'Family Matters.' TV's longest-running Black show

Jet, June 2, 1997

There's nothing like clean, old-fashioned family fun.

And the hit TV series, "Family Matters" has been providing such wholesome entertainment for eight seasons and currently is TV's longest-running Black show.

The popular series stars Reginald VelJohnson as Carl Winslow, JoMarie Payton Noble as his wife, Harriette Winslow, and Jaleel White as the nerdy Steve Urkel as well as the suave ladies' man, Stefan Urquelle.

The talented cast also includes Rosetta LeNoire as Mother Winslow, Darius McCrary as Eddie Winslow, Kellie Shanygne Williams as Laura Winslow, Bryton McClure as Richie Crawford, Michelle Thomas as Myra and Orlando Brown as 3J.

Millions of viewers tune in each Friday night to enjoy the ups and downs of the Winslow family.

The show has lasted so long because it is not only funny but it also delivers valuable messages on such issues as family, education, Black pride, respect and the importance of being responsible.

Payton Noble explains, " `Family Matters' has been a solid moral structure from its beginning to this day. I think we are always funny, but we always leave you with something good; a moral message, something that you can take and run with, something that's good."

"Family Matters, premiered in September 1989. The Harriette Winslow character came into existence two years earlier with Payton Noble as the tart-tongued elevator operator of the former series, "Perfect Strangers." Harriette became such a hit with viewers that the producers created "Family Matters" as a spinoff for her to star and cast VelJohnson as her husband, Chicago police officer Carl Winslow.

"Family Matters" centers on the Winslow family household. For years, the Winslows have been tortured by their well-meaning, but extremely nerdy neighbor Steve Urkel. Although Steve has grown up, his unique personality and affinity for gadgets still result in chaos for the Winslow family, especially since he moved into their home.

Harriette and Carl Winslow try to keep their home intact for their popular, college-bound daughter, Laura, and their son, Eddie, who enjoys college life and has perfected the art of flirting with beautiful women.

On one episode, Mother Winslow teaches the children the importance of knowing and appreciating their family background and history. Another popular episode focuses on Harriette Winslow losing her job. "We were on a one-salary income and we all had to pull together," recalls Payton Noble. "We were really dealing with the reality of the situation. If you ain't got no money, life ain't too funny," she jokes. "But you still got to live. You still got to love and have an essence of respect in your daily life."

VelJohnson notes that the show has become a record-setting success because of its emphasis on family ties. "It's a message that family is important, that morality is important and doing the right thing is important," he points out.

VelJohnson adds, "The need for that positive male image and female image is very, very important. Kids come up to me and say `I wish you were my father.' Carl is not a perfect father, but he is an understanding father who listens, and together, they work out the problems."

TV fans also tune in each week because they simply love the characters.

White notes, "I feel really fortunate to be a part of this ensemble...I really enjoy the various characters (Steve Urkel, Stefan Urquelle, Myrtle Urkel, just to name a few). Even though some people think that the Urkel character has gotten too old, I will do it as long as people enjoy watching."

VelJohnson believes "Family Matters," which will air on CBS in the fall, has lasted so long because it appeals to Blacks and Whites. "They believe in what we put out there. It's a human quality that everybody can relate to. It's a universality that transcends all races. Every group of TV watchers come up to us and tell us they so enjoy what we do because we're so real."

And Payton Noble adds, "I think everybody wants to be part of something that is positive and that they can relate to. They've always related to "Family Matters." We aren't intimidating and people appreciate the fact that we are just simple, moral people who try to be good."

VelJohnson sums up the comedy's remarkable appeal which has made it the longest-running Black show on TV at this time.

"It's like if you have a favorite aunt, a favorite uncle, or a favorite cousin who you always want to see, you can tune in every Friday night and watch them and feel safe with them," VelJohnson notes.

He continues, "People have told us that we've been through tragedies, births and weddings with them. We're like an old friend. That's what it is: They trust us. People say `It's so easy to watch you with my grandchildren or sit down and watch with my family' because we're not offensive, we're family."