She was my old co-star fromFamily Mattersand she died from stomach cancer quickly. News ), Opera News is a free to use platform and the views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent, reflect or express the views of Opera News. He went on to star in UPN's sitcom Grown Ups and hosted the Syfy competition show Total Blackout from 2013 to 2014. One year later, her ex husband, Ryan Dorsey, said in anInstagram post, "Fly high, Rest In Peace, knowing he's doing okhe's being raised right, and he's got a lot of family and people around him that love him, and you. After the show wrapped, White stated that he never wanted to step back into Urkel's shoes again, though he later revised the claim over a decade later. Family Matters attracted a lot of cast members but this article will feature some of the cast members who died in real life. Over the years, fans watched him grow up until the series ended in 1998. Bryton James, Richie Crawford. Landers passed away on March 12, 2015, at the age of 62 from cancer. 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 "This is embarrassing, I don't even recognize you," Tyler tells him. 'Family Matters' Alum Jo Marie Payton Claims Jaleel White Tried to 'Physically Fight' Her on Set, Reginald VelJohnson Once Walked Out on 'Family Matters' over the 'Challenge' of Working with Teens. On August 3, 2011, Smith died at the age of 66. Al Powell - Die Hard. Walt Disney Television via Getty Jaleel White Returns as Steve Urkel in New Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? 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. Lenoir championed diversity in the arts and ultimately led the prestigious Rosie awards being created in her name. Their love/hate relationship was one of the reasons that the show was such a hit. Belvedere." (She also played the girlfriend of Malcolm . Sadly, some of those famous faces are no longer delivering lines and laughs. nerdy comedic neighbor of the Winslows who was always trying and failing to win "She was my old co-star from Family Matters and she died of stomach cancer quickly, White said. The show, a spinoff of Jo Marie Payton's "Perfect Strangers" character Harriette Winslow, has left us with fond memories of The Urkel, the sweet sounds of the accordion and the epitome of tortoise shell hipster glasses. 'Family Matters' Jaleel White Sadly Breaks Down Over Deceased Co-star 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. Season 3 of 'The Mandalorian' is 'epic,' cast says Tom Sizemore's family deciding end of life matters, rep says James Marsden, LeVar Burton explain the power of a movie director container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', Though his character, often referred to as "Booger" by character Willona, was meant to be an antagonist, Bookman soon became a fan favorite and Brown would always be remembered for this role. 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. "I love these people Every one of them," a teary-eyed VelJohnson stated at the time. Jo Marie Payton portrayed elevator operator Harriette Winslow on that show, and Family Matters depicted her home life with husband Carl, their three kids, plus Aunt Rachel and Mother Winslow,. Now: Since 2004, James has played Devon . Opera News does not consent to nor does it condone the posting of any content that violates the rights (including the copyrights) of any third party, nor content that may malign, inter alia, any religion, ethnic group, organization, gender, company, or individual. 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. Y&R's Thomas Dies Of Cancer At 29 - CBS News It gives me joy that you don't know who I am." After "Barney Miller," he continued to secure role after role, including portraying an actor named Buddy Goodrich in a 1989 episode of "Family Matters." This granny was hip and street-wise and also had plenty of love and advice to offer everyone. Jo Marie Payton, Now 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"). Her career however was short-lived as she passed away in 1998 at the young age of 30 years after battling with stomach cancer for a while. To Be or Not to Be (Part 1) To Be or Not to Be (Part 2) We're Going to Disney World (Part 1) You've got to be Googling this stuff before you come in here." In 1991 and 1992, Family Matters was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Comedy series and in 1997 White won the award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series. Jaleel White, who portrayed Steve Urkel on the television sitcom "Family Matters," committed suicide in 2006. Thenthe 21-year-old psychic claimed that he didnt even know who Jaleel White a.k.a. Where Are They Now? The Cast of "Family Matters" - Obsev One of the first additions to the "Family Matters" cast was Bryton McClure, who played the role of Richie Crawford, the son of Rachel Crawford. It remains one of the second longest running series in the history of television after the Jeffersons and it revolved around African American characters. 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. He replaced twin actors Joseph and Julius Wright, who alternated in the infant role during the show's first year. Kellie Shanygne Williams made her name playing Laura Winslow, the seemingly perfect know-it-all daughter of Carl and Harriette on Family Matters. Has She Died? The Cast of 'Outer Banks' : Everything to Know, Our Favorite (Underrated!) 30 Years Later: Where Is the Cast of 'Family Matters' Today? The show was filled with fond memories that most fans will probably never forget. Telma Hopkins played Rachel Crawford, Harriet Winslows sister and aunt to her kids, Eddie, Laura and Judy. VelJohnson voiced the character Jerry in the TV show, 3Below: Tales of Arcadia from 2018 to 2019. He also appeared in 6 "Police Academy" movies and the TV series. Payton also has a busy career in voice acting: She voiced The Proud Family's Suga Mama Proud, the unpredictable grandmother of protagonist Penny Proud, on Disney Channel from 2001 through 2005. Jaleel said before breaking down. 8 Famous DEAD ACTORS from FAMILY MATTERS (1989 -2021) In 2017, he played Darryl on the CBS sitcom Me, Myself & I alongside Bobby Moynihan. Hes also rumored to be dating his co-star Brytni Sarpy. In 1999, she joined Moesha's season 4 to play recurring character Mrs. Campbell. Urkel iseven though the basis of his show is centered around featuring well known celebs: This is embarrassing, I dont even recognize you, Tyler statedto Jaleel. Unfortunately, Payton left the series halfway through the final season, and actress Judyann Elder took over the role. Per The Guardian, Rosetta LeNoire was born in Hell's Kitchen, New York, in 1911. She passed away in 2002. Jaimee Foxworth played Judy Winslow, Carl and Harriettes youngest daughter. Rosetta Lenoir was one of the main cast members of the comedy sitcom Family Matters. 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. Hopkins made her name in film before she signed onto Family Matters. His final TV spot was "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" in 2014. According to CNN, Rivera had gone out on a rented boat with her then-four-year-old son. Unfortunately for the pair, their friendship came to an end after Murtaugh took all of the nerd's money during a poker game. Watch the shocking reveal in the clip above! McCrary was married to She Ball actress Tammy Brawner. White shed tears as he remembered actress Michelle Thomas, who played Myra, the girlfriend of his nerdy character, Steve Urkel, on his hit '90s sitcom. In the late '60s, he began showing up on television and in movies, and by the time the '70s rolled around, it seemed he was bitten by the comedy bug, appearing in variety shows like "Love, American Style" and sitcoms such as "The Bob Newhart Show" and "Fernwood Tonight," in which he appeared in 44 episodes as Jerry Hubbard. December 28, 1998. "It's the end of an era.". Aside from his voice work, McCrary appeared in films like 15 Minutes, which starred Robert De Niro, in 2001, and Saw IV. See More, Opera News is a free to use platform and the views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent, reflect or express the views of Opera News. The show became a major staple on network television and the classic '90s "TGIF" lineup. To make matters worse, her mother fell into a drug habit, leaving the teenager to handle the household finances alone. Of course, Thomas was much nicer than her on-screen persona. Actor Natalie Desselle-Reid, known for her roles in "Madea's Big Happy Family," "Eve" and "B*A*P*S*," died Monday at the age of 53. In 1975, Mekka received a Tony nomination for his Broadway performance in "The Lieutenant." Where are they now? The "Family Matters" cast - Revolt Carl was seriously irritated by his pesky neighbor Urkel and his annoying antics. Dont let her age fool you, though. He also joined fellow Family Matters alumni Kellie Williams, Jo Marie Payton and Darius McCrary at the 2022 '90s Con event. 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 Cast of Family Matters: Where Are They Now? - People Unfortunately in 2012, Hemsley succumbed to heart complication at the age of 74. 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 the end, she saved the day singing her iconic song "Last Dance" at a talent show. Also an accomplished dancer, he was in the original cast of "The Music Man" on Broadway and appeared in several musical adaptations, including "Hello,Dolly!" Television actress Michelle Thomas, 30, a co-star on the sitcom "Family Matters," died Dec. 22 after a struggle with stomach cancer. In my opinion, Google appears to be Henrys best friend, because everything he told Jaleelabout Michelleis easily verifiable on Googlebut I digress. May Michelle Thomas continue to rest peacefully. All rights reserved. On July 8, 2020, Rivera died at the age of 33. 'Family Matters': Where Are They Now? - HuffPost Where is Kellie Shanygne Williams Now? He then worked for the US postal service while attending a dramatic arts college and eventually found his way to off-Broadway productions. ", When you think of Sherman Hemsley it might just draw an image of him getting out of a cab in front of a high-rise in Manhattan, strutting toward the door, or doing some fancy footwork in his living room as he did in the famously fun opening theme of his hit sitcom "The Jeffersons.". Arnold Johnson NFL defensive end Bubba Smith was born in 1945 in Texas. Apparently, Miller had seen an early screening of "Die Hard" and thought he'd be perfect for the show. Carmine Ragusa was the bright-faced, dancing, on-again-off-again boyfriend of Shirley Feeney. "We have all lost a dear, dear brother," said Reginald VelJohnson, who played Carl Winslow. The Captain wasn't the most popular character, presumably because of his tendency to cheat at golf and make life difficult for Carl. On stage, the young actress starred in . Michelle Thomas, 30, Actress On TV Soap Opera and Sitcoms Jaleel White Breaks Down Over Death of Family Matters Co-Star in "Family Matters" was a popular American television sitcom that aired nine seasons from 1989 to 1997. He was able to make it big in the show with his silly antics. The actor is set to do it again in Cartoon Network's 2023 TV film Did I Do That to the Holidays? Bryton McClure was only 4 years old when he started playing Richie Crawford on Family Matters' second season. teacher in Urkel's swim class. 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. There were temples and churches to Gods and they suddenly closed their doors forever. Her birthday is September 23, 1968, Jaleel revealed. Menteer passed away on January 18, 2016, at the age of 72. Its been over 30 years since the ABC sitcom Family Matters first aired. He began his career back in the 1950s. Youve got to be Googling this stuff before you come in here. Jaleel said dumbfounded. It has nine seasons with a total of 215 episodes. She was 90 years old at the time, and she left behind an impressive body of work in television, film, music, and theater. He was 29 years old. In 2017, VelJohnson took part in a "Family Matters" reunion alongside the rest of the cast. It is said that 300 years ago, in the year Bedlam, Divine Magic died. In 2018, "Family Matters" star Reginald VelJohnson told Today that Miller helped him land the role of Carl. All we know is we have no record of prayers being answered. For starters, it remains one of the longest-running series in the history of television to revolve around African American characters, only exceeded by Tyler Perry's House of Payne and The Jeffersons, respectively. Jaleel said dumbfounded. with a rare stomach cancer in 1997 and died in 1998 at . He started out in the mid-1980s getting bit parts, usually as a white-collar guy. In the years after, he provided the voices for Jazz in the original Transformers movie and Tarix in. That's why it must have been quite a treat when Summer showed up in not one but two episodes of "Family Matters." Tragedy struck in 2020 after her body was found in the river after disappearing during a boat trip. VelJohnson had his breakthrough role[5] as Sgt. On December 22, 1998, Thomas died in New York City from desmoplastic small round cell tumor. His character was described as totally dim-witted, and he often annoyed Steve Urkel by saying the silliest things. 'In Living Color' Cast: Where Are They Now? The series centered around the Winslows, a middle-class African-American family. White was pronounced dead on arrival after admission to an LA hospital early Monday morning. Beyond TV, Williams appeared in Usher's 2005 crime-dramedy In The Mix and in the 2009 film Steppin: The Movie. He is best known for playing police officer characters, such as Carl Winslow on the sitcom Family Matters, which ran from 1989 to 1998, and LAPD Sergeant Al Powell in the films Die Hard and Die Hard 2. So, he got his cousin, Myra, to meet with him and she and Urkel wound up hitting it off, but ultimately, it didnt work out. 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." Jaleel White Tributes 'Family Matters' Star Michelle Thomas - VIBE.com Buddy was the star of a show the Winslow family was obsessed with and Carl ended up arresting him for assault.