While her private life remains pretty much private, Hopkins has kept pretty busy over the years. LeNoire's championing of diversity in the arts ultimately led to the prestigious Rosie Award being created in her honor, forever cementing her legacy as one of the all-time greats. Costar Michael McKean tweeted, "A sad goodbye to Eddie Mekka this morning. In an interview with UPI, VelJohnson revealed that he was the one who pushed for the role. Copyright 2021 Obsev.com All Rights Reserved, Where Are They Now? "Who is that?" In 1999 a film which she appeared in was released posthumously. Stars From Family Matters You Didn't Know Died, Rivera drowned while saving her son's life, He diedon March 2, 2022, at the age of 84. The actor who brought the character to life, Shawn Harrison, is still very much tapped into his Waldo days, marrying his own snarky humor with the iconic character's catchphrase. It was named for LeNoire, according to its website, "not only because of her body of work in the theatre, but for her work with the then-titled Actors' Equity Association's Ethnic Minorities Committee as well as for founding the AMAS Repertory Theatre Company, an organization dedicated to maintaining an 'interracial company' of actors." After being released from the hospital, Thomas flew home to New Jersey to spend Thanksgiving with her family in Weehawken, New Jersey. From 1988 to 1990, Thomas portrayed Justine Phillips, the girlfriend of Theo Huxtable, on The Cosby Show. She was buried in New Jersey. 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. She spent her remaining years dealing with health-related complications caused by diabetes. Jaleel White is an American actor, producer and writer who is known for playing Steve Urkel from Family Matters and voicing Sonic the Hedgehog in three cartoon series released during the 1990s. Dennis was a Screen Actors Guild and Drama Logo award-winning English actor. 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." Although the roles have been small, its nice to see him still finding steady work in the business. VelJohnson, who is well-known for playing the role of police officers, has appeared in several TV shows throughout the years. Landers' next time on "Family Matters" was in 1997, and he played a pirate named Flint when Urkel and Carl went back in time. Worried, her father signed her up for a theater group; this turned out to be a smart move, since Kellie started expressing her . [3], Michelle Thomas was born in Brookline, Massachusetts,[4] on September 23, 1968, to Phynjuar "Penwah" Thomas,[5] a stage actress, and musician father Dennis Thomas, a saxophonist and founding member of the band Kool & the Gang. cancer-related complications. Per theNew York Daily News, Hemsley succumbed to superior vena cava syndrome and passed away in 2012. 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?" In the interview set to air on Sunday, White opens up about his past on the show and also remembers his late co-star, Michelle Thomas. 2023 E! 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. He also credited the writers with taking his character from "just kind of a Black guy who was in the room" to something that more resembled the actor himself. Peter Dennis is another cast member from Family Matters that has passed away in real life. [2], This article is about the actress. Of course, Thomas was much nicer than her on-screen persona. 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. His most notable on screen part was in the Bruce Willis blockbuster film "Die Hard," in which he played Captain Mitchell, an officer on scene who directs the SWAT team during the hostage situation. [16][17], From 1993 to 1998, she portrayed the role of Myra Monkhouse, the girlfriend of Steve Urkel, on Family Matters. Born in 1952 to an Armenian father and an Italian mother, Eddie Mekka told Broadway.comhegot the performing bug when he was asked to be the emcee of their variety school, so of course his next stop was the stage. [12] Her mother added that "they'd give her a sedation that was supposed to put her out for 20 minutes and she'd be asleep for four days. She was only 33 years old. 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. Sadly, she passed away that same year of Actor. But, like many shows that found success in the 90s, Family Matters and its legacy continues to live on. Carry continued acting in the 1990s and through early 2000, garnering roles in such shows as "The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr," "Murphy Brown," and "Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place." The show became a major staple on network television and the classic '90s "TGIF" lineup. Kelly Shangyne Williams, who played Laura in Family Matters, even described her co-star as "[the] foundation" of the series in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. "They were happy to have me involved in it. 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. She was also a grandmother to Eddie, Laura and Judy. Unfortunately for the pair, their friendship came to an end after Murtaugh took all of the nerd's money during a poker game. Bryton McClure played Richie Crawford, the son of Telma Hopkins character, Rachel. Tragedy struck in 2020 after her body was found in the river after disappearing during a boat trip. He is an actor and producer, known for Family Matters (1989), A Sitcom for Gio (2021) and Day by Day (1988). 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. Jenner unfortunately passed away in 2016 at the age of 75 following a long battle with leukemia. Willard went to two military institutes before serving in the US army and being stationed in Germany. alongside Terry Crews and Ice Cube. lineup. Static, on "Young Justice.". Harrisons latest role was in 2018 when he played Reverend Ike in Uncle Eds Bucket List. But, the actor isn't done with Hollywood yet. Following a childhood rickets diagnosis that put her in leg braces for some time, LeNoire took up dance and musical theater. As a youngster, Rivera was known for her confident performances and upbeat charisma. His final TV spot was "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" in 2014. Townsend has remained active in Hollywood since moving on from Family Matters. She appeared as Candace in the TV series Stuck With You in 2020. (image via https://www.pinterest.com/sarahcelticchic/). She is reportedly working on a short film called Absent in the Present. She also has a YouTube channel and she is available to send messages to fans on the app Cameo. Shawn Harrison was born on 28 December 1973 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Shawn Harrison played Waldo Faldo, who was Eddie Winslows best friend. However, since the shows end, many of the cast members have largely disappeared from the spotlight. Steve Urkel is one of the most iconic sitcom characters of all time and White's turn as the classic "geek" character proved so . If the content contained herein violates any of your rights, including those of copyright, and/or violates any the above mentioned factors, you are requested to immediately notify us using via the following email address operanews-external(at)opera.com and/or report the article using the available reporting functionality built into our Platform. The Rosie Award, which has been named for LeNoire, is given to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary accomplishment and dedication in the theatrical arts and to corporations that work to promote opportunity and diversity. The award has been given to some big name stars including Phylicia Rashad and Ossie Davis. He told the publication, "I was in an unsafe position and it has been shaky but at the end of the day all I can tell you is I'm [okay] and I'm graduating and I will be getting married.". He's made. Richie 48 Episodes 1997. 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. Kellie Shanygne Williams spoke of just how important LeNoire was to the cast during the reunion photoshoot with Entertainment Weekly. Thomas brought the aspect of jealousy and made the sitcom more interesting. Simply known as Urkel, the nerdy, accident-prone neighbor of the Winslows tripped his way into America's heart with catchphrases like, "Did I do that?" According to theLos Angeles Times article, LeNoire said in 1992, "I tell people I'm against retirement, I'm for God, I believe in goodness and also luck." Unfortunately, a few months ago, McCrary was arrested for failure to pay child support. A year after Family Matters ended, LeNoire guest-starred as a nurse on the TV series Cosby in 1998. Carmine Ragusa was the bright-faced, dancing, on-again-off-again boyfriend of Shirley Feeney. Landers passed away on March 12, 2015, at the age of 62 from cancer. She's also been busy raising her two children alongside her husband, Hannibal Jackson. 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. Per USA Today, years later it was discovered he suffered from CTE, a brain degeneration likely caused by repeated head traumas. Thomas had a role in Dream Date in 1989 and had a small role in Hangin' with the Homeboys in 1991. She was also awarded the national medal of arts. "She was our foundation," she said. On stage, the young actress starred in Betsey Brown at the. Apart from Family Matters, Jenner had notable roles in Star Trek, Deep Space and many more. Johnson found a second career as a writer, releasing her first novel, "Around The World Twice," in 2010, followed by "Two Different Walks Of Life 'A Celebrity and a Average Housewife,'"co-written with Charrise Edey in 2011, then "Peaches & Cream" in 2012, and "Stupid Guys Diary" in 2013. White has continued to guest star on a variety of television shows like Trial and Error and Fresh Off the Boat. In 2019, he reprised his role of Steve Urkel on the TV series, Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? He also appeared on the The Big Show Show in 2020 and the Disney Channel series Ravens Home. He has a daughter named Samaya White, who he had with ex-girlfriend Bridget Hardy. His comedic talent on shows "Modern Family" and "Everybody Loves Raymond" earned him multiple Emmy noms, and he was a fixture of Christopher Guest's mockumentary troupe. He appeared as a comic actor, game show panelist and many more. You may remember that Hopkins was around more in the first few seasons, and that's because she left "Family Matters" to star in the show "Getting By" in 1993. He began his career back in the 1950s. Unfortunately, Payton left the series halfway through the final season, and actress Judyann Elder took over the role. 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. They know what it is. She passed away in 2002. Jaleel explained. Barry Jenner was a recurring character in the sitcom show Family Matters. Smith must have enjoyed the bite from the acting bug because he continued acting, now not as himself, on shows like, "Charlie's Angels" and "Eight is Enough," and then landed some regular gigs such as a recurring role on "Open All Night." Glass toldPop Goes the Culture TV that another actor, Rod Perry, had the role in the pilot but was picked up by another show, leaving an opening. Harriette Baines Winslow is Carl's wife, Rachel's big sister, biological mother of Eddie, Laura and Judy, aunt of Richie, and adoptive mother of 3J and the daughter of Jimmy and Darlene Baines. She appeared on various television programs, including A Man Called Hawk in 1989 and Thea in 1994. Family Matters (1989-1998) Full Cast & Crew See agents for this cast & crew on IMDbPro Series Directed by Series Writing Credits Series Cast Series Produced by Series Music by Series Cinematography by Series Film Editing by Series Casting By Series Art Direction by Series Set Decoration by Series Makeup Department Series Production Management On July 8, 2020, Rivera died at the age of 33. Brown's last role came in 2013. [15] Her publicist was Kahdijah Bell, daughter of Ronald Bell of Kool & the Gang. On December 26, 1998, a Muslim funeral service was held, per her request. Glass' decades-long acting career also included a hilarious stint as Ross Gellar's divorce lawyer on "Friends" in 1999. He also appeared in an episode of the show, Mom in 2019. After leaving the series, Foxworth grew up struggling with mental health and controlled substance issues. Her character was witty, sassy, smart and pretty powerful, much like her mother, Harriette. "Who she was made everybody want to be better. Thomas would eventually end up as the real life girlfriend of the actor, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played Theo. [9][10][11], In 1983, Michelle Thomas appeared in her first television commercial. Of course, Family Matters also introduced Steve Urkel (Jaleel White) to the pop culture lexicon, turning what was originally supposed to be a one-off character into a mainstay and all-around sitcom phenomenon. This show only lasted two seasons, though, and Hopkins later returned to "Family Matters" for guest appearances through 1997. Audiences fondly remember these characters and the actors who portrayed them. Family Matters was one of the most popular sitcoms during the 90s. On March 12, 2015, at the age of 75 following a childhood rickets diagnosis that her! Mcclure played Richie Crawford, the young actress starred in Betsey Brown at the age of 62 from cancer after. 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