Beloved ‘Family Matters’ Star Shocks Fans With Surprise Health Update: ‘Keep Praying For Me’

It’s not everyday that you hear some somewhat alarming news as it relates to stars from the popular, late-90s show “Family Matters.” But that’s exactly what happened recently thanks to social media post from one of the OGs of the cast. Let’s get into what we know.

As you may well remember, the show—which was introduced us all to Steve Urkel and his nerdy-ways with the Winslow family—boasted a slew of comedic actors. Chief among them were Jaleel White (Urkel), Reginald VelJohnson (Carl Winslow, patriarch), Darius McCrary (Eddie Winslow, son), Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow, daughter) and Jo Marie Payton (Harriet Winslow, matriarch).

While not much has been heard about the cast collectively since the show wrapped, most of them have gone on to embark on other shows and ventures. But for Payton, in addition to her continuing to build on her acting career, she’s also had to combat some health challenges that unfortunately left her in dire straits.

In fact, “The Proud Family” star recently opened up about her road to recovery following some sort of medical scare, though she stopped short at naming exactly what the ailment was. However, as evidenced by her latest Facebook post, whatever it was left her in pretty bad shape.

“Two months ago, I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t talk, at the start of this last year. But I’m walking better than I thought I would walk, talking better than I thought I would talk. I’m doing okay. Keep praying for me, I’ll be back,” she said in a video.

This post comes nearly six months from her last one in October 2025 and as such, was met with well wishes and positive words online.

“She does NOT look like what she been through. I’ll pray for her,” wrote one user on X/Twitter.

“I met her on the set of a TV show when I was a teen, and she was incredibly kind, she even sat with us during lunch and everything. Wishing her so much divine healing,” said another.

One other user noted, “Let’s love on our Black legends. You just never know.”

Another social media commentator added, “Prayers up to one of our first black TV moms.”