A child actor on "Family Matters," Darius McCrary was only 13 when he first began playing the role of Eddie Winslow, and audiences watched him grow up over the show's nine-season run. In 2006, she started the Kellie Williams Program which allows young people ages 14-20 in the Washington D.C. area with a chance to produce a TV show. Although the producers of Family Matters had attempted to help him shed his nerdy image by introducing the smooth Stefan Urquelle, it was too little too late. Trending pages Estelle Winslow Jimmy Baines Stevil (character) Samuel Winslow Oona Urkel Aunt Clotilda Charles Mallory All items (14) # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Other A Aunt Clotilda C Charles Mallory D Doc Urkel E Estelle Winslow F Fat Steve J Jimmy Baines Jimmy'father O They know what it is. Like his TV mom, McCary has also attempted to pursue a singing career, and is currently working on putting out a CD. Heres what the main cast members of Family Matters are up to know. Following a childhood rickets diagnosis that put her in leg braces for some time, LeNoire took up dance and musical theater. For starters, it remains one of the longest-running series in the history of television to revolve around African American characters, only exceeded by Tyler Perry's House of Payne and The Jeffersons, respectively. Maxine always tried to get Laura to do the wrong thing, but she eventually stopped doing that once she and Waldo started dating. But after "Family Matters," he really grew up. In 1994 and 1997, she played Urkel's aunt, Oona Urkel, who according to Urkel is "a little odd." Opera News does not consent to nor does it condone the posting of any content that violates the rights (including the copyrights) of any third party, nor content that may malign, inter alia, any religion, ethnic group, organization, gender, company, or individual. The show, which aired from 1989 to 1998, focused on the Winslows, a family living in Chicago and their relationship with their sweet but nerdy and annoying neighbor, Steve Urkel. Reginald VelJohnson (born Reginald Johnson; August 16, 1952) is an American actor. She appeared in the show as Gwendolyn and was popularly known as the young child who asked Urkel for love advice. He also appeared in an episode of the show, Mom in 2019. Thomas joined the cast team later in the fourth season and appeared in several seasons as Steve Urkel's lover Myra Monkhouse. Show.". Although the sitcom achieved decent ratings in its first season, it wasn't until the character of Steve Urkel, portrayed by Jaleel White, was introduced that the show really took off. Kellie Shanygne Williams spoke of just how important LeNoire was to the cast during the reunion photoshoot with Entertainment Weekly. Between 1994 and 1995, Landers appeared as Larry Pinkerton in 18 episodes of "The George Carlin Show." Walt Disney Television via Getty Jaleel White Returns as Steve Urkel in New Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? Judy was the youngest child of the Winslow family for the first two seasons of the show anyway. Actor Matt Landers was in dozens of television shows and 20 motion pictures over his thirty-year career in show business. She finished out the series with the rest of the cast and then jumped right over to a recurring role on "The Young and the Restless.". Characters who have died in the Family Matters . She often portrayed the character as a tough mom with a witty sense of humor, but was also a no-nonsense wife to her husband, Carl. Glass' decades-long acting career also included a hilarious stint as Ross Gellar's divorce lawyer on "Friends" in 1999. [1][12], On December 23, at age 30, Thomas died in New York City at Manhattan's Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. ", "Mom of Late Actress Michelle Thomas on Grieving the Loss of a Child", "Boston-born actress Michelle Thomas, dead at 29", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Michelle_Thomas&oldid=1137322889, This page was last edited on 4 February 2023, at 01:14. He was able to make it big in the show with his silly antics. Who could forget Waldo Geraldo Faldo, Eddie Winslow's sometimes-dimwitted best friend on "Family Matters" who could command a presence with just one word: "Sup?" Once Jo Marie Payton left "Family Matters," stage and screen veteran Judyann Elder stepped in to save the day (and the role of Harriette Winslow) for the final few episodes of the series. nerdy comedic neighbor of the Winslows who was always trying and failing to win Eddie dreamt of being a basketball star but had horrible grades all throughout high school. After the sitcom ended in 1998, Thomas portrayed Callie Rogers, an aspiring singer and love interest of Malcolm Winters, on the daytime soap The Young and the Restless. Bryton McClure played Richie Crawford, the son of Telma Hopkins character, Rachel. They even developed a bond over root beer and romantic woes. His character was described as totally dim-witted, and he often annoyed Steve Urkel by saying the silliest things. But, like many shows that found success in the 90s, Family Matters and its legacy continues to live on. NFL defensive end Bubba Smith was born in 1945 in Texas. "You got to be messing with me, dog. Payton got married to her third husband Leonard Downs in 2007 and she has a daughter named Chantale France from a previous relationship. By Bruce Haring. Per theNew York Daily News, Hemsley succumbed to superior vena cava syndrome and passed away in 2012. While the rest of his career primarily consisted of supporting roles, he continued to act until 2011, making appearances in shows like Family Guy and Tyler Perry's House of Payne. Family Matters attracted a lot of cast members but this article will feature some of the cast members who died in real life. Jaimee Monae Foxworth (born December 17, 1979) is an American actress, model, and former pornographic actress. Played by Jo Marie Payton (1989-1997), and Judyann Elder (1998). On August 19, 2008, Carry died at 56 years old. Theyre portrayed in a dramatic, overdone manner that isnt exactly exemplifying real lawyers but television lawyers do have one thing in common: they are entertaining. It introduced us to the legendary Steve Urkel (Jaleel White) and it was an important part of ABC's Friday night TGIF lineup. and "Whoa, mama." 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. Telma Hopkins played Rachel Crawford, Harriet Winslows sister and aunt to her kids, Eddie, Laura and Judy. Mekka continued working until his last credit in 2018, then a few short years later, Mekka died on November 27, 2021, at the age of 79. Hemsley was in his fifties when he starred in Family Matters, so he was already a veteran performer by the time he joined the sitcom. It gives me joy that you don't know who I am." She is best known for her role of Judy Winslow, the youngest daughter of Carl and Harriette Winslow on the ABC sitcom Family Matters, during the show's first four seasons. Peter Dennis is another cast member from Family Matters that has passed away in real life. That said, he also had a memorable guest role in Family Matters, playing Carl's boss, Captain Marion Savage, in a few episodes between 1994 and 1995. Since "Family Matters" ended, McCrary has appeared injust about everything(or so it seems),including both TV series and movies. Thomas would eventually end up as the real life girlfriend of the actor, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played Theo. Jaleel said before breaking down. After "Family Matters" came to a close, Thomas, who had undergone surgery to remove the tumor, landed a role on "The Young and the Restless" as an aspiring singer, but soon afterward had to undergo a second surgery for another cancerous mass. From Frank and Marie in Everybody Loves Raymond to Albert in The Goldbergs, the old-timers can always be relied on to share their wisdom with their younger counterparts. She often portrayed the character as a tough mom with a witty sense of humor, but was also a no-nonsense wife to her husband, Carl. [16][17], From 1993 to 1998, she portrayed the role of Myra Monkhouse, the girlfriend of Steve Urkel, on Family Matters. Initially Steve Urkel's mentee through the Big Brothers program, 3J is ultimately adopted by the Winslow family. Cherie Johnson was no stranger to television when she was cast as Laura Winslow's best friend, Maxine, on "Family Matters" the actress had also enjoyed great success as Punky Brewster's best friend on the eponymous show. In addition to Family Matters, Jenner had a notable role in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, portraying Starfleet Admiral William Ross in 12 episodes of the beloved sci-fi series. From 1993 to 1998, she portrayed the role of Myra Monkhouse, the girlfriend of Steve Urkel, on Family Matters. Lenoir died in 2002, just four years after the final season of Family Matters was aired. Per Broadway World, his film debut was alongside Sammy Davis Jr., whom he also appeared with on Broadway, in the 1966 movie "A Man Called Adam." Per Beaumont Enterprise, when it came time for college ball, he ended up leaving his homestate for Michigan State because the University of Texas teamwas not yet integrated. In fact, White recently opened up about not feeling particularly welcome on the "Family Matters" set when he was originally brought on for a guest appearance and then asked to stay on as a regular just one of the series' dark secrets. [1] Career [ edit] In October 1998, Thomas took a medical leave from the series due to her ill health. Opera News does not consent to nor does it condone the posting of any content that violates the rights (including the copyrights) of any third party, nor content that may malign, inter alia, any religion, ethnic group, organization, gender, company, or individual. In the sitcom show Family Matters, he got a role as mother Winslow's husband. [18] She appeared posthumously in the role of Anne in the film Unbowed in 1999. "Family Matters" was a popular American television sitcom that aired nine seasons from 1989 to 1997. White, 44, looked back on joining Family Matters as a child star and how his adult costars reacted. Family Matters was one of the most popular sitcoms during the 90s. Thomas died on December 23, 1998, surrounded by family and friends. On August 3, 2011, Smith died at the age of 66. A year after Family Matters ended, LeNoire guest-starred as a nurse on the TV series Cosby in 1998. After "Family Matters" ended in 1998, VelJohnson had mostly one-off appearances in movies and television shows, allowing him to remain as Carl Winslow in the minds of "Family Matters" fans over the years. [9][10][11], In 1983, Michelle Thomas appeared in her first television commercial. We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Johnson died in Los Angeles at the age of 78. Just a few short years later, she was cast in Season 4 of "Family Matters" as Myra, who for some reason, sees Urkel as the man of her dreams. over and got the girl of his dreams. But Waldos IQ, or lack thereof, turned him into one of the shows most lovable characters. (per Today), White broke down in tears as he fondly remembered Thomas, who passed away in 1998 at the young age of 30. See More, Opera News is a free to use platform and the views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent, reflect or express the views of Opera News. In 2021, however, VelJohnson reprised a different role: David Sutton (now mayor) in the Disney+ television sequel for "Turner & Hooch," which picks up 30 years after the movie ended. Thomas appeared in music videos for Mint Condition,[13] Chubb Rock,[14] and Dru Hill. A spinoff of the hit '80s sitcom Perfect Strangers, Family Matters began life as a modest hit before morphing into one of the most successful comedies on the small screen at the time. Audiences watched her grow up during the first few seasons. Williams is also a wife and a mother of two. LeNoire, who played Mother Winslow on "Family Matters," started with the first episode of the series when her character moved in with the Winslows after the death of her husband. Per NPR, he was an activist and member of the board of directors for Los Angeles' AL Wooten Jr. Heritage Center. Jaleel White Breaks Down Over Death of Family Matters Co-Star in Hollywood Medium Sneak Peek See the actor get a sad reminder of his early acting days By Vannessa Jackson Aug 07, 2017 9:30 AM. He played Peaches in several episodes of the series "Girlfriends" from 2002 until 2004 and voiced Timber Wolf in 16 episodes of "Legion of Super Heroes." No matter how hard Steve tried, he could just never seem to do anything right. Jaleel said dumbfounded. Menteer passed away on January 18, 2016, at the age of 72. Rosetta Lenoir was one of the main cast members of the comedy sitcom Family Matters. As Today pointed out, some of the adults who worked with her back in the day claimed that she was wise beyond her years and had a natural gift for the craft. In 1991 and 1992, Family Matters was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Comedy series and in 1997 White won the award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series. On "Family Matters," Darius McCrary played the charming, charismatic Eddie Winslow,the oldest of the two three (more on that later) Winslow children. (image viahttps://www.pinterest.com/dixon1368/). With the exception of The Golden Girls, grandparents are never the main stars of sitcoms. Jo Marie Payton, Now In a recent interview, Jaleel White revealed he was "not welcomed at all" to the cast of the hit 90s sitcom, Family Matters. Once the series wrapped, Williams hopped onto. "She was my old co-star from Family Matters and she died of stomach cancer quickly, White said. Rosetta LeNoire played Estelle Winslow, who was Carls mother. Richie 48 Episodes 1997. Hes also rumored to be dating his co-star Brytni Sarpy. Its been over 30 years since the ABC sitcom Family Matters first aired. Michelle Thomas played Myra Monkhouse, who was introduced as a love interest for Urkel. After the sitcom ended in 1998, Thomas portrayed Callie Rogers, an aspiring singer and love interest of Malcolm Winters, on the daytime soap The Young and the Restless. Willard also portrayed Vice Principal Mallet on "Family Matters" from 1994 to 1996, appearing in three episodes. alongside Terry Crews and Ice Cube. She was 90 years old at the time, and she left behind an impressive body of work in television, film, music, and theater. [1][12][20][21] Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Thomas' longtime friend and former boyfriend, was among those at her bedside. LeNoire passed away in 2002, four years after the final season of Family Matters originally aired. Steve Urkel 203 Episodes 1998. But they have been an essential function of some of the most iconic family units in small-screen comedies. Michelle Thomas' first role on television was on the hit TV series "The Cosby Show," where she played Theo's girlfriend, Justine. Though she did continue acting for a time, playing Alice Adams on "What About Joan" for all of its 21 episodes, her acting credits afterward became much more sporadic, with an appearance here or there every year or two, until she took a complete hiatus from acting in 2011. "Few singers have impacted music & the world like Donna Summer!" Clip The sneak peek also features White, 44, reminiscing on his. Sherman Hemsley is probably one of the funniest actors in the sitcoms. Unfortunately for the pair, their friendship came to an end after Murtaugh took all of the nerd's money during a poker game. However, much like her boyfriend before her, Myra was soon promoted to a recurring role and eventually became an integral part of the Family Matters ensemble. cancer-related complications. She was Lauras friend, but she also put the moves on her brother, Eddie, and started going out with him instead. Speaking in an episode of TV One . Arnold Johnson is also another cast member from the sitcom show Family Matters that died in real life. So he's staying fresh and busy as ever, even at 67 years old. James was quickly cast on soap opera "The Young and the Restless" in 2004, just a few short years after "Family Matters" ended, and he played the role through 2021. In 1992, Carry appeared in an episode of "Family Matters" in which played Harriet's tall, handsome piano teacher that Carl thinks twice about leaving her alone with. Poston was a jack of all talents. Landers continued to act, including a recurring role on "Days of Our Lives," until 2010, appearing last on "Law and Order." Al Powell - Die Hard. A still shocked Jaleel wrestled with the information, before finally accepting it. May Michelle Thomas continue to rest peacefully. When the show ended, White struggled to find serious leading roles, but he did make a few other appearances throughout the years. Actor: Family Matters. "She had a lot of friends in the music industry.". Watch the shocking reveal in the clip above! [12] In December 1984, she appeared with Hal Jackson on Soul Train after having won the Miss Talented Teen International pageant earlier in the year.[8]. Brown's last role came in 2013. However it moved to CBS, where it was shown from September 19, 1997, to July 17, 1998.A spin-off of Perfect Strangers, the series revolves around the Winslow family, a middle class black family living in Chicago, Illinois. This show only lasted two seasons, though, and Hopkins later returned to "Family Matters" for guest appearances through 1997. ?Continue, After a hugely successful first season of HBOs True Detective, rumors have been swirling regarding what major actors or actresses will star in the shows second season. For the next several years, he mostly had one-off guest appearances on shows like "Hawaii Five-0," "Atlanta," "Bones," and "NCIS," while starring in a few short-lived series like "Fake It Til You Make It" and "Me, Myself and I.". Cookies help us deliver our Services. Of course, most mothers want their daughters to find a good partner, settle down, and maybe even start a family but, Read More Whats up with Scott Disick and Kris Jenner?? 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'S staying fresh and busy as ever, even at 67 years old some time LeNoire! Jaleel wrestled with the information, before finally accepting it in 2002, years! On January 18, 2016, at the age of 66 Matters and she has a daughter named France...