“Family Matters” was one of the most iconic sitcoms of the ’90s, known for its heartwarming episodes and unforgettable characters. While fans remember the characters on screen with fondness, many of the actors behind these roles faced difficult personal struggles, health battles, and, in some cases, tragic losses. As we look at where the cast stands in 2025, some of their stories are filled with both fame and misfortune, highlighting their resilience beyond their on-screen personas. Here are 10 actors from Family Matters who have sadly passed away, each leaving behind a lasting legacy.

Rosetta Lenoir – The matriarch of the Winslow family, Estelle, was played by Rosetta Lenoir. Despite the strength she portrayed on screen, her personal life was full of struggles. As a black actress in early theater, Lenoir endured significant racism. She never married, and diabetes severely impacted her health in later years. She passed away on March 17, 2002, at the age of 90 due to complications from diabetes.



Barry Jenner – Known for his role as Lieutenant Lou Merta in 1990, Jenner’s career never quite reached the heights he desired. Though he found steady work, he struggled with long periods of unemployment, financial difficulties, and a battle with leukemia. He passed away on August 9, 2016, at 75 years old.

Michelle Thomas – Playing the beloved Myra Monkhouse, Michelle Thomas was a talented actress whose life was tragically cut short by a rare and aggressive form of stomach cancer. Despite her promising career and bright future, she passed away at the age of 30 on December 23, 1998, leaving behind a legacy of both joy and heartbreak.

Ellen Albertini Dow – Best known for her role as an elderly woman in Family Matters, Ellen Albertini Dow was a classically trained actress who brought joy to the big screen. Her later years were filled with grief after the passing of her husband, Eugene. She died on May 4, 2015, at the age of 101 after a battle with pneumonia.

Naya Rivera – Naya Rivera, who played Gwendolyn in Family Matters, later rose to stardom as Santana Lopez on Glee. Despite her success, Rivera’s personal life was filled with ups and downs, including struggles with mental health and a tumultuous relationship with her ex-husband. Tragically, she drowned on July 8, 2020, at the age of 33 while trying to save her son from drowning.

Ron Taylor – A successful voice actor, Ron Taylor portrayed Darnell Coleman in Family Matters. His health struggles, particularly with diabetes and heart issues, led to his death from heart failure on January 16, 2002, at the age of 49. Despite his hardships, Taylor was known for his generosity and commitment to his craft.

Sherman Hemsley – Hemsley, who portrayed Captain Savage, was a beloved figure in Hollywood, especially remembered for his role as George Jefferson on The Jeffersons. Though his career provided financial stability, his later years were marred by health problems, including high blood pressure and lung cancer. He passed away on July 24, 2012, at the age of 74.

Fred Willard – Known for his dry wit and memorable roles in Family Matters, Fred Willard’s career spanned decades. He was beloved for his improvisational comedy but faced personal struggles, including grief from the passing of his wife in 2018. Willard died on May 15, 2020, at the age of 86 due to natural causes.

Tom Poston – Tom Poston, famous for his role as Mr. Looney, had a long career in television, though he struggled with personal loss after the death of his first wife. His career as a comedic actor was often limited by his roles as a “bumbling” character. He passed away on April 30, 2007, at 85 years old.

Jamie Foxworth – Foxworth, who played Judy Winslow, faced significant challenges after being written out of the show. Struggling with rejection and financial instability, she later turned to adult films and battled substance abuse. Despite her attempts at a career comeback, she passed away at a young age with a net worth of just $50,000.

While Family Matters continues to be loved by fans, the tragic fates of these talented actors remind us that behind the scenes, their lives were marked by much more than their TV roles. As we reflect on their contributions to the entertainment industry, it’s clear that they will never be forgotten. Their stories of resilience and hardship show just how much of an impact they made on the world, both on and off the screen