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5 Surprising New Projects That Prove Jo Marie Payton (Harriette Winslow) Is Still TV’s Matriarch

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Few television characters have left an impact as enduring as Harriette Baines Winslow, the sharp-witted, loving, and no-nonsense matriarch from the classic sitcom Family Matters. The woman behind the iconic role, Jo Marie Payton, has maintained a steady, diverse, and often surprising career that continues to flourish well into the 2020s. As of December 2025, Payton is not only celebrating a significant milestone birthday but is also headlining major new projects, proving her status as a beloved screen legend is more secure than ever.

Her recent work, including a high-profile Netflix series and a long-awaited reunion with her former castmates, demonstrates a powerful pivot from nostalgic roles to fresh, contemporary comedy. This article dives into the latest updates, career highlights, and personal life details of the actress who has been a consistent fixture in American television for decades.

Jo Marie Payton: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Jo Marie Payton is an American actress and singer whose career spans musical theater, television, and voice acting. Her legacy is defined by her ability to embody strong, relatable, and deeply human characters.

  • Full Name: Jo Marie Payton (also credited as JoMarie Payton-Noble and Jo Marie Payton-Downs)
  • Date of Birth: August 3, 1950
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 75
  • Birth Place: Albany, Georgia, U.S.
  • Occupation: Actress, Singer, Voice Artist
  • Spouse(s): Marc France (m. 1980; div. 1993), Rodney Noble (m. 1998; div. 2004), Landyen Downs (m. 2007; div. ?)
  • Children: One daughter, Alexandria Payton
  • Early Career: Began her professional career in musical theater and commercials.
  • Breakthrough Role: Harriette Baines-Winslow on Perfect Strangers (1987–1989), which led to the spin-off Family Matters.
  • Most Famous Role: Harriette Baines-Winslow on Family Matters (1989–1997). She departed the series in the final season, with the role recast.
  • Notable Voice Acting: Suga Mama Proud on Disney’s The Proud Family (2001–2005) and the Disney+ revival, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (2022–Present).
  • Other Notable TV/Film: The New Odd Couple, Mann & Wife, and various guest appearances.
  • Net Worth: Estimated to be between $1 million and $4 million, reflecting her long and steady career in television.

The 2025 Comeback: Headlining Tyler Perry’s New Netflix Comedy

One of the most significant and current updates in Jo Marie Payton’s career is her starring role in a major new Tyler Perry series for Netflix. This project marks a substantial return to a lead ensemble role in a high-profile streaming comedy, introducing her to a new generation of viewers.

The Political Comedy: Miss Governor

The series, originally titled She the People, is now known as Miss Governor. It’s a comedy series created, directed, and executive produced by Tyler Perry. Payton stars alongside Terri J. Vaughn, a fellow veteran of television comedy.

The show centers on the character of Lieutenant Governor Antoinette Dunkerson (played by Vaughn), who runs a successful campaign only to find herself working under a deeply sexist and challenging environment. Jo Marie Payton’s role is crucial, and interviews with the cast suggest the series blends sharp political satire with heartfelt family themes, reflecting the strength and resilience of women in power.

Fans of Payton’s work can look forward to the continuation of the story, as Part 2 of Season 1 of Miss Governor is slated for release on Netflix on August 14, 2025. This specific, upcoming release date confirms her ongoing relevance and active participation in top-tier streaming content, cementing her as a key player in the Tyler Perry universe.

From Harriette to Suga Mama: The Power of Her Voice

While most recognize her face from the Winslow household, a significant part of Jo Marie Payton’s topical authority comes from her enduring voice acting career, particularly in the realm of family animation. This work has kept her in the public eye consistently since the early 2000s.

The Beloved Suga Mama

Since 2001, Payton has been the voice of Trudy “Suga Mama” Proud in Disney’s The Proud Family. The character, Penny Proud's feisty and eccentric grandmother, is one of the most recognizable figures in modern animated television. The character is a masterclass in comedic timing and physical humor, showcasing Payton's versatility beyond live-action sitcoms.

The series' 2022 revival on Disney+, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, brought Payton back to the role for a new generation. This ongoing commitment ensures that her voice remains a defining element of contemporary family entertainment, bridging the gap between her 90s sitcom fame and today's streaming landscape.

A Family Reunion and Recent Personal Challenges

Beyond her new Netflix venture and voice work, Jo Marie Payton has recently participated in a nostalgic reunion and has faced a personal legal challenge, both of which have garnered public attention.

The Family Matters Christmas Reunion

In a heartwarming nod to her most famous role, Payton reunited with her onscreen daughter, Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow), for a holiday film titled A Family Matters Christmas. The movie, released in November 2022, was a celebratory event for fans, featuring the two beloved actresses working together again. This project was a testament to the lasting bond between the Family Matters cast and the enduring fan demand for their characters.

Ongoing Premises Liability Lawsuit

In a more personal development, it was recently reported that a premises liability lawsuit was filed on behalf of Jo Marie Payton (referred to as JoMarie Payton-Downs) against a restaurant. The lawsuit stems from an incident where the actress suffered a fall while visiting the establishment with business associates. Her legal team has been working to resolve the claim with the restaurant's insurer for over 18 months. This ongoing case highlights a recent, private challenge in her life, reminding the public that even beloved celebrities face personal difficulties.

Conclusion: The Undeniable Legacy of Jo Marie Payton

Jo Marie Payton’s career is a masterclass in longevity and reinvention. From her foundational role as Harriette Winslow, a character who grounded the chaotic brilliance of Family Matters, to her current work as the hilarious Suga Mama and her exciting new role in Tyler Perry's Miss Governor, she continues to shape the landscape of American comedy. Her ability to transition seamlessly between nostalgic reunions, voice acting, and fresh streaming content proves that her talent is timeless. As she continues to celebrate her 75th year and anticipates the 2025 release of her new Netflix project, Jo Marie Payton remains a powerful, influential, and undeniably relevant figure in the entertainment world.

5 Surprising New Projects That Prove Jo Marie Payton (Harriette Winslow) Is Still TV’s Matriarch
jo marie payton
jo marie payton

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