Family Matters Star Jaleel White Reveals That Playing Steve Urkel Left His Voice Damaged For Years

Over the weekend at the 90s Con, actor Jaleel White participated in a panel moderated by actress Kimberly J. Brown , where they discussed his remarkable career and his beloved character from “ Family Matters ,” Steve Urkel.

During the conversation, White revealed that portraying Urkel’s high-pitched, nasal voice had actually caused damage to his own vocal cords. He explained, “I spoke to a doctor, and during puberty, I maintained the same pitch for extended periods. If the pitch had varied, it wouldn’t have caused as much damage,” PEOPLE quotes.

White went on to share that around the ages of 15 or 16, he began to feel the strain on his voice. He recalled receiving network notes like, “We can’t hear him. Be more clear,” which he described as “kind of scary.” However, he noted, “It’s been in remission and I’m fine now.”

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Jaleel White’s career soared primarily due to his role as Steve Urkel on the sitcom “Family Matters.” The show originally aired on ABC from September 22, 1989, to May 17, 1998. White’s portrayal of the quirky, nerdy character became iconic, leading to widespread recognition and a significant fan base. His performance was a crucial factor in the show’s popularity, making it a staple of 90s television. After “Family Matters,” White continued to work in the entertainment industry, taking on various roles in film, television, and voice acting. Nevertheless, he is most famously associated with the character of Urkel.

Now that his voice is “under control,” thanks to the support of a coach and a doctor, White reflects on his journey with gratitude. “I wouldn’t do anything differently. It was a great experience and it was a small sacrifice to make for one hell of a legacy,” he stated.

White is also preparing to share more about his extensive career in his upcoming book, “Growing Up Urkel,” which is set to be released this November.

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