Did I Do That? A Look Back At Family Matters

Jaleel White Then

Jaleel White landed his most famous role as Steve Urkel at the age of twelve, but it wasn’t his first appearance on screen. He also had a guest role on The Jeffersons in 1984, and was cast on the short-lived CBS sitcom Charlie and Company. After a few other minor film and television roles, he hit the jackpot.

Steve Urkel was originally conceived of as a one-time guest appearance, but the character was so popular with audiences that White was offered a full-time starring role. At the height of the show’s popularity, Urkel had his own breakfast cereal (Urkel-Os) and doll. You won’t believe what he looks like now.