Jaleel White Reflects on Life as Steve Urkel in New Memoir Growing Up Urkel
Jaleel White, known for his iconic role as Steve Urkel on Family Matters, is opening up about his experiences growing up on set in his forthcoming memoir, Growing Up Urkel. The actor, now 47, was just a teenager when he rose to fame on the beloved sitcom, which aired from 1989 to 1998. In an excerpt published by The Sun, White reflects on the physical and mental challenges he faced during his time on the show, as well as changes made to his character as he grew older.
White explains that by the eighth season, show executives began to make adjustments to his character’s appearance, signaling that he was outgrowing the role. “Let’s get rid of the suspenders. Lower his pants, too. Oh, and… it’s getting a bit uncomfortable watching him in tight jeans. There’s a, uh… bulge,” White recalls being told. He described how he eventually felt like he was “peeling” himself out of his costume “like a banana” as he transitioned into adulthood during his college years.
The actor also shared how playing Urkel affected his voice. Speaking at 90s Con 2024 in Daytona Beach, Florida, on September 15, White revealed that maintaining his character’s signature high-pitched, nasal tone during puberty caused vocal strain. “I spoke to a doctor, and what happened is, during puberty, I spoke at the same pitch for extended periods of time,” he explained. “If the pitch had been going all over the place, I wouldn’t have damaged it quite as much.” White described the experience as frightening, especially as a teenager who felt he was “really losing” his voice due to constant feedback from producers. Fortunately, his vocal issues are now “in remission,” and he reassured fans that he is doing well.
White’s memoir, Growing Up Urkel, published by Simon & Schuster, hits shelves on Tuesday, November 19, and is available for preorder wherever books are sold.
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