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Main Cast Reginald VelJohnson"Carl Winslow" Reginald VelJohnson, well-known for his role as the affable head of the Winslow household, is an accomplished stage and film actor.Until he played the role of the understanding police Sgt. Al Powell opposite Bruce Willis in the motion picture, "Die Hard," VelJohnson's most noteworthy character was Paul Hogan's chauffeur, Gus, in "Crocodile Dundee." His other film credits include performances in "Remo Williams," "Wolfen," "Ghostbusters," and "Turner and Hooch," with Tom Hanks. He also starred in "Die Hard II" and "Posse." Some of his television credits include roles in the movies, "Deadly Pursuits," "Grass Roots," "The Bride in Black," "Quiet Victory: The Charlie Wedemeyer Story," "Doing Life" and "When Hell Freezes Over, I'll Skate" and guest appearances on the series, "The Equalizer," "227," "Tales From the Crypt," "Dream On" and "The Electric Company." On Broadway, VelJohnson appeared in "Honky Tonk Nights," "Inacent (cq) Black" and "But Never Jam Today," in addition to many off-Broadway productions. He began his performing career as a preteen when his parents enrolled him in a special acting school in his native Queens, New York. He graduated from New York University with a bachelor of arts degree in theater. He's been honored as Alumnus of the Year by Benjamin N. Cardozo High School, and named national spokesman for Big Brothers of America's "Pass It On," a minority mentorship program. VITAL STATISTICS
BIRTHPLACE: Raleigh, NC "Harriette Winslow" Jo has enjoyed performing since elementary school, when she used her talents to entertain her family. While at Carol City High School in Miami, she performed in variety shows. During this time, she won her first major starring role, as Mama in the high-school production of "A Raisin in the Sun."Jo studied drama at the University of Miami. She later continued her studies of the arts at Miami-Dade Community College. Throughout this academic period, she appeared in productions at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, the Coconut Grove, and the Theater of Afro Arts. This experience, combined with her dedication to her craft, was instrumental in winning for her the principal role of Idella, opposite Robert Guillaume, in "Purlie." Jo toured with the cast of "Purlie" from 1975 until it ended its run in Los Angeles. From there, she launched a successful film and television career with roles on "The Redd Foxx Variety Show," "The New Odd Couple," "Teachers Only," "Small Wonder," "227," "The 'Slap' Maxwell Story" and "Frank's Place." She was a series regular on "Silver Spoons." Her feature film credits include roles in "Body and Soul," "Crossroads," "Disorderlies" and "Troop Beverly Hills." The National Commission on Working Women honored Jo by declaring her the 1990 Alice Award recipient for her honest portrayal of a working woman on "Family Matters." On December 20, 1991, Jo celebrated her 100th episode portraying the character of Harriette Winslow. This milestone included two seasons of the ABC series, "Perfect Strangers," where the character was first introduced. On April 29, 1995, Jo was the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humanities from Vincennes University. Jo lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, Rodney Noble, and 11-year-old daughter, Chantale. She enjoys cooking and listening to music. VITAL STATISTICS
BIRTHPLACE: Albany, GA "Mother Estelle Winslow" When Rosetta LeNoire was 13, Eubie Blake gave her music lessons, hot chocolate with marshmallows and a healthy outlook on life. ("Always look up and be proud of yourself.")At 15, she was a "Time Stepper" performing with her godfather, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. In 1939, she made her Broadway debut with him in "The Hot Mikado." She hasn't slowed down in the 50-plus years since. LeNoire made her first television appearance in the '40s as part of Revlon's pioneering experiment in television technology. She has since been Mama on "Gimme a Break" and a regular on several series, including "Search for Tomorrow," "The Guiding Light," "Amen" and "A World Apart." She has also made dozens of guest appearances, including ABC's "Benny's Place" with Louis Gossett, Jr. and Cicely Tyson; Dorothy Parker's "Big Blonde" on PBS, and "You Can't Take It With You" on cable. (This is the same revival of "You Can't Take It With You" in which she was featured on Broadway in 1983. It is also a play in which she first appeared in 1943, touring U.S. Army bases.) Since her Broadway debut over half a century ago, she has gathered a long list of stage credits, including roles in "A Streetcar Named Desire," "The Sunshine Boys," "Lost in the Stars," "Destry Rides Again," "I Had a Ball," "Sophie" and "Cabin in the Sky." She was Stella in the Broadway production of "Anna Lucasta," later touring in that role and finally starring in the film with Sammy Davis, Jr. and Eartha Kitt. In movies, she has appeared in such films as "Moscow on the Hudson," "The Sunshine Boys," "Daniel" and "Brewster's Millions." She wrote the play, "Bubbling Brown Sugar," which received critical acclaim on Broadway. Miss LeNoire has been Artistic Director of her own musical theater, the AMAS Repertory Theater, Inc., since 1968. AMAS (from the Latin for "you love") is an often-honored professional, nonprofit, multi-racial performing arts organization. ("Theater techniques are a marvelous implement to bring people of all races, colors, creeds and dimensions together," she has said. "You don't worry about what the color is, all you care about is the end product.") In 1976, she established the Eubie Blake Children's Theater, of which she is most proud. At Ford's Theatre in Washington a few years ago, she received the Richard L. Coe Award for extending the boundaries of theater. And in 1985, Archbishop John J. O'Connor presented her with the Pierre Toussaint Medallion. But LeNoire is most proud that in February of 1989 the Actors Equity Association established the Rosetta LeNoire Award to be presented annually. In a letter from the late Colleen Dewhurst, then President of AEA, LeNoire was presented with the first award "in recognition of her outstanding artistic contributions to the universality of the human experience in the American theater." In 1990, the New York Foundation for the Arts, which provides grants and services to contemporary artists, presented her with a Champion of the Arts Award for her work. Miss LeNoire was born and resides in New York City. VITAL STATISTICS
BIRTHPLACE: New York, NY "Eddie Winslow" At the age of 10, Darius McCrary made his film debut in "Big Shots," with Paul Winfield. He also portrayed a youth victimized by racial harassment during the 1960s in the acclaimed film, "Mississippi Burning."His television credits include guest roles on "Amen" and "Hooperman," as well as several commercials. Born in Los Angeles, Darius is the eldest of three children. When not before the cameras, the young actor likes to swim and enjoys karate, football, soccer and basketball. Darius is seeking a singing and songwriting career and has built a recording studio at home. VITAL STATISTICS
BIRTHPLACE: Walnut, CA "Laura Winslow" Of course you know who Kellie Williams is because she has her own
website. The Kellie Williams Biogrpahy can be found at The Kellie Williams
Appreciation Page. But just for the record, Kellie Williams plays Laura Winslow,
the daughter of the Winslow family who is very bright and intelligent and has
to put up the most with obnoxious Steve Urkel... but now she kinda likes it.
The Kellie Williams Appreciation Page
"Judy Winslow"Jaimee Foxworth played Judy, the third child of the Winslow family who constantly quarrled with older sister, Laura, and was jealous of little cousin Richie. Judy was never used for more than a couple of lines an episode. There weren't too many episodes about her, so it is kind of obvious that when Jaimie's parents/managers wanted too much money for her, an agreement was made to take her out of the series. The character of Judy is one of the mysteries surrounding Family Matters because her absence from the series was never ever explained. There were no storylines relating to the disappearance of the Winslow's third child. The joke about this said by some of the cast members and even Jaimee herself was that she went to her room and hasn't come down since. Jaimee Foxworth now performs with the group S.H.E. under Interscope Records and Shaquille O'Neal.Telma Hopkins"Aunt Rachel Crawford" Telma Hopkins played little Richie's mother, Rachel, on the series. Like
Judy, Rachel also disappeared. The weird part is she returned for a couple of
episodes and her son stayed at the house. That's television for you. Anyway,
she was born October 28, 1948, in Louisville, KT.
Her movie credits include the "Trancer" trilogy, "How To Murder a Millionaire,"
"Rock and Roll Mom," "Vital Signs," "The Kid with the Broken Halo," and "Roots: The Next Generation."
She also played Isabelle on Bosom Buddies and
Addy Wilson on Gimme a Break! Other television credits
include character roles in Tony Orlando and Brown,
A New Kind of Family, and Getting By.
Bryton McClure"Richie Crawford" Lively and unreserved, nine-year-old Bryton McClure has been in the entertainment business for nearly his entire life. He joined the cast of Family Matters before his fourth birthday.McClure has appeared in several television commercials and print ads, and is especially proud of the 1994 "Dangerous" compilation video he did with his hero and idol, Michael Jackson. He is actively involved in Jackson's "Heal the World" Foundation and other charity groups, including DARE, RAADD (Recording Artists Against Drunk Driving), New Directions for Youth and his own non-profit organization, called My Generation. Bryton enjoys baseball, singing and dancing, video games and popcorn. He also likes to eat fish for breakfast. VITAL STATISTICS
BIRTHPLACE: Lakewood, CA "Steve Urkel" A persistent preschool teacher who saw the spark of comedic talent in Jaleel White encouraged his parents to seek out a career in show business for their son.So, when Jaleel was three years old, his parents took him to a casting call where he was spotted by agent Iris Burton, who said she would take a chance on him despite his age. Soon, Jaleel began to land roles in commercials, which led to guest appearances on TV series and in movies for television. The young actor appeared as a regular on "Charlie & Company," playing the role of Robert, opposite Flip Wilson and Gladys Knight. His work in motion pictures for television includes roles in "Kids Don't Tell" "Leftovers," with John Denver; and "Silence of the Heart," with Mariette Hartley and Charlie Sheen. The actor, now in his late teens, was originally hired as a guest for an episode in the series' first season. Jaleel's portrayal of Steve Urkel was such an immediate sensation that he appeared in the remaining eight episodes that year. He also appeared with Bea Arthur ("The Golden Girls") in a rousing dance number on the ABC special, "The 5th Annual American Comedy Awards," and made a guest appearance as Steve Urkel on an episode of "Full House." He also starred in his own hour-long "The Jaleel White Special." Jaleel went to Washington for the special, "President Clinton: Answering Children's Questions Live From the White House." While there, Jaleel met with President Clinton and with Cleo (cq) Fields, Congressman from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When not performing or attending school, Jaleel likes to write stories and screenplays. He is an avid basketball player and spends every moment he can on the court. He also enjoys watching old movies and TV shows. Jaleel's idol and mentor is entertainer Bill Cosby. Jaleel can also be seen on the series playing other character such as Steve's country cousin Myrtle Urkel from Mississippi, and his suave, sophisticated alter-ego Stefan Urquelle thanks to his transformation chamber and, afterwards, his cloning device. VITAL STATISTICS
BIRTHPLACE: Pasadena, CA "Waldo Faldo"
Born in the Los Angeles suburb of Lynwood, Harrison was four years old when he announced to his mother, a computer software engineer, that he wanted to be an actor.She enrolled her only child in an acting workshop where he was spotted by a talent agent and cast in the Steve Martin comedy, "The Jerk." Harrison played the youngest sibling in Martin's adoptive family. Shortly thereafter, Harrison temporarily lost interest in show business. However, with his mother's encouragement and strong advice, he regained enthusiasm and pursued his career with a passion. He landed several national commercials, as well as guest spots on series such as "L.A. Law," "China Beach," "Punky Brewster" and "Day By Day." In 1990, he landed the role of Waldo Faldo, Eddie Winslow's best friend, on "Family Matters." During his early teen years, Harrison's career was progressing so well that his mother, a single parent, quit her job to manage him and a few other young actors. Unfortunately, their mutual success was not long-lived. When he was 17, Harrison's mother died suddenly. In addition to his role on "Family Matters," Harrison is a UCLA student and plans to get a degree in family counseling. He is single and resides in the house he and his mother shared. VITAL STATISTICS
BIRTHPLACE: Los Angeles, CA "Myra Monkhouse" Of course you know who Michelle
Thomas is because she has her own
website. The Michelle Thomas Biography
and Michelle Thomas Filmography can be found at The Michelle Thomas
Appreciation Page. But just for the record, Michelle Thomas plays Steve Urkel's
perky and sexy love interest, Myra Boutrous Boutrous Monkhouse, who started out as
Laura's nemesis, but ended up accepted to the family just about as much as the
UrkMan himself.
The Michelle Thomas Appreciation Page Michelle Thomas passed away in December 1998. May she rest in peace.
"3J"Orlando Brown has appeared in the series The Parent Hood, In the House, Moesha, Coach, Medicine Ball, and ER. His feature film credits include Major Payne. He has also been recognized for his guest DJ work on the syndicated radio program, Kids Countdown. His voice talent was even used for Damey, the lead character in the short-lived animated series, Waynehead, produced by Damon Wayans. He was born and raised in Los Angeles. His birth date is December 4. "Maxine Johnson"Even though she was never named a main character of the series, Cherie Johnson has been a recurring guest star of Family Matters for almost the entire series as Laura's best friend, Maxine Johnson. She also was the character who had a knack of choosing the wrong type of man, except for her longest relationship with Waldo which ended when Shawn Harrison left the series. Cherie was born in 1976 and is the niece of the show's writer, David Duclon. It's strange that Cherie Johnson never became a regular cast member because in most episodes, anytime Laura or Waldo did something, there was Max. But I guess that's showbusiness.Cherie Johnson is best remembered as playing herself in the series, Punky
Brewster and also had a role in the short-lived series, A Little Bit
Strange, about an African-American family of witches and warlocks.
"Greta McClure" Tammy Townsend played
Greta McClure, the daughter of
Dave McClure, the business tycoon who owns the Mighty Weenie franchise. She is
also the on-again/off-again love interest of Eddie Winslow, who happens to be a manager
at one of the Mighty Weenie restaurants. Unfortunately, she has to put up with
her own Urkel. She has to constantly battle with Myrtle, the southern "dumb belle"
who believes Eddie belongs to her. I couldn't find anything about Tammy Townsend
for Family Matters, but I did find her bio from the peacock network, NBC,
where she plays Wendy Reardon in the soap opera, Days of Our Lives. Here's
what they had to say:
Tammy Townsend made her "Days of Our Lives" debut on April 1, 1994 as the struggling single mother, Wendy Reardon. In addition to her daytime appearances, she has had guest-starring roles on several other series, including "In the Heat of the Night," "Quantum Leap," "Family Matters," "Charles in Charge" and "Crime and Punishment." Townsend can currently be seen in the popular AT&T commercial in which she play the charming customer service operator Margie. Townsend is pursuing a music career in addition to acting. She is featured singing "Ain't it Funny" on the Branford Marsalis "Buck Shot LeFonque" release. Townsend would ultimately like to combine her singing and acting talents. Townsend was born in Hollywood, CA, and she is the daughter of an English and Yugoslavian father and an African-American mother. Away from the television and recording studios, Townsend likes to ice skate, swim and travel. Other credits for Tammy Townsend include roles in The Five Heartbeats,
The Brady Bunch Movie, Divas, and The Pest.
"Harriette Winslow #2"Will the real Harriette please stand up? When JoMarie Payton felt she was being "creatively stifled" by the sitcom, she quit in the middle of the ninth season, and taking her place the new Harriette Winslow, Judyann Elder. If Judyann Elder looks like a Family Matters familiar face, it is because she played the part of Sister Burnadette in the episode, "Nunsense." She played the part of Gina's mother on the sitcom, "Martin." She has also made guest appearances on "Murphy Brown" and "St. Elsewhere." Her movie credits include Blume In Love, Forget Paris, and TV movies A Woman Called Moses, In the Custody of Stangers, Right To Die, Dead Man on Campus, and Sweet Temptation. Like Tammy Townsend, Judyann Elder also had a role in the John Leguizamo film, The Pest.Valerie Jones"Judy Winslow (Pilot)"Harriette Winslow is not the only role played by two characters on Family Matters. If you ever watched the first episode of the series, you may notice that Judy looked a tad bit different than the Jaimee Foxworth from the other episodes. That is because she was different. In "The Mommy Who Came To Dinner," young Valerie Jones played the part of Judy Winslow. But by the time the series got the green light, Valerie was gone, and the rest of the episodes that had Judy in it was played by Jaimee Foxworth. This happens a lot in television (ex: another woman played Trini in the un-aired pilot of "Mighty Moprhin Power Rangers").
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