Marques Houston says “Sister, Sister” role as Roger hurt his music career and that he was bitter about it [VIDEO]

The singer and actor told Justin LaBoy that being typecast as the nerdy character held him back from Usher-level success

Marques Houston opened up to Justin LaBoy on “Respectfully The Justin LaBoy Show” about how his role as Roger on “Sister, Sister” impacted his music career. The actor and singer rose to fame as a member of the R&B group Immature (later IMx). However, he revealed he walked away from the hit sitcom at age 16 to avoid being permanently typecast.

“I didn’t want to play a nerd on TV,” Houston said. “I was cool and I wanted to be cool.”

The Shade Room clip from the interview, posted today (June 5), has sparked widespread discussion. Houston explained that the character became so beloved that many fans struggled to see him beyond Roger, even as he pursued solo R&B success with hits like “Naked.”

Walking Away From “a Lot of Money”

Marques Houston said leaving “Sister, Sister” was a difficult decision. The show aired from 1994 to 1999, and his character, Roger Evans, was a fan favorite. The catchphrase “Go home, Roger!” became embedded in 1990s Black sitcom culture.

“I actually made a decision to walk away from the show,” he said. “I felt like that was a very big decision for me because I walked away from a lot of money.”

He said he believed staying on the show into his late teens would have made it impossible to have a music career. He compared himself to Jaleel White, who played Urkel on “Family Matters.” White attempted a music career but was never able to escape the character.

“I don’t think Jaleel White could have put out an R&B album and been successful at it because he was Urkel,” Houston said.

Aspiring to Be Usher and Justin Timberlake

As a member of Immature, Houston had hits in the 1990s including “Never Lie” and “Constantly.” He later pursued a solo career with songs like “Naked.” But he said the Roger role made it difficult for audiences to take him seriously as an R&B artist.

“I wanted to be Usher. I wanted to be Justin Timberlake,” he said. Then, he added: “I felt like I had the talent to do that. I felt like ‘Sister, Sister’ and the idea of Roger held me back.”

He described a 10-year period where he was frustrated. From ages 16 to 26, he said, he was trying to branch out as a solo artist while fans continued to reference the character.

“I’m naked in my video and y’all want to still come up to me and say ‘go home Roger,’” he said. “It haunted me.”

He Was Bitter, But Now He’s Grateful

Marques Houston said he was initially angry about the typecasting. He felt the show prevented him from reaching a higher level of success. He acknowledged that he might have had a multiplatinum album if audiences had seen him only as a musician.

But with time, his perspective changed.

“Now looking back, it was such a part of culture,” he said. “I wouldn’t change it because it was a great thing for me. It taught me a lot about the game and about being a professional.”

He said the role gave him longevity and a place in television history. He also noted that “Sister, Sister” continues to be discovered by new generations through streaming.

“As an adult, I like it,” he said. “As a kid, I didn’t.”

The Role of Typecasting in 1990s Entertainment

Houston’s comments highlight a recurring challenge for child and teen actors from the 1990s. Strongly defined characters often made it difficult for performers to transition into other genres. The era’s entertainment industry was less accepting of multi-hyphenate careers than today.

Will Smith successfully transitioned from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” to music and film. But he was the exception, not the rule. Houston pointed out that Smith was able to be himself on his show, not a nerdy character.

“Roger was so specifically nerdy,” Houston said. “That’s what people saw.”

He contrasted his experience with actors who played more neutral or aspirational roles. He said the nature of the character — clumsy, awkward, and comedic — created a perception that was hard to shake.

MH’s Honesty Struck a Chord with Fans

The Shade Room post generated thousands of comments. Many fans agreed with Houston’s assessment. Others argued that he still achieved success in both lanes.

One user wrote: “He’s right. All I saw was Roger. I couldn’t take his music seriously.” Another posted: “He had hits though. ‘Naked’ was everywhere.” A third commented: “The ‘go home Roger’ line followed him for real.”

Some fans praised his willingness to speak candidly about the trade-offs. Others said the role gave him a platform that most artists never get.

“He walked away from a hit show to chase a dream,” one user wrote. “That takes courage.”

Houston did not express regret. He said the role ultimately helped him more than it hurt. But he wanted people to understand the internal conflict he experienced as a young artist trying to be seen as more than a character.

Continued Work in Both Lanes as Actor and Musician

Marques Houston has continued to act and make music. He appeared in films including You Got Served and Fat Albert. In addition, he produced and starred in the sitcom “The Houstons.” He has released multiple solo albums and remained active in entertainment.

Now, he is a father and speaks about fatherhood in the full interview. The Roger conversation was one segment of a longer discussion about his career and personal life.

He said the experience taught him about professionalism and the importance of making decisions for his own career path.

“I don’t think I would have been able to have anything successful outside of Roger if I would have stayed,” he said. “That’s why I left.”

Final Word

Marques Houston’s candid reflection on his “Sister, Sister” role as Roger highlights the complex realities of child stardom and typecasting in the 1990s entertainment industry. While the nerdy character brought him fame and cultural longevity, it also created genuine frustration as he fought to be recognized as a serious R&B artist during his formative years.

Today, Houston speaks with balance and appreciation. He acknowledges the trade-offs but embraces the role’s lasting impact, noting it taught him professionalism and resilience. His journey—from walking away from a lucrative sitcom position to building a multi-decade career in music, film, and television—serves as both inspiration and cautionary tale for young performers navigating fame.

Ultimately, Houston holds no regrets. The “Go Home Roger” legacy remains a cherished part of Black pop culture, even as he continues evolving beyond the character.