Reginald VelJohnson

Reginald VelJohnson is an actor best known for his warm, authoritative presence in one of television’s most beloved sitcoms. He gained widespread recognition as Carl Winslow, the dedicated Chicago patrol officer and family patriarch on the long-running ABC/TGIF series Family Matters (1989–1998). Portraying the no-nonsense yet deeply caring father to Steve Urkel’s chaotic energy, VelJohnson anchored the show for nine seasons and over 200 episodes, becoming a quintessential TV dad of the 1990s.

Before Family Matters, VelJohnson built early credibility in major films. He appeared as the compassionate police sergeant Al Powell in the blockbuster action classic Die Hard (1988) and reprised the role in Die Hard 2 (1990). His memorable radio conversations with Bruce Willis’s John McClane provided the emotional heart of the first film and helped establish him as a reliable everyman in high-stakes drama.

VelJohnson maintained a steady career in both comedy and drama throughout the 1990s and 2000s, with recurring roles on shows such as The Equalizer, Perfect Strangers, I'm in the Band, and Hart of Dixie. He also lent his distinctive voice to animated series including Disney’s Recess and guest-starred on numerous programs from Will & Grace to It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.