From Urkel's Overalls To Dancing With The Stars: 7 Family Matters Cast Members' Shocking 2024 Updates

Few sitcoms captured the heart and humor of the 1990s quite like Family Matters. The show, which ran for nine seasons from 1989 to 1998, centered on the middle-class African-American Winslow family, whose lives were perpetually—and hilariously—disrupted by their nerdy, suspender-wearing neighbor, Steve Urkel. Fast-forward to the present day, and the iconic cast members are still making headlines, with major career shifts, personal milestones, and even some legal drama dominating the news cycle in late 2024. The transformation of these beloved stars from their roles as Carl, Harriette, Laura, and Eddie Winslow is truly fascinating, proving that life after a hit show is anything but quiet.

The enduring appeal of the Winslow family and their quirky entourage ensures that fans are always eager for the latest updates on their favorite characters. From a new memoir detailing life as a child star to a surprising stint on a major reality competition, the cast of Family Matters continues to evolve, making the "then and now" comparison a compelling look at the legacy of a classic TGIF sitcom. This deep dive into their current lives provides the freshest, most relevant information on what the stars are doing right now, in late 2024.

The Winslow Family & Friends: A Complete Biography & Current Status

The core cast of Family Matters has pursued diverse paths in the decades since the show concluded. Below is a detailed look at the main actors, their pivotal role on the show, and their most significant career and personal updates as of late 2024.

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• Jaleel White (Steve Urkel / Stefan Urquelle)
  • Born: November 27, 1976 (Age: 48)
  • Role: The iconic, accident-prone neighbor whose popularity eventually made him the show's main character.
  • Current Status: Television host, author, and entrepreneur.
• Reginald VelJohnson (Carl Winslow)
  • Born: August 16, 1952 (Age: 72)
  • Role: The patriarch, a Chicago police officer, and a loving but perpetually exasperated father.
  • Current Status: Active actor and reality TV personality.
• Jo Marie Payton (Harriette Winslow)
  • Born: August 3, 1950 (Age: 74)
  • Role: The quick-witted, no-nonsense mother and wife, who was originally introduced on Perfect Strangers.
  • Current Status: Voice actress and film/television actress.
• Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow)
  • Born: March 22, 1976 (Age: 48)
  • Role: The intelligent, popular daughter and the object of Steve Urkel's relentless affection.
  • Current Status: Actress, host, and producer.
• Darius McCrary (Eddie Winslow)
  • Born: May 1, 1976 (Age: 48)
  • Role: The eldest son, a popular, aspiring basketball player, and a high school student.
  • Current Status: Actor, musician, and social media personality.
• Bryton James (Richie Crawford)
  • Born: August 17, 1986 (Age: 38)
  • Role: Harriette's nephew, who joins the Winslow household in later seasons.
  • Current Status: Long-running soap opera star and producer.
• Shawn Harrison (Waldo Faldo)
  • Born: December 28, 1973 (Age: 50)
  • Role: Eddie's dim-witted but lovable friend, Waldo Geraldo Faldo, known for his love of food.
  • Current Status: Actor and voice artist.
• Jaimee Foxworth (Judy Winslow)
  • Born: December 17, 1979 (Age: 44)
  • Role: The youngest Winslow daughter, whose character was controversially written off the show.
  • Current Status: Mother and podcast guest, openly discussing her life post-sitcom.

Jaleel White and Reginald VelJohnson: Surprising 2024 TV Comebacks

The two most recognizable faces from the show—the star and the anchor—have both made major, high-profile returns to television in 2024, cementing their status as household names decades later. This is the freshest news on the Family Matters cast.

Jaleel White's New Game Show and Memoir

Jaleel White, who immortalized Steve Urkel and his smooth alter-ego Stefan Urquelle, is having a massive 2024. The actor has transitioned from sitcom star to a full-fledged television host. In a major move, White was tapped by CBS Media Ventures to host a new syndicated game show called The Flip Side, which is set to launch in the Fall of 2024. This project marks a significant shift in his career, showcasing his charisma outside of his famous character.

Beyond hosting, White also released his memoir in 2024, titled Growing Up Urkel. The book offers fans a candid look into his life, detailing the intense experience of being the breakout star of a hit family sitcom and his journey to finding his own identity after the show ended. This dual focus on hosting a new show and reflecting on his past demonstrates his ongoing relevance in the entertainment industry.

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Reginald VelJohnson's Dance Floor Debut

Reginald VelJohnson, beloved for his role as the gruff but loving Carl Winslow, surprised fans by joining the cast of a major reality competition. In September 2024, VelJohnson was announced as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars Season 33. His appearance on the show brought him back into the weekly spotlight, with fans cheering on the man who was once the chief authority figure of the Winslow home. His participation, which saw him reach 10th place, was a heartwarming example of a classic actor embracing a new challenge later in his career. VelJohnson has maintained a steady acting career since the show, with guest spots on hits like That's So Raven, but his time on DWTS was arguably his most high-profile gig in years.

The Winslow Daughters: Reunions and Controversies

The actresses who played the Winslow daughters—Laura and Judy—have had two of the most talked-about post-show careers, one marked by a joyful reunion and the other by a heartbreaking public struggle.

Kellie Shanygne Williams and Jo Marie Payton's Christmas Reunion

Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow) and Jo Marie Payton (Harriette Winslow) delighted fans by reuniting on screen for the holiday film A Family Matters Christmas. While the film was released in 2022, news of the reunion continues to circulate as a major highlight of the cast's recent activities. This heartwarming collaboration proved that the mother-daughter bond between Harriette and Laura transcends the original sitcom. Williams has also worked as a host and producer, and she remains a dedicated mother. Payton, meanwhile, continues to lend her voice to the iconic character of Suga Mama on Disney's animated series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, further cementing her legacy in family entertainment.

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The Jaimee Foxworth Story: Judy Winslow's Legacy

Jaimee Foxworth, who played the youngest daughter, Judy Winslow, was controversially written off the show after the fourth season. Her post-show life was marked by significant struggles, including a public battle with addiction and a brief career in adult films, which she has since discussed openly. In recent years, Foxworth has focused on motherhood and sharing her story to help others. As of 2024, she has appeared on various podcasts, openly discussing the challenges of child stardom and her journey to recovery. She has confirmed that despite not being invited to certain cast reunions, she remains friends with Jo Marie Payton, Darius McCrary, Kellie Shanygne Williams, and Shawn Harrison. Her story is a powerful reminder of the hidden pressures faced by young actors in the entertainment industry.

Darius McCrary, Bryton James, and Shawn Harrison: Diverse Paths

The male supporting cast members have taken wildly different routes since their time on the show, from soap opera stardom to notable legal issues.

Darius McCrary's Legal Troubles

Darius McCrary, who played the eldest son Eddie Winslow, has maintained a presence in acting and music. However, his name made headlines for unfortunate reasons in 2024. In a major development, McCrary was arrested in San Diego on a felony warrant. The warrant was connected to a case in Michigan where prosecutors alleged the actor owed over $75,000 in child support to his daughter as of August 2024. He was denied bail following the arrest but was later released after spending two months in jail. This highly publicized event has overshadowed his recent creative endeavors.

Bryton James' Soap Opera Stardom and Reboot Dreams

Bryton James, who played Richie Crawford, has had one of the most stable and successful post-Family Matters careers. He has been a fixture on the long-running CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless, where he has played Devon Hamilton since 2004, earning him multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. In a fresh update, James has openly revealed that he is actively working on developing an animated reboot of Family Matters, though the project has not yet been officially greenlit. This effort shows a dedication to preserving the legacy of the show for a new generation.

Shawn Harrison's Waldo Faldo Legacy

Shawn Harrison, who brought the lovable, food-obsessed Waldo Faldo to life, continues to be recognized for his iconic role. While he has taken on various voice acting and supporting roles, much of his recent activity involves fan engagement, such as personalized video messages via platforms like Cameo, with updates as recent as October 2024. Harrison's enduring connection with the fanbase demonstrates the long-lasting impact of his memorable character, who remains one of the show's most quoted figures.