Jaleel White, the actor beloved for his iconic role as Steve Urkel in Family Matters, recently shared insights into the character’s enduring legacy and the surprising physical toll it took on him. Speaking at 90s Con 2024 in Daytona Beach, Florida, White opened up about the vocal demands of portraying Urkel and his journey to vocal health.
During a panel discussion moderated by actress Kimberly J. Brown, White, now 47, delved into his career, naturally fielding questions about the character that defined a generation. Steve Urkel, central to Family Matters, was instantly recognizable for his unique personality, quirky fashion sense, and, most notably, his distinctive high-pitched, nasal voice. However, White revealed that this signature voice came at a cost, explaining, “speaking in that high, nasal tone actually ‘damaged my voice.'”
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He elaborated on a doctor’s diagnosis: “what happened is during puberty I spoke at the same pitch for extended periods of time. If the pitch had been going all over the place I wouldn’t have damaged it quite as much.” This sustained high pitch, essential to the Steve Urkel persona in Family Matters, led to vocal strain during his formative years.
White described a period around ages 15 and 16 when he felt his voice was weakening. Network concerns about audibility added to his worries. “I would constantly get network notes like, ‘We can’t hear him. Please be more clear.’ It was kind of a scary thing for me to go through,” he admitted. Thankfully, he reassured fans that his voice is now “in remission” and he is currently “fine.”
Despite the challenges, White emphasized that he wouldn’t change his experience. He acknowledged the lack of vocal coaching at the time he developed Urkel’s voice, leaving him unprepared for the potential strain. Today, with the support of vocal coaching and medical professionals, he has learned to manage his vocal health. “It was a great experience and it was a small sacrifice to make for one hell of a legacy,” he stated, highlighting the immense impact of Steve Urkel and Family Matters. The show ran for nine successful seasons, from 1989 to 1998, cementing Urkel as a cultural icon.
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Interestingly, White also touched upon his initial reception by the established Family Matters cast. He revealed previous comments about feeling “not welcomed to the cast at all” when he joined. Originally intended as a guest appearance, Steve Urkel’s overwhelming popularity transformed his role into a series regular, a phenomenon that White himself found surprising.
Reflecting on those early days on Family Matters, White recounted in a 2021 interview, “I didn’t think anything of it being cast to be on Family Matters, because it was supposed to only be a guest spot, one and done.”
However, any past tensions seem to be water under the bridge. At 90s Con 2023, fellow Family Matters cast members Jo Marie Payton, Reginald VelJohnson, and Kellie Shanygne Williams publicly expressed their affection and respect for White, acknowledging any previous difficulties. VelJohnson noted the unique challenge White faced joining an already established ensemble, while Payton affirmed, “I will always love him.”
Looking ahead, fans eager for more behind-the-scenes stories about Family Matters and Jaleel White’s career can anticipate his upcoming book, Growing Up Urkel, scheduled for release this November. This memoir promises a deeper dive into his experiences on set and beyond, offering further insights into the world of Steve Urkel and the beloved sitcom Family Matters.
