Payton has certainly made a name for herself through her memorable role as Harriet Winslow, starting out as a recurring character—the sharp-tongued elevator operator at the newspaper office—on the quirky “buddy” sitcom Perfect Strangers, which aired on ABC from 1987 to 1989. From there, Payton transitioned into a regular role on the hugely popular Family Matters, where she played the long-suffering mom trying to keep things together amidst the over-the-top behavior of her loud husband and that unforgettable neighbor, Steve Urkel. It’s worth noting that Payton held this role until 1997, when the show shifted networks from ABC to CBS, and she ultimately decided to step away.
Interestingly enough, even though her character was originally central to the premise—and arguably the catalyst for the spin-off—Payton’s presence somewhat faded in the spotlight due to the massive popularity of young Jaleel White as Urkel. And truth be told, even before Urkel took over the show, Payton’s on-screen husband, Carl, portrayed by Reginald VelJohnson, was already being given more focus. As time went on, the dynamic between Urkel and Carl became the main attraction whenever the nerdy character shared screen time. So, while Payton brought depth and grounding to the series, her strengths may align more naturally with a supporting role rather than carrying the show as a lead. Still, despite these shifts in focus, Payton has continued working steadily for well over a decade, proving her staying power in the industry.
Well, when it comes to Jo Marie Payton’s most acclaimed work, fans and critics alike often point to The Little Mermaid (2018) as her highest rated movie. Interestingly enough—though it might sound a bit surprising—this same title, The Little Mermaid (2018), is also considered her lowest rated film. Yeah, that’s right—Jo Marie Payton seems to have a bit of a polarizing connection with this particular project. While some viewers praise her performance in Jo Marie Payton’s role, others weren’t quite as impressed, leading to mixed reactions overall. So whether you love it or aren’t so fond of it, there’s no denying that The Little Mermaid (2018) stands out in Jo Marie Payton’s career for both the highs and the lows.