What Happened to Harriet on Family Matters? Why Did They Replace Harriet on Family Matters?
by Swetha P
Updated May 24, 2023
Who is Harriette From Family Matters?
Harriette Winslow, portrayed by Jo Marie Payton, is a beloved fictional character from the renowned American sitcom, Family Matters. In the show, Harriette shines as the devoted wife of Carl Winslow and the nurturing mother of Eddie, Laura, and Judy. Her character embodies strength, independence, and unwavering support for her family. Harriette's endearing qualities extend beyond her role as a wife and mother, as she consistently strives.
Originally introduced as a recurring character on the sitcom Perfect Strangers, Harriette served as the elevator operator in the building where her cousins Larry and Balki worked. However, when Family Matters emerged as a spin-off from Perfect Strangers, Harriette transitioned into one of the central characters, captivating audiences with her captivating presence.
Harriette's popularity stems from her quick wit, infectious sense of humor, and profound love for her family. Her character serves as a beacon of inspiration and guidance for numerous young women, showcasing the strength and determination required to navigate life's challenges. Harriette Winslow's portrayal by Jo Marie Payton has left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers, making her an iconic figure in the realm of television.
What Happened to Harriet on Family Matters?
Harriet Winslow's departure from Family Matters occurred during the middle of the ninth season, portrayed by Jo Marie Payton. Several factors contributed to her decision to leave the show. Firstly, Payton expressed discontent with the show's direction, feeling that it overly emphasized the character of Steve Urkel while neglecting the development of other characters, including Harriet herself. This creative dissatisfaction played a significant role in her departure.
Additionally, Payton received an enticing opportunity to star in a new sitcom titled The Hughleys. This presented an exciting career prospect for her, prompting her to explore new professional avenues outside of Family Matters. Simultaneously, Payton was also expecting her second child, which further motivated her to prioritize spending quality time with her growing family.
These combined factors led to Jo Marie Payton's departure from Family Matters. Despite her exit, Harriet Winslow remains an integral part of the show's earlier seasons, where her strong and loving presence left a lasting impact on viewers.
Why Did They Replace Harriet on Family Matters?
The decision to change the character of Harriet on Family Matters was prompted by Jo Marie Payton's departure from the show. Payton's exit had a significant impact on the series, as she was highly popular among fans, and her absence was keenly felt. Despite the show's continuation for two more seasons, it failed to recapture the same level of popularity it had enjoyed with Payton as Harriet.
In 2017, Payton disclosed that her departure from Family Matters was influenced by a salary dispute. She revealed that she was offered a reduced salary, a proposition she declined. As a result, the show's producers opted to write her character out of the series.
Although fans were disappointed by Payton's departure, she went on to achieve success in both television and film. She starred in various sitcoms, notably The Hughleys, The Proud Family, and House of Payne. Additionally, Payton showcased her acting talent in films such as The Color Purple and The Women of Brewster Place, further establishing her versatile career beyond Family Matters.
Family Matters
Family Matters is an iconic American television sitcom that originally aired on ABC from September 22, 1989, to May 9, 1997. It later moved to CBS and continued airing from September 19, 1997, to July 17, 1998. Serving as a spin-off of Perfect Strangers, the series revolves around the Winslow family, a middle-class African-American family residing in Chicago, Illinois.
Notably, the show introduced the character of Steve Urkel, portrayed by Jaleel White, initially intended as a one-time appearance but soon becoming the breakout character and eventually the main focus of the series. With a remarkable run spanning nine seasons, Family Matters holds the distinction of being the second-longest-running live-action U.S. sitcom featuring a predominantly African-American cast, surpassed only by The Jeffersons, which aired for 11 seasons.
The show amassed a total of 215 episodes, ranking third among all sitcoms, trailing only Tyler Perry's House of Payne (with 280+ episodes as of 2021) and The Jeffersons (with 253 episodes). Remarkably, Family Matters was the last live-action scripted primetime show from the 1980s to conclude its run, with The Simpsons being the only series from that era to surpass its longevity.
Created by William Bickley and Michael Warren, who also served as executive producers, Family Matters was produced by Miller-Boyett Productions in association with Touchstone Television. The memorable theme song, written by Al Jarreau and performed by Jarreau and James Ingram, further contributed to the show's enduring legacy.
Why Did Harriet Leave Family Matters?
Harriet Winslow is a beloved fictional character from the American sitcom Family Matters, portrayed by Jo Marie Payton. She is the caring mother of Eddie, Laura, and Judy Winslow, as well as the devoted wife of Carl Winslow. Harriet is admired for her unwavering strength, independence, and constant support for her family. Her character extends beyond her immediate household, as she is also a trusted friend and neighbor to those around her.
Harriet's popularity on the show stems from her endearing qualities, including her resilience, humor, and ability to uplift others. Jo Marie Payton's breakthrough came with her portrayal of Harriette Winslow, initially introduced as the elevator operator on the sitcom Perfect Strangers in 1987. Her exceptional performance resonated with audiences, leading to her own spin-off series, Family Matters, in 1989.
Transitioning seamlessly into her role as Harriette Winslow, Payton depicted the life of a mother within a middle-class African-American family residing in Chicago, Illinois. Towards the end of Family Matters' final season, Payton departed from the show, making her last appearance on December 19, 1997.
Reports of increasing tension between her and Jaleel White, the star of the series, surfaced, with their disagreement escalating to the point of physical separation during Payton's second-to-last episode. In the remaining eight episodes, the character of Harriette Winslow was portrayed by Judyann Elder.Despite the transition in actors, Harriet Winslow remains an integral part of Family Matters' legacy, with Jo Marie Payton's portrayal being cherished by fans who admired her warmth and wit throughout the show's run.
What Happened to Harriet on Family Matters - FAQs
Harriet Winslow is a fictional character from the sitcom Family Matters, portrayed by Jo Marie Payton.
Harriet is the mother of Eddie, Laura, and Judy Winslow, and the wife of Carl Winslow. She is known for her strength, independence, and support for her family.
Jo Marie Payton left Family Matters due to increasing tension with co-star Jaleel White and other conflicts during the show's final season.
Judyann Elder played the character of Harriette Winslow for the remaining eight episodes of Family Matters.
Family Matters aired from 1989 to 1998, spanning nine seasons and a total of 215 episodes.