Reginald VelJohnson, born Reginald Johnson on August 16, 1952, is an American actor known for playing police officer characters such as Carl Winslow in the sitcom Family Matters from 1989 to 1998. He was best known for his role as Sergeant Al Powell in the first two Die Hard movies and for his memorable portrayal of family man Carl.
VelJohnson’s career has been defined by his memorable portrayal of Carl Winslow in Family Matters. His talent and comedic timing have been a source of inspiration for many actors, including Jaleel White, who portrayed Steve Urkel on the sitcom.
The cast of Family Matters has largely continued to work in the industry after the show ended in 1998. The cast includes Jaleel White, Jo Marie Payton, and Michelle Thomas, who tragically died from cancer shortly after the show ended.
Family Matters was an American television sitcom that originally aired on ABC for eight seasons from September 22, 1989, to May 9, 1997, then moved to CBS for its ninth and final season. It has been 25 years since the series finale, and the cast has continued to work in the industry.
In an interview with E!, White broke down in tears as he fondly remembered Thomas, who passed away in 1998 at the young age of 30.
In summary, Reginald VelJohnson, born Reginald Johnson on August 16, 1952, is an American actor and writer known for his roles in Family Matters, Die Hard, and Ghostbusters. His career has been defined by his memorable portrayal of Carl Winslow and his ability to bring humor and relatable characters to the screen.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Family Matters Cast: Where They Are Now and Who … | It’s been 25 years since the series finale, so let’s take a look at what the cast has been up to since. | movieweb.com |
| Jaleel White | Jaleel Ahmad White (born November 27, 1976) is an American actor. He is best known for his role as Steve Urkel on the sitcom Family Matters. | en.wikipedia.org |
| Reginald VelJohnson | Family Matters Wiki – Fandom | Reginald VelJohnson ; Age. 72 ; Gender. Male ; Occupation. Actor, comedian ; Years active. 1979–present ; Family. Reginald Johnson Sr. (father) Eve Johnson (mother) … | familymatters.fandom.com |
📹 When Family Matters Died
Family Matters was one of the most popular sitcoms of its time and gave birth to Steve Urkel who could be called both the savior of …
How Did Shirley Ballas Lose Weight?
Shirley Ballas, the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing, has openly discussed her ongoing struggles with weight and her recent weight loss journey. Aiming to shed the 20lbs she gained during lockdown, the 64-year-old began her transformation in April, utilizing a strict fitness regimen to prepare for the upcoming show's new series. She shared her experience on Instagram, highlighting her determination to fit into a specific pair of trousers. Notably, Shirley lost an impressive 9lbs in just one week through a bootcamp-style program.
To maintain her desired weight, she has adopted a daily routine that includes meals of chicken with lemon and has committed to a bespoke fitness regimen incorporating high-tech treatments for skin care. Additionally, she has embraced intermittent fasting as part of her strategy. Shirley has also taken on various fundraising activities for charity, including thrilling skydives and zipline rides, fostering an active lifestyle.
Despite her challenges, she remains resolute about achieving her target weight of 8st 8lbs and avoiding spinal surgery. Shirley's candid reflections on her journey resonate with many, showcasing her dedication to health and well-being ahead of the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
What Family Matters Star Died?
Michelle Thomas, a beloved television actress known for her role as Myra Monkhouse on the sitcom "Family Matters," passed away on December 23, 1998, at the age of 30 after battling stomach cancer. Thomas died at Manhattan's Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, surrounded by family and close friends. "Family Matters," a key part of ABC's TGIF lineup, showcased the Winslow family and their interactions with their quirky neighbor Steve Urkel, played by Jaleel White.
The show has lost several cast members over the years, including Rosetta LeNoire, who portrayed Mother Winslow and passed away in 2002. Many fans still fondly remember the series, which aired until 1998. Despite the losses, much of the cast remains alive today, including Jaleel White. Thomas is survived by her mother, aunt, uncle, and other family members, leaving a legacy as a talented actress cherished by fans.
What Happened To Steve Urkel From Family Matters?
Jaleel White, famous for his catchphrase "Did I do that?" as Steve Urkel on "Family Matters," has remained active in the entertainment industry since the show's conclusion in 1998. Although no subsequent roles achieved the iconic status of Urkel, White has lent his voice to Sonic the Hedgehog in animated series, including "Sonic Underground," and appeared in guest spots on "Boston Legal," "House," and "Psych." After years of feeling typecast, he has come to embrace his legacy as Urkel, which dramatically boosted "Family Matters'" ratings and popularity.
Recently, White released an autobiography, "Growing Up Urkel," set to debut on November 19, 2024, where he reflects on his career post-Urkel. He has also married business executive Nicoletta Ruhl in 2024. While formerly bullied for his Urkel-esque appearance, White's memoir and recent projects showcase his resilience and commitment to his craft. Notably, he indicated that a "Family Matters" revival is unlikely. Despite the challenges, Jaleel White's career continues to evolve, highlighting his journey beyond the beloved character.
Who Passed Away From The Cast Of 'Family Matters'?
Reginald VelJohnson, known for portraying Carl Winslow on "Family Matters," passed away at 74 in 2012 due to superior vena cava syndrome. Michelle Thomas, famed for her role as Myra Monkhouse, succumbed to stomach cancer in 1998 at the age of 30. Carl Winslow, a Chicago police officer, is remembered for his patience with his neighbor, Urkel, despite his often gruff demeanor. Both characters, and their actors, have left a lasting legacy in the hearts of fans.
Additionally, Rosetta LeNoire, who played matriarch Estelle "Mother" Winslow, died in 2002 at the age of 90. The ensemble cast of "Family Matters," a key part of ABC’s TGIF lineup, has also largely continued their careers in the entertainment industry after the show concluded in 1998. Jaleel White, who became well-known for his portrayal of Steve Urkel, was making waves in the industry prior to his iconic role. The show aired its series finale on July 17, 1998, marking the end of an era for its beloved characters and actors.
Who Played The Role Of Carl On 'Family Matters'?
Reginald VelJohnson is an American actor, born on August 16, 1952, in Queens, New York, best known for his portrayal of Carl Winslow on the sitcom "Family Matters," which aired from 1989 to 1998. His casting as Carl came through a recommendation from Al Leiter, a star of "Die Hard," who believed VelJohnson suited the role after watching the film's early screening. VelJohnson's character, Carl, is a loving and protective father and a police officer for the Chicago Police Department, becoming a beloved figure in American television as one of "America's dads." The show's success spanned eight seasons, and VelJohnson appeared in all 215 episodes, reprising his role throughout.
Alongside him, the main cast included actors like Jo Marie Payton as Harriette and Darius McCrary as Eddie. Before "Family Matters," VelJohnson gained recognition as LAPD Sergeant Al Powell in both "Die Hard" and its sequel. His career also included earlier roles in "Ghostbusters" and an appearance on "Perfect Strangers." VelJohnson's portrayal of Carl Winslow not only highlighted his comedic talent but endeared him to audiences, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in sitcom history.
Did Steve Urkel Ever Get With Laura?
Laura proposes permanently transforming one of the Steves into Stefan so she and Myra can be with their loves. Stefan becomes a recurring character and eventually proposes to Laura in the ninth season. However, in "Pop Goes the Question," Laura ultimately chooses Steve over Stefan. "Family Matters" debuted in 1989 and ran nearly ten years, focusing on the Winslow family, led by Harriette. The relationship between Steve and Laura is central, beginning with Steve's obsessive crush that Laura initially does not reciprocate.
Jaleel White's portrayal of Steve Urkel showcases his infatuation with Laura, played by Kellie Shanygne Williams, amid his dedication to Myra. During discussions of a reboot, the premise included Steve and Laura married with a son named Steve Urkel Jr. Despite their on-screen chemistry, White and Williams did not date in real life. Although season 10 would have featured their marriage, it was never produced.
Ultimately, Laura chose Steve over Stefan, retiring Stefan's character permanently, solidifying the show's trajectory towards the Steve-Laura pairing, even amid debates over Steve's suitability for Myra.
Did Michelle Thomas Die?
Michelle Thomas, an actress known for her roles in "The Cosby Show," "Family Matters," and "The Young and the Restless," passed away on December 23, 1998, at the age of 30 due to a desmoplastic tumor. Born on September 23, 1968, in Boston, Massachusetts, Thomas was loved by many for her portrayal of Myra, the girlfriend of the nerdy character Steve Urkel in "Family Matters." She battled stomach cancer, a struggle that began with her diagnosis in August 1997.
Though she fought bravely, she succumbed to the disease after spending her final days surrounded by family and friends at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan. Thomas's untimely passing came as a shock to her fans and co-stars alike, with many expressing their sorrow and sharing memories of her talent and kindness. Honoring her wishes, she received a Muslim burial at Rosedale Cemetery in Orange, New Jersey. Her legacy endures through the beloved characters she portrayed on television.
How Did Billy Lose All His Weight?
Billy Gardell began his weight loss journey while weighing around 370 pounds nearly a decade ago, culminating in a remarkable transformation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he underwent bariatric weight loss surgery in 2021 based on medical advice to mitigate the risks associated with severe COVID-19. Since then, he has successfully lost over 150 pounds, bringing his weight down to approximately 205-210 pounds by April 2023.
Gardell emphasizes that the weight loss process involves daily effort; maintaining his new weight requires continual work, especially after experiencing challenges tied to his previous condition of Type 2 diabetes.
His experience has transformed not only his physical appearance but also his relationship with food. While the initial surgery was a pivotal step, Gardell noted that it was only the beginning, prompting him to adopt healthier lifestyle changes. He no longer suffers from Type 2 diabetes, and improvements in his resting heart rate further illustrate the positive effects of his lifestyle changes. As a recognizable figure from shows like "Bob Hearts Abishola" and "Mike and Molly," Gardell's impressive physical transformation has been evident to fans, showcasing the hard work he's committed to since 2020.
How Did Reginald VelJohnson Lose Weight?
Reginald VelJohnson, born Reginald Johnson on August 16, 1952, is an acclaimed American actor renowned for his roles as police officers, particularly as Carl Winslow on the sitcom Family Matters (1989-1998) and LAPD Sergeant Al Powell in the Die Hard films. As of 2024, he is 71 years old, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing about 187 pounds (85 kg). Recently, VelJohnson has focused on his health, having lost 50 pounds through regular workouts, committing to exercising three days a week. He emphasizes the importance of staying healthy, balancing his personal life with his acting career.
In the entertainment industry, VelJohnson has experienced both acclaim and challenges, including a false internet hoax about his death in 2017, which Snopes debunked. Despite setbacks, his wealth, estimated at around $4 million, reflects his successful career. VelJohnson continues to engage with fans, recently participating in Dancing With the Stars alongside Eric Roberts, where they faced a double elimination.
Known for his humor and warmth, he has shared insights about his life and career while debunking misinformation about his health and wellbeing. His impact on television and film remains notable, as he is celebrated for his heartfelt performances and contributions to the entertainment world.
Did Carl From Family Matters Die?
Reginald VelJohnson, born on August 16, 1952, is an American actor best known for his role as Carl Winslow on the iconic sitcom "Family Matters," which aired from 1989 to 1998. Alongside him, Jo Marie Payton portrayed his wife, Harriette Winslow. Both actors are alive and continue to engage in acting. VelJohnson is also recognized for his performance as LAPD Sergeant Al Powell in the "Die Hard" films.
Rumors about VelJohnson's death have circulated on social media, suggesting he passed away in February 2017 due to a heart attack, but these claims are false; he is alive and well, still remembered fondly by fans.
Carl Winslow became an endearing figure, regarded as one of America's favorite TV dads, characterized by warmth, humor, and a protective nature. Before taking on the role, VelJohnson's performance in "Die Hard" captured the attention of producers, solidifying his casting. The series had been expected to run longer but concluded successfully, leaving a lasting legacy. The show's popularity remains strong, as fans often reflect on its most memorable moments and characters, including Carl's interactions and development throughout the series.
📹 Actors From Family Matters Who Died And No One Knew
Everyone was welcome in the Winslow home: A disco queen, the world cutest crush and an NFL legend among them. You might …
For me it died in when they missed two key opportunities in the show. 1. They didn’t continue to develop Urkel’s basketball story. We see him, Eddie and Waldo play ball in later seasons but he never stays on the team in high school. He continues to be the bullied nerd which makes no sense as he literally won them a game. That’s instant popularity both in the real world and in tv world. If they had cut out all the whacky sci-fi stuff, they still could have kept Stefan. Which leads me to 2. Having Stefan be a completely normal development of Steve. Not some kooky invention but a natural progression of his character. There’s another 90s tv show which did something similar – Sister, Sister. The character Roger was also an annoying neighbor but over one summer he hit a growth spurt and became popular with the ladies. This then made him a selfish jerk that no one liked and he decided to change. This could have been the same with Stefan where folks don’t like the new persona and Steve decides to change for the better. The best part of all this is that it cuts out all the kooky inventions and side personas which gives Rachel and Judy more room to do things. It also still keeps Steve nerdy while toning down his over the top antics and they could still introduce Myra if they really wanted to have a love triangle.
‘Family Matters’ was a lot better when Urkel made his debut. Jaleel’s character literally brought this show to life and prevented it from being canceled. But, to me, I think the show went south when there were too many inventions, relationships were all over the place, the introduction of 3J (just to fill in Judy), Judyann taking over as Harriette and too many retcons. That’s what I think personally.
It’s interesting how similar Family Matters was to 227. That was supposed to be a show centered around Marla Gibbs, but once Jackee Harry’s Sandra was introduced, she took over the show. Going back farther, same thing happened with Fonzi on Happy Days. Initially he was a supporting character, but he turned into the star.
I remember perusal a documentary about Family Matters, and how Reginald VelJohnson called his mother right after landing the gig as Carl Winslow. They have audio of the phone call, and he was so overwhelmed with joy because it had been a bumpy ride for him up until that point. That said, you can kinda understand why some of the cast felt the way they did about the Urkel character. I don’t think it was ever personal against Jaleel White. I think they honestly felt betrayed because he literally came in and took up ALL the oxygen in the room, making the show a caricature of what they had signed up for. Much like what happened with J.J. in Good Times, just without all the Sci-Fi subplots. All in all, Family Matters is a legendary show but I began losing my appreciation for it somewhere around the basketball episode. A lot of the storylines were just plain ol’ ridiculous after that one.
I think Family Matters died when they wrote off Shawn Harrison (Waldo) after season 7. I loved his character. Despite appearing unintelligent, he had a heart of gold. He was a recurring character in seasons 2 and 3 before becoming part of the main cast for seasons 4 thru 7 and then unexpectedly disappearing for seasons 8 and 9.
Honestly, i love Steve Urkel he’s the most iconic and memorable tv nerd whoever lived! and even if Urkel was both the shows savior and destroyer Jaleel White’s performance of the character was just the greatest, and whether Jaleel himself likes it or not Steve Urkel will always be known as the role that forever cemented his career as an actor. In fact i once read somewhere that Jaleel White once said in an interview that even though he has a deep fondness for Urkel he doesn’t miss playing the character, and after everything he went through on the set of Family Matters i honestly don’t blame him.
The reason why I think Family Matters ended was due to shake up of family structure like you stated. The youngest daughter was written off as was also in Step By Step the second son was written off for the daughter that Frank and Carol had. Plus, CBS picked up from ABC Step By Step, Perfect Strangers, and Family Matters. I noticed that when it switched networks they altered things a bit. Plus, ABC wanted to focus on other shows that they tried to make do well. I loved Perfect Strangers, Step By Step, and Family Matters when it first started. You can say that The Big Bang Theory went into SCIFI as well as the show progressed.
Im a 90’s kid, so Id say by 96, I was 10 and I was kinda outgrowing the show. Even at 10, there’s only so many times I can see Myra obsess over him, see Steve transform, or break something. It just became too one note by then. It didn’t feel like the same show I watched s1-6. I think the last ep I actually remember sitting down perusal new was the one where they shrunk themselves
You have to understand the reason behind Estelle appeared less and less because Rosetta was very sick and couldn’t do the show as much anymore, They did Jamiee wrong as Judy but they didn’t need her anymore and Jo Marie left for more than just wanting to do other projects she wanted more money and was upset that Jaleel became the focus of the show
I still find the show a good pastime to watch lol to get the satire comedy for the 90s and ability to have humility and teach lessons while also playing on superstitions was so much fun. They always celebrate holidays and had episodes for Halloween and Christmas episodes. I’m looking for more shows that had these themes for episodes from the 90s or earlier. Any show that depicts a holiday episode or banding together because of bad weather is just fun to watch.
FAMILY MATTERS DIDN’T FAIL. It, like all well liked TV shows simply ran it’s course. The adolescent characters such as Urkle were ageing out of their youth. Even still, 9 seasons is exceptional for a series, and there’s only so much that can be done with it. Seinfeld is a great example. It was well rated through it’s entire life (despite being “a show about nothing”), and everyone agreed that despite having great ratings, it was time to conclude it.
As a kid growing up in the 90’s, I never watched the show, but the character of Steve Urkel was such a pop-culture phenomenon that I didn’t even realize he was not the main character of his own show. I just thought he was from a show called “Steve Urkel” or something. The pants pulled way up and the “Did I do that?” catchphrase was so prevalent I didn’t even need to know anything about Family Matters, or even that it existed, to instantly recognize both features as Urkel.
I actually liked most of what you said was a problem. I liked Steve’s sci Fi stuff and Stephan Urkel. I didn’t like how they got a new mom tho. I mostly watched Family Matters in syndication, though. I can remember perusal season 4 or 5 on when it was on TV, though. Later on, they did over do the Urkel stuff. But times were changing and they clearly ran out of ideas like most sitcoms do.
I was born in 92 so I saw snippets of the show throughout childhood. It wasn’t until a few years ago I learned Urkel was not only originally a guest character, but completly took over the show. I think I learned about it from that Key and Peele sketch. It blew my mind. It’s also kinda dark how they just write off the one daughter. At least say she died or something!
That was really wonderfull when I have seen them in the 90s here. In Germany this series was called “Alle unter einem Dach” which means “All under one roof”. I was still a child when I watched this. Later I had to work when this was sent on TV and I completely forgot about it. Thanks for reminding me.
The show wanted to tackle serious issues initially but was forced to be a little bit more family-friendly and a little bit more far out later on Even though the show did eventually slide into a decline which couldn’t get out of I will say even in its later seasons it was still entertaining as you still had a good and talented cast.
Urkel was a pop culture icon in the 90’s, without him Family Matters wouldn’t even be half the show that it was. There were so many hilarious moments with Urkel, I remember in the later seasons he even created a Mortal Kombat article game where he was a playable fighter! HE THREW CHEESE AS HIS ATTACK! FREAKING EPIC!
The ending of this show really upset me and made me regret wasting my time perusal the whole series. At the time, I had to actually wait until new episodes came out and to go through all the anticipation just for that crappy ending angered me. The whole show was pretty much centered around Steve trying to win Laura over and so when she FINALLY returned his feelings, THERE WAS NO WEDDING!!! Edit: Another thing that I found annoying in the show was how Laura showed how shallow she was. She only liked Stephan because he was everything Steve was not, and those were the only guys she would take an interest in. I’m glad she finally realized how much she loved Steve, but I still think she was real shallow at a certain point or to a certain extent. And she would give Steve false hope sometimes or lead him on…like when she got drunk and kissed him, when he asked her about it, she acted like she didn’t remember instead of talking to him about it like a responsible, young adult would.
I think it is amazing that the character that started it was hardly the focus after a while and was even recast. I’m glad Carl slipped into the role as the star so easily and I’m impressed with Laura for basically taking over for him when it became more interesting to watch the romance than the weird buddy relationship between Carl and Urkel. It is sad that it changed so much but it’s also quite impressive. Did anything think that Laura would become so important when the series first aired?
I used to watch this show infrequently. I mean, whenever it happened to be on, I’d watch it. But you’re right in that the show became too wacky after awhile and the whole “Stefan” thing wasn’t for me. I just like the earlier seasons where things were basic. Oh well, all good things must come to an end. It’s nice to see it lasted as long as it did though…I guess I’d rather have seasons of oddity than no seasons at all.
I never watched this show, but I was aware of Steve Urkel because he was everywhere, even having his own cereal, and all the other kids at school were talking about him. I had no idea that there was a pre-Urkel version of Family Matters. It sounds somewhat similar to what happened to the show Webster. Although Webster was in the show from the first episode (as he was the titular character), he was added late in the development due to the popularity of Diff’rent Strokes.
Wow…an elevator operator. Strange to think that was a dedicated position through the 80s. I remember thinking Family Matters was already cancelled, but to my surprise, I stumbled across it by chance to find it still on the air, and the episode in question had Urkel and Carl time traveling onto a pirate ship. So yeah, considering the last episode I could remember seeing prior to that had Carl, Eddie and Urkel trying to bake pies or something I knew the show didn’t have much life left in it after that.
I often wondered if Rachel and Ritchie were retconned like Judy after the Christmas special where Steve and Myra worked together wrapping presents in the mall. I think that was also JoMarie Payton’s last episode as Harriet Winslow. After that, I don’t remember seeing them or even any mention of them in the series. I don’t think they were in the last episodes of the series.
Season 1: Below average. would’ve been cancalled (Too many people in as main characters) Seasons 2-4: The true heart of the series and probably most people’s fondest memories of the show Season 5-7: My personal favorite seasons, this was before the inventions and Urkel characters jumped the shark Season 8-9 Contract filler episodes, rarely use to see these episodes on syndication RIP Michelle Thomas aka Myra
“Family Matters” was part of the “TGIF” Friday Night ABC lineup. It was “Full House” @ 8pm, “Family Matters” @ 8:30pm. “Step By Step” @ 9pm & Boy Meets World @ 9:30pm. The show gave black life as working class family sort of what Cosby show did in the 80s but more about a beautiful housewife a former elevator operator, a father in law enforcement, a single mother aunt, 2 teenage kids & a lovely hip grandma. This was never done before. I like the show even today, it was funny, positive, & it always had a lesson to learn at end of each episode…..way to go “.Family Matters”….. 🌟😎🌟😎🌟😎🌟😎🌟😎🌟😎
I’ve respected Jaleel as an actor since I was a kid. You could feel the energy he pumped into every episode. He did become kind of a pop culture joke in the later seasons, but that was because he was carrying the show on his back he got all the attention because he made the series what it was. I still can’t watch articles of him talking about family matters though. When the beautiful and talented Michelle Thomas joined the show Jaleel finally met a fellow actor that was as devoted to the show as he was while the entire rest of the cast essentially served in support of his performance. Michelle and Jaleel breathed new life into the series in the later seasons with their fiery but comedic performances. That’s why I can’t really get into Jaleels’ current interviews. First of all because Michelle changed the show and believed in the series as much as Jaleel did, only to be slowly written into smaller and smaller parts and then her tragic death shook White to the core, and it shows. I can’t ask Jaleel White about Michelle Thomas without knowing that it would be prying into painful and visceral history of losing someone so close. Michelle was a one in a million talent who was in the right place and got the right way in the door, but with her talent I’m sure she would have found another way in. I even today think she could have really had a large and positive impact on media had her life not been tragically cut short. If I get this emotional about a person I only ever knew as a stream of pixels on a glass pane I can’t imagine how much it must have hurt the very talented Jaleel white who knew her so much better than I ever will and lost her.
I remember perusal Family matters on TGIF around 1995-96 lol. I was about a 5-ish months old baby when the show originally premiered in September 1989. Honestly I think by the time it focuses on all his insane wacky inventions is definitely when it took a nosedive—probably around season 8. And while Steve Urkel could definitely be creepy and annoying, he was absolutely nothing like Myra! As ridiculous as the show got by 1996-97, it still had some funny moments, especially Myrtle vs Greta lol. 😂
Family Matters First season: Show is about the family. Second season: Show is about the family and Urkel. Third season: Show is about the family and Urkel Fourth season: Show starts revolving more around Urkel. Fifth season: Show revolves more around Urkel. The Urkel Show Sixth season: Show revolves even more around Urkel. The Urkel Show Seventh season: Show revolves entirely about Urkel. The Urkel Show Eight season: Show is all about Urkel. The Urkel Show Nine season: The Urkel Show
This is really two shows and you divided it up perfectly. I grew up loving the original style and Carl Winslow is one of the greatest TV dads of all time. The whole family was very real and down to earth and Urkel was the perfect annoying neighbor that they needed to grow to love. It’s a beautiful show and one of the first real to life black families I can remember perusal on TV. Let’s be honest, Cosby was a little to clean cut as a family. The 2nd half of the series is good for different reasons. It’s a bit wacky and that’s the worst part, but the love triangle, the obsession over Steve and Stefan and Laura’s conflicted feelings offset by Myra being an unhealthy partner is great. It serves as a deep dive into what makes teen romance so scary and teaches a lot about how not to handle these things. The inventions could have been great, but they lost the focus of the show. It was always a show about relationships and the inventions detracted from that instead of enhancing it. Steve putting Carl in a bad situation and then the two bonding as they figured it out facilitated what made the show great, but those episodes were few and far between. The robots showcased Jaleel White, but hindered on screen relationships between characters. Still one of my all time favorite shows as a kid though.
When Steve Urkel became muscular like Arnold Schwarzenegger & still wearing high water pants & suspenders…that was a wrap!! The episode i hate the most is when the character “Original Gangsta Dog was on there, worst episode ever!! When they brought 3J & that new mom Harriet in, I knew it was really over.
Word Of God: It was widely believed that Jo Marie Payton left the show midway through the final season because she was disgusted that Jaleel White had become the star of the show. It was also believed that she reappeared in the series finale in an uncredited role. In a 2010 interview, however, Payton revealed that she wanted to leave the show for a while in order to do other projects, and when the website Hop to CBS gave her the opportunity to renegotiate her contract, she agreed in advance that she would do the first half of the season and then depart. She also revealed that contrary to popular belief, she didn’t appear in the series finale.
I will never understand why when they recast a character on a sitcom they don’t try to find someone who looks more like them. Surely they could’ve found someone that looked a little bit more like Harriet actually did? And other one is the fresh Prince of Bel Air. The new Vivian they got near the end did not resemble Vivian in the slightest and it was extremely annoying to me.
“FAMILY MATTERS SEASON X” “Four Weddings And An Urkel: A Family Matters Movie” Family Matters 10th season begins with a two-hour movie event. Steve and Laura have graduated from college and have finally decided to get married, but not if Stefan and Myra have anything to say about it. It takes four weddings before the two get hitched since Stefan and Myra find a way to sabotage each one. But through it all, they realize that Steve and Laura are really meant to be together, and the fourth wedding proves to be the charm as they get married. Look for guest appearances from the original Harriette, Rachel, Mother Winslow, Waldo, and Judy. Ep. 216 “Four Weddings And An Urkel” (Part 1) Ep. 217 “Four Weddings And An Urkel” (Part 2) Ep. 218 “Four Weddings And An Urkel” (Part 3) Ep. 219 “Four Weddings And An Urkel” (Part 4) Ep. 220 “My Boyfriend’s Back” Laura and Steve head off on their honeymoon in Hawaii and the family cares for a humdrum Maxine, who feels melancholy that she has never found a man any good to be interested in her since Waldo. She starts feeling a little better when she starts receiving gifts from a secret admirer. When she catches Stefan dropping off a gift, she suspects it is him and makes advances towards him. But she soon finds out that the secret admirer is none other than Waldo, who has returned to Chicago to host a tap dancing cooking show and return to Maxine. Meanwhile, Carl tries to set an example by starting a mentor program that pairs cops with troubled youth, and ends up with OGD as his mentee.
I’m no expert on the subject of Family Matters and what caused it’s popularity to dwindle, but I can speak of my own experience with the show growing up. In the early to mid-90 it was definitely a favorite sitcom for my family. We didn’t watch every episode or anything, but if we saw it was on we usually watched it or at least had it on in the background. That came to an end around 1995 I’m guessing. We never watched it after that point, but it wasn’t for any particular reason. I don’t know why we stopped, we just did. Edit: Okay, so it looks like it was the end of season 7 when we stopped perusal, so mid-96. Pretty sure we saw none of season 8, and we definitely didn’t see any of season 9. I remember years later being very surprised to learn it ran that long. I think that audiences are just very fickle. Did Family Matters do anything in particular to turn people away? I don’t know that it did, I think people either just had their fill and moved on, or new shows cropped up and ended up replacing it for most people.
As a kid in the 90s, I felt Steve should had end up with Myra. Even though she creeped me out stalker vibes but she actually cared for Steve the real him.It took Laura 7/8 YEARS to finally give him a chance and realize he’s a great catch in his own way. I couldn’t be waiting 7/8 yrs for a girl to realize how amazing I am I’m sorry. Now as a 30 yr old adult, I can go back and watch most 90s sitcoms,but urkel (that’s what we called it in the 90s) family matters doing too much on the show with all the inventions and stuff. I thought that even as a kid. Steve can do whatever turn into whatever with that transformation machine.
I didn’t mind when Urkel took over the show at first as he was the character I most watched it for, but I think this is because I was a kid when the show started and just liked to laugh at his antics. I checked out of the show by the time the later seasons aired and assumed I was just outgrowing it, but this is something of a failure on the show’s part since the point of the old-style family sitcoms was that they were supposed to provide everyone member of the real-life families perusal on TV with something to enjoy, from the young children to the grandparents. These were shows you were supposed to grow up with, not outgrow, but I remember that most of my friends drifted away from Family Matters around the same time I did.
I’ll never get over the fact that they changed Harriete’s almost halfway through the last season. I’ve always thought it would have made more sense to say Harriete had to go out of town or whatever instead of just replacing the actress. Seriously, I would much rather have heard whatever excuse for why she isn’t there than for them to get a new actress somewhat close to halfway through that season. I’m sure she’s a fine actress, but I was so used to Jo Marie Payton that it was just ridiculous to see a new woman in that role. I can’t speak for everyone, but I so wish they would have just come up with some reasoning for why Harriete wasn’t around instead of doing what they did. Anyways, Family Matters will always be one of my all time favorite shows. I loved it from beginning to end. I never felt a “decline” in it, just because I was so obsessed with it. Only thing I can think of that I didn’t like at all was the Harriete deal. I wouldn’t even venture to guess how many times I’ve watched every episode. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of rewatching every single episode. God, that was an amazing show. I miss the 90’s. Lol.
Urkel hijacked the show is when it died. Honestly as a kid he was the reason I watched but as an adult he’s the reason I don’t. South Park had the same issue for years with Randy Marsh being the Steve Urkel of the show. Still is but it seems with Streaming Wars Part 2 they acknowledged it. Hope they change cause South Park hasn’t been funny for years.
Family will always be my 90s Sitcoms Classic. I knew when they started showing a few Re-Runs on TGIF the show was going to go off the air. A lot of shows back in the day were kinda dry when they first started. Some people especially the younger generation that weren’t around when Fresh Prince first came out. Talk about how great the show was. But to be honest, the first season was dry. But over time the show got better. But just like Fresh Prince and Family Matters changing the Mom’s on the show didn’t help. Especially with the fact the replacement Mother’s looked nothing alike. And the 2nd Harriet Winslow was Gina’s Mom from Martin 😄. And the 2nd Aunt Viv from Fresh Prince was nice and sweet. The First Aunt Viv was Sassy and intellectual like Claire Huxtable. Although Urkel did make the show more interesting. They did an Overkill with his character. I was in Highschool when the show went off the air. There were a few of us that liked Family Matters. Others said they absolutely hated the show back in ’97 and was glad to see it go.
This is when Family Matters did it for me. I was pissed when they Chuck Cunninghamed Judy Winslow, but I still stuck with it. It still wasn’t too bad. But what did it for me is when it became like a live action cartoon with cartoonish storylines like the time travel and cloning devices. That is when it really jumped the shark for me. And they took Jaimee Foxworth off as Judy, but still brought in a new kid a couple of years later with Orlando Brown as 3J. A lot of things the writers did the last few years was so asinine and some of it made no sense. That is when I decided to give up on Family Matters.
I’ve got a lot of super unpopular opinions about the show: 1) Many people say the show was off when Judy left, but I never remembered Judy in those earlier seasons. So for me it was just 🤷♀️. Even rewatching as an adult I don’t think her presence did anything for the dynamic of the show. If they brought her back in season 10 like they planned, I feel that would have raised more questions than it would have answered. 2) A lot of people liked Myra, but I HATED Myra. I HATED Myra’s relationship with Steve. Once the conflict was introduced (that she caused) I was not as engaged as I was previously. She outstayed her welcome (to me) far too long and made the show a drag. She was toxic and manipulative, so to hear people saying Steve should have been with Myra is just crazy to me. 3) I didn’t like Stefan for some of the same reasons I didn’t like Myra. Although Laura’s relationship with Stefan was more tolerable than Steve and Myra, he gave off Fresh Prince vibes, and I couldn’t stand Will. What they did in season 9 (Steve trying to develop himself) should have been an overreaching arc instead of keeping Stefan for years. 4) I genuinely liked the development of Steve and Laura’s relationship. She clearly always liked him in some capacity, from defending him all the time, allowing him to call her pet names, her immediately understanding and taking the L when Steve calls her out on things she’s done, it showed they were growing together.
I think due to Michelle Thomas, Myra illness in real life it hurt the writing, which I believe was preparing a growth arc for all the characters like Urkel moving on from Laura and embracing Myra fully. This change of Urkel moving on pushes Laura to dealing with her feelings for Urkel which effects her feelings for Stefan who is just reminder of Steve so they can’t be together but this makes Laura grow from a superficial person to a well balanced young lady who appreciate a person character .
Love yourself first and most Believe in yourself Quitters never win and winners never quit Don’t give up and never give in Ignore those who try to discourage you Hang on to your dreams Take control of own destiny Take care of yourself Keep moving forward Stand up for yourself Stand tall and be brave Stay strong Act of kindness people
It was a double-edged sword for this sitcom. Steve urkel saved the show from being canceled after season 1 because he wasn’t supposed to be a main character. Without Steve urkel it would have been a budget version of the Cosby Show. But in later seasons when it focused around Steve and his alter egos people grew bored of it. Circle save the show but he also brought it down.
The problem Family Matters had was a similar problem that Happy Days had in the 70s. The original Happy Days was supposed to be about the Cunningham family and Richie Cunningham and his friends. The Fonz was introduced as a person to whom Richie could confide and get advice. He replaced Richie’s older brother Chuck who was in the first two seasons after just being written out and ignored with no explanation. He didn’t even return for Richie’s Marriage or the finale Joanie’s Marriage. Once Fonz entered a main cast member he became incredibly popular with the fans so they moved him to the apartment over the garage of the Cunningham’s. Now he was basically part of the family and was a massive part of the show. They studio even wanted to change the name of the show to Fonz and the Happy Days, but creator Garry Marshall and the other cast refused. The show was able to hold it together but more and more Fonz becomes a bigger focus. Finally Ron Howard (Richie) decided it was time to leave the show in 1980, as did Donny Most (Ralph Malph). Once Richie left the heart of the show, the stabilizing standard throughout was gone, and while the show continued for for 4 more seasons it should have ended when Richie left. Then they introduced a bunch of new characters to keep the show fresh. This is similar to Family Matters. Urkel – the break out star Story stops being about the Winslow family and more about Urkel. Grandma leaves which changes the family structure. Show changes course and is never the same again.
Everyone knows the show went down because of Stephen appearing more frequently. J White was tired of playing urkel at that time. The show went from Family matters, to “The Urkel Show”, to the Stephen Show”. The Mutiple Scientific Urkel experiments were not bad cause alot of viewers were School kids perusal back then, Myself included.
I don’t know exactly when the show really started to fall apart… but I will say, that I did love tuning in weekly to watch it. I was the perfect age of 7 when it came out and it followed me pretty much up until I was 14 or 15. I didn’t watch the last season, which I guess is good… because I can’t imagine replacing Harriet. The entire show, it’s spin off is based on her. And I do admire the 8 years, she put into the show. I love the show, despite it’s goofiness. It’s a “You had to be there” kinda mentality. I’m sure people can see the obvious cheesiness that the 80’s and 90’s shows had to offer, with Full House, Step by Step, Sister Sister and many others did. And while I can understand why Reginald may not like the show or what it was… I am happy that for just a 1/2 an hour, every Friday night… he was my dad too. His comedy, brough very much needed humor in my childhood.