Heartbreaking Losses: Remembering the Deceased Cast of Family Matters

It’s always disheartening to learn about beloved actors from our favorite shows who have passed away, but thankfully, the list of cast members from the popular 1990s sitcom “Family Matters” who have sadly departed is relatively small. Originally a spinoff from the less famous “Perfect Strangers”, “Family Matters” focused on the Winslow family, an African-American middle-class household living in Chicago, Illinois. The family’s head was Carl Otis Winslow (played by Reginald VelJohnson), a dedicated police officer with the Chicago Police Department who balanced his duties as a family man and a somewhat exasperated individual.

He’s accompanied by a group made up of family members and friends, among whom is Steve Urkel, played by Jaleel White. Though he wasn’t originally meant to be the main attraction, Steve became the unexpected standout character on the show. Debuting in 1989 and running until 1998, the cast of Family Matters remains relatively youthful compared to other well-known television ensembles. Though not as extensive as the list of actors who have passed from the cast of Little House on the Prairie, there are still a few notable names among those no longer with us, some of whom died at a tragically young age.

Sherman Hemsley As Captain Marion Savage

Date Of Birth: February 1, 1938

• Active Since: 1973

Sherman Hemsley was a renowned actor who first made his mark in television as George Jefferson in the series All in the Family. This breakthrough role later led to him headlining his own spinoff, titled The Jeffersons, which garnered him a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award nomination. Besides this, Hemsley also played significant roles such as B.P. Richfield in Dinosaurs, Deacon Ernest Frye in Amen, and Judge Carl Robertson in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Regrettably, he passed away on July 24, 2012, at the age of 74 due to complications stemming from lung cancer.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character: Sherman Hemsley portrays Captain Marion Savage in season 6 of “Family Matters”. Marion serves as Carl’s other superior on the police force and is a boisterous character who stands out as more bothersome than any previous police captain. Marion’s wife is an exotic dancer, yet he dislikes it when people bring this up, especially Carl. Interestingly enough, Urkel shares a membership in a cheese-tasting club with Captain Savage.

Michelle Thomas As Myra Monkhouse

Date Of Birth: September 23, 1968

• Active Since: 1988

Michelle Thomas kick-started her acting career in 1988, portraying Justin Phillips for eight episodes in the popular series, The Cosby Show. Throughout the ’90s, she was frequently seen in shows like Thea, Duckman, and Malcolm & Eddie, often in minor roles. A significant role on television came when she played Callie Rogers on The Young and the Restless. Her film debut, titled Unbowed, where she played Anna, was released after her death. Tragically, Michelle Thomas passed away on December 23, 1998, at the age of 30, following a rare form of stomach cancer known as intra-abdominal desmoplastic small-round-cell tumor. This information was reported by Jet magazine.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character: Michelle Thomas portrayed Myra Monkhouse on “Family Matters”, joining as a recurring character in season 4, later becoming a main cast member from season 6 onwards. Bubbly and tenacious, Myra developed feelings for Urkel, having a fondness for nerdy men. At first, Urkel maintained distance, but this only made her more determined towards him. However, by season 6, the two had formed a steady relationship, and Myra started to become less anxious. Regrettably, Thomas’ health issues reduced her screen time during the final season of the series.

Barry Jenner As Lieutenant Lou Murtaugh

Date Of Birth: January 14, 1941

• Active Since: 1974

Barry Jenner was a versatile actor, known for his work in both television and film. Some of his movie appearances include “Popcorn” as Lt. Bradley and “The Boost” as Billy. However, it was on television where he truly shone. He began his career on “Somerset” as Tony Cooper #3 before moving onto larger roles such as Jeff Cunningham in “Knots Landing”, Dr. Jerry Kenderson in “Dallas”, and what is arguably his most iconic performance, that of Admiral William Ross on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”. Sadly, Jenner passed away on August 9, 2016 at the age of 75 due to leukemia.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character Profile: Barry Jenner portrayed the role of Lieutenant Murtaugh in the sitcom Family Matters. In the Chicago Police Department, he was one of Carl’s difficult and bothersome superiors. Murtaugh harbored feelings for Rachel (Telma Hopkins) that were not reciprocated and had an unusual bond with Urkel. They frequently enjoyed root beer floats together and confided in each other about their romantic lives. Unfortunately, their friendship ended when Murtaugh won all of Urkel’s money in a poker game. His character was no longer featured after the fourth season.

Naya Rivera As Gwendolyn

Date Of Birth: January 12, 1987

• Active Since: 1991

Naya Rivera’s remarkable acting career is overshadowed by the heartbreaking events surrounding her death on July 8, 2020, at age 33. During a boat ride with her son, she went missing. Her four-year-old was safely found on the boat, and he told authorities that his mother had helped him back onto the boat after swimming, but then vanished. Her body was discovered five days later. Rivera is well known for her roles as Santana Lopez in Glee, Collette Jones in Step Up: High Water, and Vera in At the Devil’s Door.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character: Naya Rivera appeared as Gwendolyn in three episodes of the fourth season of Family Matters. She is the daughter of the Winslow’s neighbor and has a crush on Richie Crawford (played by Bryton McClure). Despite Richie showing no interest, Gwendolyn continues to pursue him for advice on love matters, turning to Urkel for guidance.

Rosetta LeNoire As Estelle “Mother” Winslow

Date Of Birth: August 8, 1911

• Active Since: 1939

Rosetta LeNoire embarked on her stage career as early as 1939; however, it wasn’t until 1957 that she made her debut on-screen, portraying Mary Ellen Bailey in two episodes of Studio One. Later in her TV career, she appeared as Miriam George in Ryan’s Hope, Mama Harper in Gimme a Break!, and Leola Forbes in Amen. In film, she lent her voice to characters in the timeless adult animated movie Fritz the Cat and played Judge R. Woods in Brewster’s Millions. Sadly, LeNoire passed away on March 17, 2002, at the age of 90 due to pneumonia.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character: Rosetta LeNoire portrayed Estelle Winslow, often simply referred to as Mother, and more specifically, Carl’s mother. A shrewd and caring woman, Mother is always mindful of her children and grandchildren. She was the first to take a liking to Urkel, welcoming him into the Winslow family from the moment he visited. She demonstrates a deep understanding of pop culture and youth trends, often being more informed than many individuals much younger than herself. By the end of the series, she ties the knot with Fletcher Thomas. Each actor who passed away from the Family Matters cast leaves behind a legacy that surpasses even the adored show itself.

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2025-04-19 20:40