Engaging in the entertainment industry often comes with unwanted rumors, probing questions into personal lives, speculations about sexual preferences, and even unfounded death hoaxes. Reginald VelJohnson, a seasoned actor and comedian, has not been immune to such challenges.
Recognized for his portrayal of Carl Winslow in Family Matters, VelJohnson has found himself in the spotlight with persistent rumors about his sexuality, with some speculating about his sexual orientation.
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Quick Facts
| Real name | Reginald VelJohnson |
| Gender | Male |
| Age | 71 |
| Date of birth | August 16, 1952 |
| Birthplace | Queens, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Hometown | Not known |
| Profession | Actor |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches |
| Weight | Not known |
| Interest | Not known |
| Zodiac sign | Leo |
| Marital status | Unmarried |
| University | Not known |
| Parents | Not known |
| Siblings | Not known |
| Wife | None |
| Girlfriend | Not known |
| Children | None |
| Net worth | $5 million |
VelJohnson’s TV Son Supported His Father’s Sexuality Secrecy
An actor’s value is often measured by their ability to convincingly embody a character, allowing viewers to become fully immersed in the performance. This holds true for VelJohnson, whose portrayal of Winslow in Family Matters has earned him a global fan base. Even in interviews unrelated to him, fans seek insights into the beloved TV dad.
During an interview with Comedy Hype, VelJohnson’s on-screen son, Darius McCrary, was questioned about whether VelJohnson’s sexuality had ever been a topic during their time on Family Matters.
McCrary promptly expressed his lack of understanding regarding the public’s preoccupation with personal choices and sexuality.
Furthermore, McCrary voiced his disapproval of media influence in shaping an individual’s portrayal and the perspectives of the audience.
A rumored romance with James Avery
While VelJohnson excelled in portraying Winslow on Family Matters, another actor, James Avery, took on the role of Uncle Phil on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Both actors were not only at the peak of their careers but were also subjects of rumors suggesting they were closeted black actors. These rumors mainly stemmed from speculation about a secret relationship between them.
Surprisingly, there were widespread rumors about TV dads Winslow and Philip Banks being in a relationship. The gossip gained traction in 2014 when Uncle Phil made a surprise appearance on the set of Family Matters, further fueling the speculation.
The rumors subsided when Avery got married, though some considered it an open secret. Despite the debates surrounding their relationship, both actors chose to remain silent and not address the speculations. Unfortunately, Avery, a talented actor, passed away in 2014 due to complications from open-heart surgery.
VelJohnson was a victim of a death ruse.
What could be more distressing than facing persistent questioning about one’s sexuality? A death hoax! In February 2017, reports surfaced claiming that VelJohnson had passed away due to a heart attack.
According to the reports, he was flying from London to Los Angeles when paramedics took him off the plane and rushed him to a nearby hospital for cardiac arrest treatment.
However, it was later confirmed that all of this was a hoax, as the actor is still alive and in good health. On the 30th anniversary of Family Matters, he shared with TV One TV how special the iconic series was.
