Unnecessary rumors and questions about personal life, sexual preferences, and even death hoaxes are one of the drawbacks of working in the entertainment industry. Reginald VelJohnson, a veteran actor and comedian, experienced the same thing.
VelJohnson, who is most known for his role as Carl Winslow on Family Matters, has been the topic of the town for his sexuality on several occasions. People think he’s gay, and they have reasons to believe that, too.
VelJohnson’s TV Son Supported His Sexuality Confidentiality
An actor’s worth is determined by how well he or she portrays a character, to the point when spectators forget they are seeing them act. The same can be said for VelJohnson. Winslow, his character, is adored by admirers all around the world. Even when an interview has nothing to do with him, people find methods to learn more about the renowned TV dad.
When Darius McCrary, VelJohnson’s TV son, sat down with the Comedy Hype to talk about the show, he was asked if VelJohnson’s sexuality was ever brought up during his tenure on Family Matters.
Without hesitation, the actor stated that he has never understood why people are concerned about someone’s sexuality or personal choices.
Not only that, but McCrary also stated that he is not a fan of the media dictating a person’s portrayal and the audience’s viewpoint.
James Avery and a Rumored Relationship
While VelJohnson was nailing Winslow’s role in Family Matters, Fresh Prince of Bel-Uncle Air’s Phil, James Avery, was winging it as Uncle Phil.
They were also listed as the top three closeted black actors, in addition to being at the pinnacle of their careers. It was primarily because they were reported to be in a secret relationship that they made it to the latter list.
Yes, you read that correctly. Rumors with TV dads Winslow and Philip Banks dating were blazing up back then. And, in 2014, when Winslow’s uncle Phil showed up on the set of Family Matters to surprise him, it added to the flames.
Some speculated that it was a well-kept secret, while others questioned their connection, but neither actor paid attention to the reports and preferred to remain silent.
When Avery married, the rumors ultimately died out.
Sadly, the gifted actor died in 2014 as a result of complications from open-heart surgery.
VelJohnson was a victim of a hoax death.
What could be worse than having your sexuality continuously questioned? A death ruse!
VelJohnson died of a heart attack in February 2017, according to reports. He was reportedly flying from London to Los Angeles when paramedics removed him from the plane and rushed him to a nearby hospital for treatment of his cardiac arrest.
All of it turned out to be a fraud, as the actor is still alive and well. On the 30th anniversary of Family Matters, he spoke to TV One TV on how special the famous sitcom was.
