By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo: people.com
Jaleel White’s memoir, “Growing Up Urkel,” shares his life, fame, career, and much more.
White is best known for playing Steve Urkel in the family sitcom ‘Family Matters’ which ran for nine seasons from 1989 to 1998. Family Matters was a big part of ABCs ‘TGIF lineup.
When he was twelve, he audientioned for the role. At first, he was supposed to be just a guest appearance, but his character caught the audience’s attention and changed the show’s landscape.
Urkel became a popular character and a regular series character. He also had his infamous catchphrase, “Did I do that?”
In addition, his character was in love with Laura Winslow, the neighbor next door. Urkel was clumsy and annoying but also academically genius. He cared about the Winslow family and had a good heart overall.
In his exclusive interview with CBS Mornings, White explained why his life started after Family Matters ended.
“Hollywood tends to operate on an ‘I love you as long as I need you basis,’” White said. “You don’t realize it even when you’re a kid or even when you’re an adult, when you’re in a work environment, and people need you, they’re going to treat you one way, and when that show went off the air, I got a chance to see a lot of people’s real opinions of me, and it wasn’t anything that I had done it was just simply we need you less.”
Ever since he was a kid, White had aspirations to direct and produce. Sure enough, White was consistent and creating projects of his own.
White’s memoir is available for purchase. White is the host of the CBS game show Flip Side.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com
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