Tragedy struck in 2020, however, when her body was found in a river after she disappeared during a boating trip with her son, Josey. A year after Family Matters ended, LeNoire guest-starred as a nurse on the TV series Cosby in 1998. Then in "Sink or Swim" in season 6, Mekka plays Mr. Nutting, the P.E. 'In Living Color' Cast: Where Are They Now? 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. On stage, the young actress starred in . Lenoir died in 2002, just four years after the final season of Family Matters was aired. Naya Rivera was a child star when she appeared in Family Matters as Gwendolyn, a young child who asked Urkel, of all people, for love advice. Jenner unfortunately passed away in 2016 at the age of 75 following a long battle with leukemia. After the sitcom ended in 1998, Thomas portrayed Callie Rogers, an aspiring singer and love interest of Malcolm Winters, on the daytime soap The Young and the Restless. Her last role was in Aide-de-Camp" in 2011. [8][10] He also later reprised the character in the 1990 sequel Die Hard 2. Actress Kellie Williams Laura Winslow on the series described White as a consummate professional actor. Tom Poston popularly known as Mr Lonely by fans of the family sitcom show Family Matters, is another actor that has passed away in real life. [15] He has never married and has no children. It remains one of the second longest running series in the history of television after the Jeffersons and it revolved around African American characters. Naya Rivera was introduced to acting as a child star after she got a role in the sitcom show Family Matters. That's why it must have been quite a treat when Summer showed up in not one but two episodes of "Family Matters." Any/all written content and images displayed are provided by the blogger/author, appear herein as submitted by the blogger/author and are unedited by Opera News. 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. Buddy was the star of a show the Winslow family was obsessed with and Carl ended up arresting him for assault. 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. He started out in the mid-1980s getting bit parts, usually as a white-collar guy. Tragedy struck in 2020 after her body was found in the river after disappearing during a boat trip. They got divorced in 2019, and have a daughter together named Zoey. He later said he changed the spelling "because I wanted a name people would remember."[7]. She starred in films such as Glee, The Arsenio Hall Show, Step Up and many more. He also had a minor role in the 2002 film Like Mike. 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.. 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. 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. While the rest of his career primarily consisted of supporting roles, he continued to act until 2011, making appearances in shows like Family Guy and Tyler Perry's House of Payne. Rosetta LeNoire's turn as Mother Winslow in Family Matterswas critically acclaimed, and she was central to some of the sitcom's most memorable moments during its nine-season run. On December 22, 1998, Thomas died in New York City from desmoplastic small round cell tumor. Stars Who Think They Have a Psychic Ability. The show, centered around a middle-class Black family living in Chicago, was a spin-off of. The "Family Matters" actress died on Wednesday, December 23, 1998, at the young age of thirty in a private room at a Manhattan's Memorial Sloan-Kettering cancer center surrounded by her family and close friends. Audiences watched her grow up during the first few seasons. She was just 30 years old. In the season 2 episode, "Flash Pants," Mekka plays Charlie, a transfer who competes against Carl in a dance contest. Cherie Johnson from Family Matters has returned to her family sitcom roots after a career shift ABC, Peacock/YouTube Cherie Johnson was no stranger to television when she was cast as Laura Winslow's best friend, Maxine, on "Family Matters" the actress had also enjoyed great success as Punky Brewster's best friend on the eponymous show. Shes also working on other projects like The Regiment and South Beacon Hill. But aside from acting, shes also a producer, an author and a certified nutritionist who co-owns the health and beauty company Keeping It All Natural. VelJohnson voiced the character Jerry in the TV show, 3Below: Tales of Arcadia from 2018 to 2019. Jaleel White, who portrayed Steve Urkel on the television sitcom "Family Matters," committed suicide in 2006. After being asked about her passing, the actor talked about how she was highly thought of among her peers. Thomas moved on from Family But Jaleel wasn't biting just yet. Al Powell - Die Hard. White revisited Urkel after all in 2019, when he voiced him in the cartoon Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? Watch the shocking reveal in the clip above! Powell in the GameCube video game title, Die Hard: Vendetta, in 2002. They have two kids, John Ervin and Hannah Belle Jackson. The actor is set to do it again in Cartoon Network's 2023 TV film Did I Do That to the Holidays? Before Captain Savage became Carl's boss at the Chicago Police Department, the patriarch of the Winslow gang served under Lieutenant Lou Murtaugh, played by Barry Jenner. She broke into the world of sitcoms with the early '80s series Bosom Buddies, continued on with Gimme A Break! You got to be messing with me, dog. White was pronounced dead on arrival after. The cast of "Laverne & Shirley is seen above in a publicity photo. In 1994 and 1997, she played Urkel's aunt, Oona Urkel, who according to Urkel is "a little odd." He was also the Winslow childrens adorable youngest cousin. "Don't worry about that part. The Cast of 'Outer Banks' : Everything to Know, Our Favorite (Underrated!) Jaleel White Breaks Down Over Death of Family Matters Co-Star in Hollywood Medium Sneak Peek See the actor get a sad reminder of his early acting days By Vannessa Jackson Aug 07, 2017 9:30 AM. Landers' next time on "Family Matters" was in 1997, and he played a pirate named Flint when Urkel and Carl went back in time. 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. ABC/Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images. Adventure Comedy Drama The Winslow family deals with various misadventures, many of them caused by their pesky next-door neighbor, ultra-nerd Steve Urkel. 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. Her most notable role on television was that of Santana Lopez on the musical comedy series "Glee." If you havent seen the show,it captures moments where Henry showcases his alleged psychic capabilities. Hes also rumored to be dating his co-star Brytni Sarpy. In 1952 comedian and actor Reginal VelJohnson was born! He was 29 years old. His other popular credits include St. Actor. But by the end of the series, Urkel finally won Laura 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). Landers passed away on March 12, 2015, at the age of 62 from cancer. "It's the end of an era.". When Donna Summer died of lung cancer on May 17, 2012, many singers and industry professionals mourned her, some attending her service, others voicing their feelings on social media. 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. 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. She was also a grandmother to Eddie, Laura and Judy. Youve got to be Googling this stuff before you come in here. Jaleel said dumbfounded. So, keep reading as we pay tribute to those we lost from the show "Family Matters. Youre talking aboutMichelle Thomas. It has been over 16 years but the show still remains one of the greatest show of its time. [5][6] Early in his acting career, he changed his name from Reginald Johnson (his birth name) to Reginald VelJohnson. Tyler questioned. "You're talking about Michelle Thomas. As iconic character actor Julius Carry recalled to the Chicago Tribune in 1990, he got into show business as a teen when he joined a touring play group called the Spartan Players. Their love/hate relationship was one of the reasons that the show was such a hit. Their mother subsequently married John Reilly. 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. }); Copyright 2015 . Emmy-nominated actor Fred Willard was a prolific actor whose career spanned more than fifty years. While California is famed for its laid-back attitude toward a great many things, said easygoing philosophy does not extend to its hospitals admitting the dead for treatment. "This is embarrassing, I don't even recognize you," Tyler tells him. 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. Where is Kellie Shanygne Williams Now? 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. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. That adorably sweet smile and natural acting ability garnered her more roles on shows like "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "Baywatch.". The character's obsession with Urkel along with her jealousy toward Laura made her polarizing among fans and created some entertaining moments. A child actor on "Family Matters," Darius McCrary was only 13 when he first began playing the role of Eddie Winslow, and audiences watched him grow up over the show's nine-season run. Reginald VelJohnson (born Reginald Johnson; August 16, 1952) is an American actor. They even developed a bond over root beer and romantic woes. And now, she is set to reprise her role again in the upcoming Punky Brewster" sequel series. His character was described as totally dim-witted, and he often annoyed Steve Urkel by saying the silliest things. The series centered around the Winslows, a middle-class African-American family. She died on December 26, 1998, surrounded by her family as well as former boyfriend Malcom-Jamal Warner with whom she had remained close friends, according toPeople. Hemsley was in his fifties when he starred in Family Matters, so he was already a veteran performer by the time he joined the sitcom. Rosetta LeNoire played Estelle Winslow, who was Carls mother. She was known for her singing voice, her eccentric hats and how driven she was to become an entrepreneur. Costar Michael McKean tweeted, "A sad goodbye to Eddie Mekka this morning. Laura Winslows heart. Al Powell in the 1988 film Die Hard. Hemsley made the sitcom show family memorable when he got a chance as a guest cast and Carl's obnoxious boss, Captain Marion Savage. Two years later, on November 25, 2016, Glass died of respiratory failure. In 2007, he appeared in the short films Reverse, Nerve Endings, and Time Upon A Once which were made during the reality show On the Lot. Steve was a complete misfit, but he was hilarious, endearing, and a complete fixture as part of the cast of 'Family Matters.' In fact, the character's entrance onto the show saved it from being canceled. His work ranged from Avengers to Sideways. VelJohnson had his breakthrough role[5] as Sgt. "Few singers have impacted music & the world like Donna Summer!" She was 78 years old at the time, but she had no interest in letting her career wind down. Actor Matt Landers was in dozens of television shows and 20 motion pictures over his thirty-year career in show business. Jaimee Foxworth played Judy Winslow, Carl and Harriettes youngest daughter. 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. She was 90 years old at the time, and she left behind an impressive body of work in television, film, music, and theater. In 2010, VelJohnson started a recurring role as Principal, later Superintendent, Strickland on the Disney sitcom I'm in the Band and also Funnyordie.com's short HBO film titled Just 3 Boyz starring Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim, and Zach Galifianakis. As of 2009, VelJohnson had homes in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Los Angeles, and resided primarily in Oceanside, New York. White, an only child, is survived by "cousins, aunts, uncles, and wonderful friends," Bickley said. Dennis died in April 2009 in Shadow Hills Los Angeles. Unfortunately, Payton left the series halfway through the final season, and actress Judyann Elder took over the role. Shes not currently active in Hollywood, but she has stayed pretty busy working on the Kellie Williams Program, a project in Washington, DC, that gives 14 to 20-year-olds a shot at producing their own television shows. 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. 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 . Jaleel said before breaking down. Her character was witty, sassy, smart and pretty powerful, much like her mother, Harriette. He replaced twin actors Joseph and Julius Wright, who alternated in the infant role during the show's first year. Arnold Johnson Carl was seriously irritated by his pesky neighbor Urkel and his annoying antics. Family Matters was a popular sitcom of the 90's and was a key part of ABC's TGIF lineup. Though she spent plenty of time onscreen in her music videos and she starred in the 1978 musical comedy "Thank God it's Friday," Summer wasn't making any moves toward a career in films or television. Her character and her baby boy, Richie, moved in with the Winslow clan shortly after becoming a widow. Bryton Eric McClure. 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. In an interview with E! Just before his retirement from sports, Smith got his first role on television, a guest spot playing himself on the show "The Odd Couple." Jaleel White Says He Was 'Not Welcomed' by 'Family Matters' Cast When He Joined Show as Steve Urkel, Confessions from TGIF Stars: 'Family Matters, Full House' & More. Like many actors of his time, he started on the stage in the 1950s. She passed away in 2002. 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. She has been away from the entertainment world since 2011, and many have wondered where she is now. In addition to his longtime work on the CBS soap opera, McClure has lent his voice for several animated series including Nickelodeon's Zevo-3, Cartoon Network's Young Justice: Invasion and in Disney+'s 2022 miniseries Tales of the Jedi. In the end, she saved the day singing her iconic song "Last Dance" at a talent show. September birthday, sudden passing, E-L-L-ENo Google?. Johnson died in Los Angeles at the age of 78. "She had a lot of friends in the music industry.". He then worked for the US postal service while attending a dramatic arts college and eventually found his way to off-Broadway productions. All rights reserved. She also got a role in the sitcoms show Young And Restless as Callie Rogers and as Justine Phillips in The Cosby Show. One of the cornerstones of ABC's TGIF lineup, Family Matters ran from 1989-1997 and spawned at least one of the '90s most indelible catchphrases. One of his earliest television roles was, of course, the one that would forever brand him as "The Big Ragoo." While he was quite incompetent at his job, he had the patience of a saint, being that he was one of the few characters who tolerated Urkel. Over the years, fans watched him grow up until the series ended in 1998. In July 24, 2012,Sherman Hemsley died of a lung mass. [1] His father left the family, which included Reginald's brother Barry,[2] when Johnson was 13 years old. The golden age of sitcoms produced many hilarious shows, but Family Matters stands out from the pack for a couple of reasons. Jaleel seemed to then believe Henry, based on what happened next: Dont worry about that part. Come on, man. Eddie dreamt of being a basketball star but had horrible grades all throughout high school. 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. tweetedGloria Estefan. She eventually left Hollywood and went to work for the adult entertainment industry. The cast of 'Family Matters' has largely continued to work in the industry after the show ended in 1998. The series ran for nine seasons and featured 215 family friendly episodes. Authorities state that upon entering the home they discovered a young African-American male with an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. David Sutton, in Turner & Hooch (1989). From 2006 to 2008, he voiced Timber Wolf in Warner Brothers' animated adaptation of DC Comics' Legion of Super Heroes. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', It happened after Lauras boyfriend, Ted, got tired of Urkel trying to put the moves on his girlfriend. Singer and actor Johnny Brown had a megawatt smile that was perfect for stage and television. 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. It gives me joy that you don't know who I am." She often portrayed the character as a tough mom with a witty sense of humor, but was also a no-nonsense wife to her husband, Carl. Poston was a jack of all talents. teacher in Urkel's swim class. His final TV spot was "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" in 2014. He later reprised his role as David Sutton on Disney's Turner & Hooch. Bubba Smith's character on Family Matters, Bones, is an intimidating muscle to the loan shark the guys got in deep with, complete with a hilarious growling match between Urkel and Bones. She was my old co-star from Family Matters and she died from stomach cancer quickly. ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Reginald_VelJohnson&oldid=1137928866, Episodes: "Face Lift" and "Gentle, Gentle", Episode: "11 Cut to 10 & 10 Directors Complete", Principal/Superintendent Cornelius Strickland, Episode: "McPoyle vs. Ponderosa: The Trial of the Century", Episode: "Audrey Hepburn and a Jalepeo Pepper", Denotes films that have not yet been released, This page was last edited on 7 February 2023, at 03:24. Opera News furthermore does not condone the use of our platform for the purposes encouraging/endorsing hate speech, violation of human rights and/or utterances of a defamatory nature. You've got to be Googling this stuff before you come in here." 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 Peter Dennis is another cast member from Family Matters that has passed away in real life. 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. He has also appeared in the comedy film, The Formula, starring alongside Brandon Baker and Sasha Jackson. Dennis was a Screen Actors Guild and Drama Logo award-winning English actor. Michelle Thomas' first role on television was on the hit TV series "The Cosby Show," where she played Theo's girlfriend, Justine. In the years after, he provided the voices for Jazz in the original Transformers movie and Tarix in. From 1993 to 1998, she portrayed the role of Myra Monkhouse, the girlfriend of Steve Urkel, on Family Matters. [11] VelJohnson has made guest appearances in several TV shows, including The Equalizer, Diagnosis: Murder, Twice in a Lifetime, Will & Grace, Monk, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Eve, Crossing Jordan, The Parkers, That's So Raven, and Bones. Sadly, she passed away that same year of Bryton McClure played Richie Crawford, the son of Telma Hopkins character, Rachel. He also joined fellow Family Matters alumni Kellie Williams, Jo Marie Payton and Darius McCrary at the 2022 '90s Con event. Its been over 30 years since the ABC sitcom Family Matters first aired. She then went on to appear as a regular cast member on Half & Half and Are We There Yet? She had a lot of friends in the music industry. he explained. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. As to why it was Jaleel White this time around, the answer is perhaps found in the suicide note he supposedly left behind. She often portrayed the character as a tough mom with a witty sense of humor, but was also a no-nonsense wife to her husband, Carl. May Michelle Thomas continue to rest peacefully. While her private life remains pretty much private, Hopkins has kept pretty busy over the years. Once the series wrapped, Williams hopped onto another ABC show, What About Joan?, to play Alice Adams, a coworker and friend of the protagonist, played by Joan Cusack. Unfortunately in 2012, Hemsley succumbed to heart complication at the age of 74. "On the Tail of Scooby-Doo." So he's staying fresh and busy as ever, even at 67 years old. Image Via Kirk McKoy/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images. Dennis died in April 2009 in Shadow Hills Los Angeles. He was 29 years old. He was 74. NFL defensive end Bubba Smith was born in 1945 in Texas. "September birthday, sudden passing, E-L-L-ENo Google?". The Cast of Family Matters. Thenthe 21-year-old psychic claimed that he didnt even know who Jaleel White a.k.a. But most will probably agree that his relationship with the beautiful Myra Monkhouse portrayed by actress, Michelle Thomas -was just as special. Of course, most Family Matters fans remember "Steve Urkel's" fascination with "Laura Winslow" and how his special bond with the 'Winslow family' was one of the most memorable dynamics of the show. He also appeared in an episode of the show, Mom in 2019. Menteer holds credits for writing, directing, producing on many of the shows he worked on including "Happy Days," "Punky Brewster," and "Family Matters." She currently lives in Los Angeles and is the mother a 10 year-old son, Michael Douglas Shaw, Jr. 9. He died back in 2007 due to respiratory failure at the age of 85. After appearing in all 8 seasons, Mekka went on to a myriad of guest roles in both movies and series, including two different characters on "Family Matters." Michelle Thomas played Myra Monkhouse, who was introduced as a love interest for Urkel. Willard also portrayed Vice Principal Mallet on "Family Matters" from 1994 to 1996, appearing in three episodes. In October of that year, she underwent a second surgery to have another growth removed. He'll be missed and remembered every day by his many, many friends," they said. Belvedere." As a three-year-old in real life, it was his screen debut. By LawBlessing (self media writer) | 1 year ago. 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. Quick Facts Also Known As: Michelle Doris Thomas Died At Age: 30 Family: father: Dennis D.T. 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. "You got to be messing with me, dog. Johnson was popularly known for his role in Shaft, My Demon Lover and many more. But it was his Broadway debut in "Purlie" that got him noticed by Norman Lear and led to his first TV roleas grumpy Archie Bunker's neighbor in "All in the Family," for which George Jefferson was born and inspired the spin-off, "The Jefferson's. But many "Family Matters" have not stayed on the small screen and others have sadly passed on. The quintessential hoax of this ilk is the "Paul is dead" belief attaching to Paul McCartney it began in 1969 and at least among some continues to this day. Michelle Thomas dies of cancer at 29, CBS Website, Dec. 1998. "I'm looking at what looks like E and then L-L-E is the only way to describe it," Tylershared. Her former boyfriend, actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, was at her side. 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 Lenoir championed diversity in the arts and ultimately led the prestigious Rosie awards being created in her name. Family Matters. On August 19, 2008, Carry died at 56 years old. Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. Dennis was a Screen Actors Guild and Drama Logo award-winning English actor. 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.