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30 Years Later: Where Is the Cast of ‘Family Matters’ Today?

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The cast of “Family Matters” (Warner Bros. Television)

On Sept. 22, 1989, “Family Matters” debuted on ABC with the pilot “The Mama Who Came to Dinner” as part of the network’s famed TGIF lineup, which also bowed that same day. While the American sitcom was a spin-off of another sitcom, “Perfect Strangers,” it firmly carved out its own fanbase thanks to memorable characters and storylines. Now, 30 years after its debut, here’s what the cast is up to today.

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Reginald VelJohnson attends the Lifetime Summer Luau on May 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (Photo: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Lifetime)

Carl Winslow, played by Reginald VelJohnson

Since playing a loveable policeman who is easily irritated by Urkle, Reginald VelJohnson has steadily remained in front of the camera. This year he provided the voice of God for the animated TV show “Lazor Wulf” and contributed voice work for the show “3Below: Tales of Arcadia.” He also appeared in the TV movie “Pride & Prejudice: Atlanta,” as well as the sitcom “Mom.” The comedy “The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee,” in which VelJohnson is also acting, is currently in post-production.

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Jo Marie Payton at the opening-night screening of “Free Angela” during the 2013 Women’s International Film and Arts Festival at Adrienne Arsht Center on March 20, 2013 in Miami. (Photo: Aaron Davidson/WireImage)

Harriette Winslow, played by Jo Marie Payton

Harriette Winslow went from a “Perfect Strangers” elevator operator to a family matriarch who ultimately landed a job as VP of Ferguson’s Department Store. But years after Jo Marie Payton played Harriette, she’s done voice work in the animated 2019 series “Blaze and the Monster Machines” and played a judge in the spring comedy “The Beach Bum.” Presently, Payton is filming the drama “Heart of a Champion.”

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Kellie Shanygne Jackson. (Photo: @kellieswilliams/Instagram)

Laura Winslow, played by Kellie Shanygne Williams

Following her portrayal of the smart-aleck middle child (if you still count disappearing younger sis Judy) Laura Winslow, Kellie Shanygne Williams is now Kellie Jackson and has stepped away from the spotlight. Her last role was in the 2011 short “Aide-de-Camp.” Williams is now focusing on her family as well as several charities, including her Kellie Williams Program, which gives Washington, D.C.-area students the chance to produce a TV show and get exposure in the arts.

Shawn Harrison
Shawn Harrison. (IMDb)

Waldo Faldo, played by Shawn Harrison 

Although Shawn Harrison is best known for playing the dim-witted yet lovable sidekick to Steve Urkle, Harrison has strayed away from such characters in his latter roles. In 2018, Harrison portrayed a reverend in the comedy “Uncle Ed’s Bucket List.”

Telma Hopkins attends the premiere of Netflix’s ‘Dead to Me’ at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage on May 2, 2019 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo: Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix)

Rachel Crawford, played by Telma Hopkins

Following her portrayal of Harriet Winslow’s sister, Telma Hopkins has remained an actress in Black comedy shows. Hopkins most recently appeared in the Netflix family comedy “Family Reunion,” and she’s in the Netflix mystery drama “Dead To Me.” Her next project is “Always a Bridesmaid,” a comedy written by Yvette Nicole Brown that will be released in October.

Bryson James at the 55th Monte Carlo Television Festival on June 15, 2015, in Monaco. (Photo: Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images)

Richie Crawford, played by Bryton James

Bryton James wasn’t the original actor who portrayed the Winslow kids’ younger cousin, but he played him until “Family Matters” went off the air in 1998. In the more than two decades since, he’s landed a role on the daytime soap opera “The Young and the Restless,” where he’s played Devon Hamilton for 15 years. James also does voice work for the Cartoon Network show “Young Justice.”

Darius McCrary attends “Rockin With The Stars” Laugh! Clap! Dance! event on August 6, 2019, in Studio City, California. (Photo: Robin L Marshall/Getty Images)

Eddie Winslow, played by Darius McCrary

Darius McCrary hasn’t stopped acting decades since playing mediocre high school student and hopeful basketball star Eddie Winslow. McCrary had a recurring role on Fox’s musical drama “Star” through its 2018 cancellation and played Officer Hardaway in the February 2019 TV movie thriller “Fanatic.”

jaleel white
Actor Jaleel White attends the 7th annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose celebrity tournament fundraiser at Dodger Stadium on August 8, 2019, in Los Angeles. (Photo: Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)

Steve Urkle, played by Jaleel White

Known for his catchphrase “Did I do that?” Urkle is still a character many TV fans associate with Jaleel White. Today, the actor has remained in the acting business, and most recently he appeared in the Netflix sitcom “Family Reunion.” He also has a recurring appearance in Disney Channel’s “Raven’s Home” through 2020. He’ll star in the TV comedy “The Big Show Show” next year.

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