Jaleel White Reflects on Challenges Portraying Steve Urkel on ‘Family Matters’

Jaleel White, widely recognized for his portrayal of the iconic character Steve Urkel on the long-running sitcom ‘Family Matters,’ recently recounted some of the challenges he faced during his tenure on the show. White, who starred as the beloved nerd from 1989 until 1998, shared personal insights in his forthcoming memoir, which is set to be released on November 19.

One of the significant points he addressed was the push from network executives to change aspects of Urkel’s appearance, specifically his signature suspenders and tight jeans. According to White, executives suggested adjusting the character’s wardrobe due to concerns about its appropriateness for television. «Let’s get rid of the suspenders. Lower his pants, too,» White recalled being told, with additional comments about the tight jeans causing discomfort.

By the time White reached college age, he described the physical difficulty of maintaining the character’s signature high-pitched voice, noting that it became «physically painful» as his natural voice deepened. Despite these challenges, White continued with the show until its cancellation in 1998.

In his retrospective, White also reflected on his interactions with network executives and fellow cast members, claiming that his rapid rise to fame was challenging for some of his older colleagues. In a 2021 interview with TVOne’s ‘Uncensored,’ he stated, «I was not very well welcomed to the cast at all.» He recounted moments when tension with co-stars such as Reginald VelJohnson and Jo Marie Peyton led to emotional strain.

Following ‘Family Matters,’ White took a step back from the limelight but has since returned to various projects. He married a tech executive in May 2024, and he is a father to a 15-year-old daughter named Samaya.