Really? no, Really?

Growing Up Urkel – Jaleel White Reveals Family Matters

Dec 3, 2024

42:29

In this episode, actor, producer, author, and screenwriter, Jaleel White, discusses his instant fame playing Steve Urkel and how he dealt with the hostility it caused within his new TV family. He also explains the effect an all-white writing staff had on the all-black cast, and his feelings about Seinfeld and what the sitcom meant to 90’s kids of color. Jaleel also reveals why Family Matters could never exist again, and what happened when a studio boss told him to conceal the man-bulge in an aging Urkel’s pants. Really, no Really!

Jaleel is the winner of 3 NAACP Image Awards and has starred in Big Fat Liar, Sonic the Hedgehog, Grown Ups, and Scooby Doo. Most recently he can be seen on Game Show Network’s “Flip Side” and he will soon be seen on Disney’s, “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew”.

His memoir, “Growing Up Urkel” was released on November 19th of this year.

IN THIS EPISODE:

Jaleel was supposed to play Rudy on the Cosby Show.
The moment he realized this one-off role had become a sensation!
The hostility between Jaleel and his on-set family.
How Jaleel coped with meteoric stardom.
The unlikely reward Jaleel’s dad promised that motivated Jaleel into creating Urkel.
Family Matters’ all white writer’s room and the effect it had on the all-black cast.
Jaleel’s belief on why many child actors were exploited by predators.
Seinfeld and what it meant to 90’s kids of color.
What happened to Jaleel when Family Matters was cancelled.
Wait, Jaleel has a marijuana company?
What is “Just a Minute with Jaleel White”?
The surprising book adaptation Jaleel is fighting to produce.
Google-HEIM: Where did the word “Nerd” come from?