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. But the actress didnt stick with Hollywood. In August of 1997, Michelle Thomas life was forever changed when she was diagnosed withintra-abdominaldesmoplastic small-round-cell tumor,a rare form of stomach cancer. [8] VelJohnson played alongside Tom Hanks, as Det. DreamFlix TV is a collaboration between "Family Matters" cast members JoMarie Payton, Kellie Shanygne Williams and Darius McCary, along with entertainment industry veterans, Ervin Williams, ShahRon Vaulx and producer Peggy . ", a popular catchphrase from the show. Has She Died? She starred in films such as Glee, The Arsenio Hall Show, Step Up and many more. After guest spots in shows like "Sanford and Son" and "Good Times," he landed his breakout role as Detective Harris in "Barney Miller." This is crazy. Shes reportedly filming the movies Heart of a Champion and Conundrum: Secrets Among Friends.. Now: Since 2004, James has played Devon . 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. In 2018, "Family Matters" star Reginald VelJohnson told Today that Miller helped him land the role of Carl. If you havent seen the show,it captures moments where Henry showcases his alleged psychic capabilities. However, as Variety noted, Jenner, passed away in 2016 at the age of 75 following a long battle with leukemia. Aside from his voice work, McCrary appeared in films like 15 Minutes, which starred Robert De Niro, in 2001, and Saw IV. Her character and her baby boy, Richie, moved in with the Winslow clan shortly after becoming a widow. LOS ANGELES, California (AP) Jaleel White, who played 'nerdy' neighbor Steve Urkel on "Family Matters" found dead Monday. His work ranged from Avengers to Sideways. [13] He played air traffic controller Bob Abbot in the 2012 film Air Collision. "On the Tail of Scooby-Doo." [12] The following year, he appeared as the "Sgt. She married former U.S. army reservist Hannibal Jackson that same year, and together they welcomed a daughter, Hannah, in 2010 and a son, John, in 2012. Actors From the movie Friday who have lost their lives. But it took more than one character to make this show a hit, and after nine seasons, America was entertained by dozens of talented actors who stepped onto the set and into the Winslows' living room. He also had a minor role in the 2002 film Like Mike. Williams married President and CEO of the IT firm Y-Tech, Hannibal Jackson in 2009. It is said that 300 years ago, in the year Bedlam, Divine Magic died. Family Matters - Full Cast & Crew 51 Metascore 1989 -2021 9 Seasons CBS Family, Comedy TVG Watchlist Where to Watch A suburban Chicago family is pestered by nerdy, nosy neighbor Steve Urkel. [3] Johnson attended Benjamin N. Cardozo High School . On August 3, 2011, Smith died at the age of 66. The classic TGIF sitcom Family Matters had a consistent main cast until mom Harriette Winslow was abruptly recast during the final season. He also joined fellow Family Matters alumni Kellie Williams, Jo Marie Payton and Darius McCrary at the 2022 '90s Con event. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', So much so that Jaleel was brought to tears. The role was initially only meant to be a guest spot, but the audience received the suspenders-clad nuisance so well in the first season that he continued on the show as a main cast member. He was also the Winslow childrens adorable youngest cousin. He assumed Henry had done research to know a bit more about him, so hed know what to say. It happened after Lauras boyfriend, Ted, got tired of Urkel trying to put the moves on his girlfriend. 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. As for the character's origins, he started out as a slated one-time appearance, and he was named after a friend of one of the show's co . Thomas was born in Boston, Massachusetts on September 23 . tweetedGloria Estefan. He later reprised his role as David Sutton on Disney's Turner & Hooch. He replaced twin actors Joseph and Julius Wright, who alternated in the infant role during the show's first year. Jaleel White, an actor best known for his portrayal of Steve Urkel, the nerdy young neighbor in the television sitcom "Family Matters" (1989-1998), was said to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He started with the Baltimore Colts, won a Super Bowl in 1970, and played until 1976. By Variety. [8] VelJohnson again portrayed Sgt. Thomas moved on from Family Michelle Thomas played Myra Monkhouse, who was introduced as a love interest for Urkel. Menteer also popped up in variety shows like "The Dean Martin Show" and "The Carol Burnett Show" before he began his career behind the camera. 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. The show, centered around a middle-class Black family living in Chicago, was a spin-off of the sitcom "Perfect Strangers," in which the Winslows were introduced Harriette as an elevator operator and husband Carl a police officer. And now, she is set to reprise her role again in the upcoming Punky Brewster" sequel series. Although it seemed like Urkel and Myra were two peas in a pod whod live happily ever after, sadly, life didnt pan out the way most would have expected for the beloved Michelle Thomas. Apparently, Miller had seen an early screening of "Die Hard" and thought he'd be perfect for the show. Thomas mother: Phynjuar Thomas Actresses American Women Height: 5'0" (152 cm ), 5'0" Females Died on: December 22, 1998 place of death: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York City: Boston Cause of Death: Cancer iloveoldschoolmusic.com. The cast of "Laverne & Shirley is seen above in a publicity photo. December 28, 1998. Barry played Carl's buffoonish boss, Lieutenant Lou Murtaugh. [1] His father left the family, which included Reginald's brother Barry,[2] when Johnson was 13 years old. This granny was hip and street-wise and also had plenty of love and advice to offer everyone. At the time of this writing, no further details are available regarding Brown's death. One year later, he landed the role of Carl Winslow, another police officer, in the beloved ABC series Family Matters. 15 Reginald VelJohnson Reginald VelJohnson 's acting career has really come full circle. [15] He has never married and has no children. Dennis died in April 2009 in Shadow Hills Los Angeles. According to the story, White took his own life after becoming obsessed with the Steve Urkel character he'd played on "Family Matters" and growing despondent, presumably over the cancellation of the show. As of 2009, VelJohnson had homes in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Los Angeles, and resided primarily in Oceanside, New York. All rights reserved. Ironically, Landers was on the other side of the law in his first appearance on "Family Matters," playing a robber at a convenience store. Sherman Hemsley is perhaps best known for playing George Jefferson in bothAll In the Family and The Jeffersons, the latter of which gained him earned him Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominations. [5][8][10] Since the end of Family Matters, VelJohnson has done mostly voice and guest star work. Shes appeared in the TV series Family Reunion, as Maybelle, and shes voicing a character also named Maybelle for the animated series The Casagrandes, which is a spin-off of 2016s animated show, The Loud House.. All we know is we have no record of prayers being answered. Thomas died Tuesday in Manhattan, according to her publicist, Kahdijah Bell. Her former boyfriend, actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, was at her side. It was all a send-up, though. Sadly, she passed away that same year of Carl Winslow - Family Matters. The former TGIF star has garnered widespread acclaim for his performance on the show: he's a two-time Emmy winner and a two-time recipient of the NAACP Image Award. Adventure Comedy Drama The Winslow family deals with various misadventures, many of them caused by their pesky next-door neighbor, ultra-nerd Steve Urkel. The poorly-written and fake Associated Press article both had the victim being found dead in his home and pronounced dead following admission to a Los Angeles-area hospital. Michelle Thomas (September 23, 1968 - December 22, 1998) was an American actress and comedian who portrays the role of Myra Monkhouse as Steve Urkel's (Jaleel White) girlfriend on the ABC/CBS sitcom Family Matters from 1993 to 1998. NFL defensive end Bubba Smith was born in 1945 in Texas. The character's obsession with Urkel along with her jealousy toward Laura made her polarizing among fans and created some entertaining moments. 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 Telma Hopkins played Rachel Crawford, Harriet Winslows sister and aunt to her kids, Eddie, Laura and Judy. ET If you were a faithful Family Matters viewer between 1989 and 1993, you may remember the character of little Judy Winslow. 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. Then in 1995, Brown appeared in a season 6 episode of "Family Matters" as the character Pastor Fuller, who asks Mr. and Mrs. Winslow to counsel a couple about marriage. 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. She was known for her singing voice, her eccentric hats and how driven she was to become an entrepreneur. Come on, man. Most recently, Harrison made a cameo on fellow TGIF alumna Raven-Symon's show Raven's Home for two episodes in 2022. But they have been an essential function of some of the most iconic family units in small-screen comedies. When Ellyria's father died, he left the family spell book hidden. Tragedy struck in 2020 after her body was found in the river after disappearing during a boat trip. Jaimee Foxworth played Judy Winslow, Carl and Harriettes youngest daughter. She was popularly known as Mother Winslow on the show and she added some aspect of wisdom within the TV show. A year after Family Matters ended, LeNoire guest-starred as a nurse on the TV series Cosby in 1998. The actress only appeared in three episodes of the sitcom, but her performances caught the eye of television executives and she subsequently landed parts in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Arsenio Hall Show, and The Young and the Restless. Content created and supplied by: LawBlessing (via Opera "Come on, man. nerdy comedic neighbor of the Winslows who was always trying and failing to win On March 17, 2002, LeNoire died from complications from diabetes. Menteer passed away on January 18, 2016, at the age of 72. He also appeared in 6 "Police Academy" movies and the TV series. Sadly, some of those famous faces are no longer delivering lines and laughs. McClure eventually became known as Bryton James, but most soap fans know him as Devon Hamilton on The Young and the Restless. According to IMDB, he has done about 1,104 episodes of the classic soap. After playing Rachel Baines-Crawford, the younger sister of Harriette Winslow, Hopkins starred in Getting By, another TGIF show that aired from 1993 to 1994 (its second season aired on NBC). "September birthday, sudden passing, E-L-L-ENo Google?". Singer and actor Johnny Brown had a megawatt smile that was perfect for stage and television. Shawn Harrison played Waldo Faldo, who was Eddie Winslows best friend. On December 22, 1998, she passed away, surrounded by friends and family in New York City, including her then long-time boyfriend/Cosby Show actor, Malcolm Jamal Warner (Theo). Thomas joined the cast team later in the fourth season and appeared in several seasons as Steve Urkel's lover Myra Monkhouse. Thomas died December 22 in Manhattan,. Per The New York Times, this is when her illness, a rare form of stomach cancer, seemed to take a foothold, and Thomas had to take a medical leave from filming. Darius McCrary played Eddie Winslow, the handsome, eldest brother to Laura and Judy and cousin to Richie. In 2006, a false news report of a former child star's death by suicide was spread within the online world via a fabricated Associated Press story that was passed from inbox to inbox. Unsurprisingly, Rivera's stardom continued into adulthood, especially with her role as Santana Lopez in the musical-comedy Glee. Davenport, Misha. Reginald VelJohnson played Carl Winslow, the familys patriarch who made a living as a cop and was always annoyed by his nerdy neighbor, Steve Urkel. Desperate for help and with no other options, she researched a spell on the internet and cast it in a hurry, accidentally binding herself into a ritual with a demon. Her last role was in Aide-de-Camp" in 2011. Bryton McClure was only 4 years old when he started playing Richie Crawford on Family Matters' second season. Desselle-Reid's manager, Dolores Robinson . In the sitcom show Family Matters, he got a role as mother Winslow's husband. Oscar-winning producer dead at 101. Gary Menteer, a writer, director, and producer, actually started out as an actor. 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. One of his earliest television roles was, of course, the one that would forever brand him as "The Big Ragoo." 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. She eventually left Hollywood and went to work for the adult entertainment industry. But many "Family Matters" have not stayed on the small screen and others have sadly passed on. White has also made several film appearances in movies like Big Fat Liar, Dreamgirls, Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer and recently in 2022's Hustle starring Adam Sandler. ", Following the cancellation of "Family Matters" in 1997, friends claim White became obsessed with the character, and grew despondent, despite further successes as star and producer of the UPN sitcom "Grownups", and as a writer for NBA.com. 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. In 1952 comedian and actor Reginal VelJohnson was born! At the same time, Hemsley delivered a terrific performance that proved why he's regarded as sitcom royalty. Dont let her age fool you, though. The group talked about their experience on the show and revealed that, like the title dictated, the family did matter to them. A Steve Urkel Story. teacher in Urkel's swim class. "Did I do that?" In an interview with E! Thomas appeared on the CBS soap opera The . Powell in the GameCube video game title, Die Hard: Vendetta, in 2002. Where is Kellie Shanygne Williams Now? But Jaleel wasn't biting just yet. Family Matters Actors You May Not Know Passed Away. Jo Marie Payton played the familys matriarch, Harriette Winslow. 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.