Actor Reginald VelJohnson made a rare red carpet appearance in Los Angeles on Wednesday for the premiere of his new thriller movie Onslaught.
The 74-year-old actor, best known for playing police officer Carl Winslow in the hit sitcom Family Matters, arrived at the Regal LA Live theater in high spirits. Leaning on a walking cane, VelJohnson showcased a bold and casual fashion style featuring a peach-colored T-shirt printed with a lion image, white trousers, animal-print fur-covered slide-on mules, and a trucker cap.
VelJohnson gained international television fame for his nine-season run on Family Matters from 1989 to 1998, portraying the beloved patriarch and cop Carl Winslow. In addition to his long-running television role, he played LAPD officer Al Powell in the 1988 action classic Die Hard starring Bruce Willis, later making a cameo appearance in the 1990 sequel Die Hard 2.
Red carpet appearance in Los Angeles
His appearance at the Regal LA Live theater marked a public outing for the veteran performer ahead of his new film's theatrical release. The Los Angeles theater venue hosted cast members and filmmakers for the debut screening of the action-packed movie.
VelJohnson smiled broadly for photographers on the red carpet while stepping out for the event on Wednesday evening. Observers noted his distinctive fashion choice, which paired comfortable footwear with eye-catching pattern design.
His ensemble featured a peach lion-graphic T-shirt accompanied by relaxed white trousers. The look was completed by textured animal-print fur mules and a casual trucker hat.
Memories of Die Hard and Bruce Willis
Speaking in an interview with TV Insider published in June, VelJohnson reflected on his career highlights, including his breakout role in Die Hard. In the 1988 blockbuster film, he played a Los Angeles police officer who assists New York City detective John McClane, played by Bruce Willis, when a group of terrorists interrupts a family Christmas celebration inside a skyscraper.
VelJohnson praised Willis, describing him as a wonderful co-star who helped secure his casting in the project. "He was a cool guy. He actually gave me the job," VelJohnson recalled. "He was the one who said, 'I want you to do the job.'" He added that working with Willis was his first experience collaborating with a major movie star, noting that they worked well together and that he enjoyed the experience.
Reflections on Family Matters cast
When asked to select his favorite project from his career, VelJohnson named Family Matters. He expressed warm praise for his former cast members, including Jaleel White, Jo Marie Payton, Kellie Shanygne Williams, Darius McCrary, and the late television icon Rosetta LeNoire.
VelJohnson emphasized how much he enjoyed working alongside his television family, particularly praising his screen children and his on-screen wife Judyann Elder. Elder joined the cast during the final episodes of the ninth season to play Harriet Winslow after Payton departed the series mid-season in 1997. "It was the first time I had a chance to really enjoy what I do. That was the best thing about it," VelJohnson said.
![He said he especially liked 'working with my TV kids and my wife [Judyann Elder].' 'It was the first time I had a chance to really enjoy what I do. That was the best thing about it'](https://i.dailymail.com/1s/2026/08/27/23/110887269-16084765-He_said_he_especially_liked_working_with_my_TV_kids_and_my_wife_-a-25_1787868774717.jpg)
Reflecting on the strong relationships formed during the long production run throughout the 1990s, VelJohnson recalled the close bond among the actors. "They became my family," he said. "I love them, and I miss them too."
Upcoming role in Onslaught thriller
In addition to his sitcom work, VelJohnson has remained active in television and film. He competed on season 33 of Dancing with the Stars in late 2024 and has provided voice acting for animated television series such as Invincible.
His latest project, Onslaught, is an action-packed slasher thriller directed by Adam Wingard. The film stars Adria Arjona, Alex Pereira, Drew Starkey, and VelJohnson. The story follows an army sniper struggling in the desert to protect her young daughter from a rogue squad of genetically engineered super soldiers, forcing her to rely on lethal fighting skills to ensure their survival.
VelJohnson shared details about his character in Onslaught during his TV Insider interview. He described playing a vagrant living in a trailer park who gets caught in the crossfire when a rogue group attempts to seize the park. "I'm firing a gun and fun stuff like that," he remarked about his action scene duties in the movie, which is scheduled to premiere in theaters on September 4.
