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Die Hard's Unlikely Link to Family Matters
6 Aug
Summary
- Family Matters was created for Reginald VelJohnson, not Jo Marie Payton.
- Die Hard's success significantly influenced the sitcom's creation.
- The sitcom aired for nine seasons, from 1989 to 1998.
The popular '90s sitcom "Family Matters" was conceived with actor Reginald VelJohnson in mind, not as a spinoff for "Perfect Strangers" actress Jo Marie Payton, according to co-creator William "Bill" Bickley. He explained that VelJohnson's memorable supporting role in the 1988 film "Die Hard" inspired the creators.
Bickley stated on a recent podcast that the decision was to "do a show for that guy" after VelJohnson's standout performance. "Family Matters," which famously featured the Winslow family and their quirky neighbor Steve Urkel, was developed as a vehicle for VelJohnson.
The sitcom, which centered on a working-class Black family, premiered in 1989 and ran for nine seasons, concluding in 1998. Jo Marie Payton, who played Harriette Winslow, departed the series midway through its final season, with Judyann Elder taking over the role for the remaining episodes.
Payton had previously expressed that she considered leaving "Family Matters" earlier due to personal reasons and a desire to explore other acting opportunities, comparing it to a baker wanting to create more than just cakes.
