Jo Marie Payton

About

She played Harriette Winslow in the ABC sitcom Family Matters and voiced Suga Mama Proud on the animated series The Proud Family.

Before Fame

She played an acerbic elevator operator in the sitcom Perfect Strangers, and the positive audience response to her encouraged producers to give her a spin-off show.

Trivia

She also appeared on episodes of Desperate Housewives, Small Wonder, and Girlfriends, in addition to hosting the 2005 NAACP Theatre Awards.

Family Life

She was married two times, and had one daughter, Christie, in 1984.

Associated With

Although Family Matters was intended to revolve around her, the Winslow's nerdy neighbor Steve Urker, played by Jaleel White, quickly became the major star.