show he has appeared in a few TV shows like Tales From the Crypt, Monk, CSI, Will and Grace, The Electric Company, Deadly Pursuits and a few others. He is now working on Steppin: The Movie, a musical comedy, and a movie called Jelly.
Eddie Winslow played the oldest child and only son of Karl. His character was played by Darius McCrary. After the show he received a lead role as a mercenary on a UPN series call Freedom that aired in fall. He also appeared in a movie called Fifteen Minutes which stars Robert De Niro. His other major project was the 2001 family drama Kingdom Come opposite of Whoopi Goldberg. He was also the voice of Jazz is the movie hit Transformers and is also going to appear in the Steppin: The Movie with Reginald and will also co-produce it. He has just recently filed for a divorce in 2006 making him back on the market ladies!
Who could forget Laura Winslow. We heard her name in a nasal voice a few times every episode. Her character was played by Kelly Shanygne. Since the show she starred on a movie called After All that aired on BET. She also appeared in the movie Suspect that starred Dennis Quaid. Today she also does a lot of public speaking and donating time and money to charities that she believes in. She also manages a great rhythm and blues group called Amari. She is also making an appearance in Steppin: The Movie to make a small reunion of TV dad with TV brother and sister. She now lives in Los Angeles.
Harriette Winslow was the strict but funny mom to Laura, Eddie and Judy and the wife to Carl. Her character was played by JoMarie Payton. She appeared in a 2006 episode of the hit show Desperate Housewives. She has also made appearances on the show Reba, Judging Amy, and a few others. She has been divorced twice and has a daughter Chantale who was born in 1984.
The cute and adorable grandma Mama Winslow was played by Rosetta LeNoire. I think she was the perfect person for this part! She brought humor to the show. After the show she basically went back to regular life until she passed away in March of 2002 in New Jersey from diabetes.
Myra was the cute girl in that wore hats all the time that was in love with Steve Urkel. As nerdy as he was she didn’t care at all. This part was played by Michelle Thomas. She also appeared on shows like the Cosby Show and Roseanne. Unfortunately in December of 1998, she died of a rare form of stomach cancer at the age of 30.
Judy Winslow was the youngest child and very adorable. Except at the end of the show’s 4th season the kids all walked upstairs and Judy was never heard from again on the seasons to follow. They say they cut the part due to budget problems. Jaime Foxworth was the actress that played Judy. Since the show she has been helping her Mom out at her talent agency.
Rachel Crawford was the sister of Harriette. Rachel was played by Telma Hopkins. She is divorced now with a son. Since the show she starred on a few different TV Shows and has also pursued her career in music with Tony Orlando and Dawn.
Rachel’s son Richie was played by the adorable little Bryton McClure. Now at the age of 21 he received the 2006 Best Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama Award for his role as Devon Hamilton in The Young and the Restless. He is also a great singer with a few great songs out.
Waldo Faldo was the not so smart, flat top hair friend of Eddie. Waldo was played by actor Shawn Harrison. Since the show he has made TV appearances on shows like Girlfriends, Legion of Superheroes, and Moesha.
Maxine Johnson played Laura’s best friend on the show throughout the years. This part was played by Cherie Johnson. Since the show she has been writing Children’s books and also co-wrote the book “Two Walks of Life.” Currently she is working on a movie called I Do… I Did. It is a dark romantic comedy that also had a part for Shar Jackson, Kevin Federline’s ex-girlfriend.
And last but not least the star of the show Steve Urkel. The geeky but lovable neighbor that didn’t know how to knock, but sure had applause for his entrance! His humorous snort and “Did I do that?” will be remembered by anyone that has watched the show before. His character was played by Jaleel White, who is very good looking
Remember the episode where Steve created a machine where it could turn him from geek to stud in the matter of seconds? Steve then turned into Stephan and was a knockout in his white suit that left Laura speechless. This was the first on screen look at what Steve Urkel looked like as a regular person and I gotta admit I liked it!
Jaleel has made a few appearances on TV shows like Boston Legal, The Game, Grown Ups and a few others. In 1994 he got to play basketball against George Clooney on an episode of ER. He has also appeared in TV shows like Boston Legal, The Game, and Grown-ups.
