Jaleel White on owning his legacy as Urkel, growing up a child star and reconnecting with his mom

[@Logic7]

This brother was telling the truth, he was HUGE in the 90s & will forever be ingrained in my generations mind as part of our childhood

[@atomfallen2409]

He even has his own dance and song.remember that episode on the roof?lol good times the 90's

[@speway]

Indeed.

[@Angie2343]

He was the voice of the fastest hedgehog on Mobius, Sonic!

[@MiaEZ]

He did Amazing! Jaleel you made us feel happy and laugh. Thank you 👑💪🏽💜

[@Angie2343]

@@MiaEZ Agreed!

[@ahmad.tillery.1987]

Jaleel White is an amazing actor he's so underrated.

[@robertcampbell9946]

I think they should give him more roles in movies.

[@ahmad.tillery.1987]

Robert Campbell I agree his range as an actor is impressive and he should be in more movies.

[@teddypatrick5768]

What are some projects other than Family Matters that you would recommend?

[@DeeDiamond2981]

He is a writer of scripts He is working behind d sceness

[@robertcampbell9946]

@@teddypatrick5768 something in the comedy area.

[@ThriftDiving]

I am re-watching Family Matters on Hulu for a SECOND time....and I just LOVE the show. It gives me a warm and cozy feeling to put it on while I'm working, where I can listen and glance over and laugh. I used to roll my eyes at my mom who loves to watch old black and white comedies. I just didn't get it. But now I'm following in her footsteps by watching the shows I grew up on that make me feel "homey." Thank you, Jaleel, for a great show that keeps on giving. My 3 boys like to watch it too!

[@MiaEZ]

Same from pilot to last epi going on my 4th time around now. Its clean nostalgic fun and I will keep on watching. Thanks the whole cast of Family Matters

[@equivalentexchangeisalie5726]

Same here! Love that warm, homey nostalgic feeling ☺️

[@moshomaniac1]

I got the whole series on DVD. Family Matters was such a great show. It had heart, charm, and was actually funny, something that so many modern shows like.

[@jus_will4191]

Yeah it does gives a a since of family love the nineties was a since of love and comfort. I watch the show everyday it never gets old

[@devinbrown1169]

Believe girl I do the same thing.lol I couldn't understand why my mom look at the show else but now I do and Sense I lost my mom I look at some of show she watch like

[@jourdanwashington630]

Much respect to Jaleel very intelligent brother.

[@kenndirtyyhitzfromdavault2036]

Jourdan Washington kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3bJlWidr75rg5o

[@jourdanwashington630]

@SceneMissingFilms bro stfu

[@susansusan138]

Yea he is

[@JeneeyO]

This was fun. All of our kids love family matters including our 10&7 year old! That show was iconic.

[@GatorGirl04]

Great interview!!! Jaleel's a legend and criminally unappreciated. I LOVE that he calls Family Matters "property" that reflects OWNERSHIP which he has a producer's size residual. He's just a humble guy burdened yet not bitter about his indelible mark on TV history. He's awesome! Thanks for posting!!

[@RandaWise]

Did you ever watch his Sitcom Grown Ups and a movie 5th of July? It's really good

[@cr1ticl_th1nk3r8]

This guy is freaking awesome. So down to earth. So reapectful. Obvious that he was raised by a GOOD, SOLID family dynamic. No scandals, always humble. A true legend. Good job Jaleel's parents!

[@RamsonOpoku]

i MISS THE 90'S MAN.. aWESOME TIME PERIOD

[@omegawicked1]

Yessir it makes me smile

[@therealmckoy8135]

20's will revamp us for sure. Don't worry !

[@kenrickkahn]

I miss the 1890s too.. Great decade..

[@This_Is_Skooba]

@SceneMissingFilms tripping. 90's was a great decade.

[@TayoEXE]

@SceneMissingFilms I was born in the early 90s, but I marathoned this show again just recently not having seen most of the episodes, and I just love the feeling of the decade in these types of shows. The decade had its problems like any other, but don't gatekeep people's preferences or interests. A person can be interested in the decade, or not, which you're very free to express yourself as well.

[@honeynation]

Love him! He's one of my all time favorites from my childhood. He's so funny, articulate, intelligent, and down to earth. ❤❤❤

[@mianaomipost9885]

Jaleel is so amazingly well spoken! He dominated this interview and gave the interviewer more material than he solicited! Love it!

[@rickyj1250]

Whenever it's a minority it's always necessary to point out the fact that they are articulate. Soft racism persists

[@rickyj1250]

@BlackPill Jesus whenever it's a black person... to be more precise

[@smokescreenFromThe6ix]

So because he's a black man, he's supposed to speak in slang??? 🙄

[@maurellwillis6577]

Facts

[@mianaomipost9885]

ricky j Being that I’m Black, I wasn’t even thinking about his race! 🤦🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️🙄🙄🙄 Can I just compliment the man and it not be a whole need for a Civil Rights Movement? The ignorance would be for anyone to assume EVERYTHING is about race! It minimizes the real need to fight where one is necessary.🤨 Let that sink in! PEACE!

[@jameskelly315]

This is not Steve, this is an older Stephan Urquelle... this brotha smooth as hell

[@atomfallen2409]

That's cool

[@Diamond92189]

Yesss lol

[@Angie2343]

He will ALWAYS be Sonic the Hedgehog to me

[@momobobo123]

Sus.

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

Those are characters. His name is Jaleel.

[@nathaniel8328]

Jaleel White is an inspiration he don't let fame or ego get into his head.

[@TayoEXE]

I look at child stars I really liked as a kid, and I'm really sad about the roads many of them took (somewhat understandable considering how easy it is to get a big head being a child star). Amanda Bines, for example, was great in her own show, The Amanda Show, but she's gone down quite a different path now. I was happy to see Drake and Josh have turned out better.

[@Megahustla313rd]

@@TayoEXE yeah, little Megan off Drake & Josh is doing well too, great to see childhood stars doing great things 👍👍

[@bluraynation5188]

@@TayoEXE welp that comment aged like milk

[@jackfrosty4674]

Acts 22:16 - And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

[@RandaWise]

He's cool like Stefan and humble like Steve.

[@moshomaniac1]

I also wanted to add that Family Matters gave me a lot of joy growing up, and I’d like to personally thank him for providing that for me and countless others. Laughter is a great gift.

[@jeansmith7421]

You have grown up to a handsome and intelligent and very mature .I can't believe you are 42 years old.Time is really flying.

[@TranslucentOrigin]

This is how you interview a guest! You ask a question and shut your mouth to allow the guest to talk. I hit the subscription button and I'll share the hell out of this video. Great job!

[@superlex611]

True

[@bvnseven]

Send this to howard stern, he needs it.

[@thesilvershining]

Jaleel put in so SO much work into Family Matters and acted his little heart out like a true pro. I admire him so much, he had a ton on his shoulders carrying an entire show and he's still a well-adjusted adult who is honest and appreciative. Mad respect to him always!

[@ghanasoul]

Jaleel White has the main thing everyone should have: control of himself. He lets the fans put whatever spin they wanna put on his “Urkel” character. That’s only what Urkel was: a character. He’s an actor first, his parents obviously did right by him cuz he’s an intelligent well adjusted adult. Now he’s doin the same thing for his child. That’s a success much more than the TV show, money, fame etc.

[@MisterMoreno10457]

For the last time. Family Matters doesn't need a reboot. We just need a series about his life as a child actor who became urkel and see his Chronicles as he grows up in Hollywood. I wanna see that

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

His whole like does not have to be about Steve Urkel. He is an actor. He can do other things!

[@mariefisher8695]

Jaleel white is so FUNNY and handsome he turned out great and very caring person i still watch family matters till this day i am so glad they were a family on the show and cared about each other Waldo and Edward and steve hilarious people they made us laugh for 9 yrs. I 🥰🥰🥰

[@alexlove31]

On season 4 of Family Matters right now - totally crushing. Miss the 90’s ❤️❤️

[@ijg8343]

Steve urkel was my childhood, last of the normal black shows with simple ,positive messages expressed to all races.

[@jbuggggg]

one of the coolest celeb/interviewer sessions I have ever seen. Jaleel as urkel especially is one of the greatest actors of all time. just nailed every scene from bruce lee to the hurt and rejection he got from the winslows. i'm sitting here watching the reruns just going "dam dude nails it over and over again"

[@kenndirtyyhitzfromdavault2036]

randy g kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3bJlWidr75rg5o

[@davideberhardt6150]

Love your interviews! It's so great to see someone actually talking to the person rather than just the image of the person media created. Brilliant! Also: White appears to be a well-spoken, appreciative guy. He knows who he is and how he is perceived. Great to see the real human behind the famous character.

[@kenndirtyyhitzfromdavault2036]

David Eberhardt kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3bJlWidr75rg5o

[@FiFwonder]

This was such a great interview!

[@helenarose580]

Jaleel white they need to put him in movies n more sitcoms

[@86crazy8ts]

Honestly put this on as background while I'm working. Found myself fully engaged... real glad I listened. Now I have work to do!

[@ijg8343]

Me right now

[@JUNK_ZONE]

Real talk, this interviewer is SO god damn good at what he does.

[@maurellwillis6577]

Right, terrible interviewer!!

[@equivalentexchangeisalie5726]

How so? I found him to be great?

[@BigSplenda1885]

Wrong

[@Partsnotshown]

I remember in 3rd grade telling my neighborhood friend I was going home to watch Steve Urkel and as I was peddling away on my bike I heard him yell “It’s caaaaaaalled Fammmmmilly Maaaaaatters”.

[@moefromdaareashow1123]

Jaleel White is well spoken.. He is very smart an intelligent you cant play a character like Steve Urkel when your young an keep it going . He is a genius an he is right about the whole thing about family matters being a Black Show but it did not matter to us from around the world we can relate to them all with their everyday situations regardless of color . #urkelrules

[@rachellewalters8111]

Family Matters was a BRILLIANT family show, and Jaleel White acted his rear end off at the Steven Urkel character! It's awesome to see actor's that put 200 percent into what they do!

[@DanielBrongers]

Seriously, Jaleel is such a humble and honest man. And Steve Urkel was an amazing character. The rest of the cast also seem to be fond of him as well, judging from the recent reunion. Wasn't much of a Perfect Strangers fan, since I didn't watch that show, but I loved Family Matters back in the day (Knight Rider still remains one of my favorites though). As a person who ACTUALLY knows how it feels to be different as a nerd, Family Matters was very inspiring and - to some extent - educational. I sincerely hope we will get a sequel or continuation show of Family Matters some day.

[@utrocker7]

Great interview! Miss the 90s.

[@lakeshiamcgee3385]

The best TV shows were made in the 70's 80's & 90 's , todays tv shows are pathetic just a lot of reality fake tv.

[@nbadarren]

Bubble Gum McGee Facts!! 💯

[@Diamond92189]

💯💯💯💯

[@shmittyfloors4870]

I watch family matters like every morning, it’s horrible. It was a white written black tv show and it showed.

[@LinkRocks]

Jaleel is a very smart guy. I love how he views the character and understands how fans view it. I'm glad he hasn't cheapened it by overdoing it.

[@scaggly9239]

I get it. He doesn't want to be a life size version of his Urkel doll, where anytime you want to hear any famed Steve Urkel phrase you can just pull his string. He wants to be respected as he is now, a man and a father.

[@thesilvershining]

And as a terrific actor... one of the best child actors in history as a matter of fact.

[@jewel2647]

He is so everything 😍 cool 😎 he got a daughter, what a blessing

[@ericbird4263]

Is the baby mamma Laura from family matters!!!??? Did he finally get Laura to "have his cheese!??"

[@jewel2647]

@SceneMissingFilms in my opinion it is a blessing 😃 💪 How u feel about being born?

[@tonystylz00]

He's a TV legend and not only one of the best comedic actors but actors of our time. Keep pushing Jay W. Salute!

[@michaellarusso933]

It's a total shame that they didn't offered him a role in The Big Bang Theory ..... Imagine that science battle : Sheldon Cooper vs. Steve Urkel

[@florab02]

No kidding that would be wonderful. A good laugh there

[@keemykeem4056]

It's two different audiences. Also two types of humor as well.

[@1Bonvie]

I agree. I loved BB. but I think it would have reached a broader audience with the infusion of an African American as there is diversity amongst college employees. I thought they could have introduced something through Regina King character, Janine Davis, the HR person, then Dept Chair. She could have infused this through giving them a minority intern etc.

[@michaellarusso933]

@@1Bonvie I guess you are a friends fan ;)

[@juliettaphillips2380]

He doesn't want to be urkel anymore that's why they aren't doing the reboot

[@know1652]

Man the show was the greatest ot was dubbed in french here in morocco but still made its impact on us kids of those times

[@patriciacoker471]

Iam in love with jaleel white, hes so handsome. I would really love to meet him. I grew up on family matters. Stefon was jaleel and I fell in love with jaleel since then.

[@merriemelodies7830]

@Patricia Coker Well I hope you are a white female because that seems to be where his interests lie.

[@equivalentexchangeisalie5726]

@@merriemelodies7830 O...k

[@russelljennings4065]

The 90s were the best. I literally am sad daily because I miss those days so much. Shouldn’t let it affect me so much but life was good back then.

[@jefffisher598]

No one's mentioned how he organized and wrapped up the cable

[@Kgoki890]

The character was in my childhood and I’m South African.... i didn’t know it affected him not playing other parts ...cause he did the character so good it stuck with him....

[@berniceseima6083]

Wow Jalleel, your Mom is so beautiful and you can see her personality in her face. Stay blessed🥰

[@savvysue3537]

What a great interview! Thanks.

[@kenndirtyyhitzfromdavault2036]

Savvy Sue kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3bJlWidr75rg5o

[@Bjay1987ful]

I LOVE THIS GUY!!!!!! He speaks with interest and keeps ppl focused!!!!!!

[@COG_In_His_Will]

Good to see Jaleel white well and in his right mind as someone who started in the business as a child. His daughter looks just like him

[@SmartMoneyBro]

Great guy. Very grounded and smart!!

[@diamondstarr4736]

I love his personality so much. Jaleel is a very talented man and has aged well like a nice aged bottle of fine wine

[@patriciacoker471]

Mr. White is so very well spoken hes very articulate. He is handsome and can overtake an interview. He broke it down for the black race.

[@BobbyJOnline]

Sheesh!!! This was a great interview. Jaleel is a smart and intelligent guy. Met him in LA at a Comedy Show. Very down to earth and personable.

[@Sclass_Ent]

Why do ppl keep saying he's so well spoken... What's so suprising

[@frankstudent]

Sclass Entertainment Exactly! How the hell is he supposed to talk?

[@rickyj1250]

It's white people wondering why we all don't speak ebonics

[@lunch7213]

We’re just glad he didn’t end up a train wreck, like Amanda Bynes or the Olsen twins. Damn shame them girls too

[@juliandavis9711]

Probably cause they knew him only as Urkel

[@joymosley8997]

Just like when Rosie O'Donnell ended their interview when he was 20 by complimenting him for being lovely and ARTICULATE! YES LET THAT SINK IN!!!

[@spicyd52]

I see a man full of confidence and love and selfrespect

[@BSBArmy98]

I absolutely loved "Family Matters" as a kid. I loved everything about it. The only thing I wished we would've gotten was Steve and Laura's wedding. But nonetheless, I absolutely loved it. So many amazing memories from my childhood. 💙💜

[@barbaralampkin6946]

This was a great interview with Steve urkel!!! Love it,💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖.

[@MrLonniedy]

I'm not gonna lie this dude the best interviewer I have ever seen hands down dude is intelligent

[@HouseofRedWine]

It's stefan urquelle

[@kel-melprevail8127]

3:46 he sounds Exactly like his mom

[@TheDanimatorsChannel]

Such a cool dude and amazing actor and voice actor

[@batespatric]

This guy has always been a delight

[@1980Isek]

He is so intelligent and well spoken…. His parents did such a great job!

[@Angie2343]

The TRUE voice of Sonic the Hedgehog!

[@brendaphillips6379]

A real intellectual and talented man. He was so funny back in the day! I’m glad he had a successful career and life.

[@francisturner2482]

THEY had nerve being angry at Jelee when he saved that show,it was next on the chopping block intil he appeared on the screen!! An Awesome Actor 👏🏿💪🏿🙏🏿

[@Xuiet100]

Jaleel White...I luv watching you growing up...Enjoy your life. Listen...we all are headed to the same place. Make the world a better place before you leave. And you already have. Luv you. Peace

[@chrislemaster2695]

I watched every episode of Family Matters since the show started, I still watch Family Matters this day.

[@MiaEZ]

Jaleel we love the man you are! A rare sword in this world of playdo heads! Thank you for those years of your life. Love you and yours I'll watch the show bc of you. 💪🏽🌞👑💜

[@TheRealDustinNunn]

The only things that I never liked about Family Matters were the absence of Judy Winslow and the role of Harriette Winslow being recasted.

[@lynntuft3671]

That's life you don't always get what you want, I don't like being short only 4 11'!!!!!! Get tired of people telling me like I DON'T KNOW!!!!

[@baja8072]

I hated that show as well

[@vh9network]

But Harriet's recasting was so far end of the series, it was like part way of the last season when the show had already been bought from ABC to CBS with StepbyStep, CBS in the 90s no one watched, which those shows didn't get renewed beyond 1 season. Now compare to Fresh Prince of Bel Air where they recasted Vivian Banks in the middle of the series after the 3rd season and expected everyone to watch like nothing changed. Fresh Prince of Bel Air just came off odd with 2nd Vivian. She was too soft compared to the Real Aunt Viv.

[@davicool9958]

@lynn- 4 foot 11 is a beautiful height. The general rule of thumb is that the shorter the woman the more feminine/ beautiful she is... Beautiful TALL women are called supermodels and how many supermodels exist in the world. Take it from me and im 6 ft 4in

[@kenndirtyyhitzfromdavault2036]

Dustin Nunn kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3bJlWidr75rg5o

[@handsomeX]

Its a rare condition, this day and age...

[@EMMoney8806]

@stryfetc1 Love and tradition of the grand desiiiiiiign!

[@scaggly9239]

@@EMMoney8806 Some people say, it's even harder to find.....

[@TayoEXE]

@@scaggly9239 Well then there must be some magic clue inside these gentle walls.

[@groovycarrotbandit9958]

“Cause all I see is a tower of dreams”🎶

[@scaggly9239]

@@groovycarrotbandit9958 Real love bursting outta every see-eaam.

[@btoneymmc]

I'm black lol

[@MrGrace]

That was Soo funny 😭😭😭

[@ANT1989]

HE BLAT!

[@chrisdavis2306]

Classic response 🤣👏

[@Kearyjb]

Definitely gonna have to use it some time.

[@chaosbalanced]

Ben Toney lol 😂 nothing like a little troll’n to start your interview

[@kudabeen]

LOVE this interview...been more and more mauling over how incredible Jaleel played his role on the show and how few awards he received for being a brilliant actor as a youth. So incredible how he crafted the mannerisms, physical comedy, voice inflection and depth in a character that was counter to his own existence....SO INCREDIBLE. Probably a top 5 character in TV history and performance...Drama, comedy, dance, messaging, and all compelling TV...brilliant brilliant performer and performance. Underappreciated

[@JazzYaffa]

This was a great interview..Loved Jaleel's energy.

[@Reub3]

Mr. Jaleel White is the kind of actor/celebrity future generations will appreciate and love to hear about. Not these weirdos in hollywood these days.

[@EatWell23QWB]

I love and respect Jaleel White! His intellect and artistry are amazing.

[@St8yaname]

I love and miss the family matters show. It’s always good to hear urkel/Jaleel in 2020.

[@josetrujillo2277]

Can't talk about the 90s without Steve urkle.

[@raresubstance]

I REMEMBER FAMILY MATTERS AS A TRUE LOVE STORY‼️ Love 💕 so much 🎁 💯

[@enasajackson8517]

Cool so GREAT to see U Leel!!! TY for sharing!!! Good to see a little bit of you!!! Honored 🤗

[@Lisa-vi3to]

Omg the hosts reaction to his answer was priceless!! 🤣🤣

[@Partsnotshown]

I literally got goose bumps when he said “Oh my God your my child”..... I can smell the pork chops frying... Corn bubbling on the stove My dads news station blaring... And me and my sis watching family matters

[@josettedessalines6389]

I don't care what anybody say, I used the expression DID I DO THAT, every opportunity that presented it self in my life since hearing it! That is the point of the repeated clip! Thanks for sharing the moments, great job, I love Urkel character.

[@tonysalazardonjuan5285]

Sad Myra passed away

[@DeeDiamond2981]

Yea the cast gets soo sad wen they speak on her.. 😭

[@cocakazethesage]

@Ted Bundy aman put a baby in haa

[@MrLonniedy]

I watch alot of interviews and I promise you this this my favorite right now

[@johnpetty3574]

It'll FOREVER ..... ring in my mind that ..... THEY (producers) MISSED a HUGE opportunity for a URKLE spin off, even a MOVIE, URKLE was HUGE!!! If PEE WEE could get a film ...... need i say more.

[@damaine489]

JOHN PETTY true

[@pedrothegoodtwinlopez92]

That's why he was talking about the racial barrier. They were not doing the wakanda thing in the 90 s. They didnt want that black man making bread Pitt money in 94.

[@gregdorsey3345]

I love Jaleel White, he is such an intelligent man. He was definitely my childhood.

[@reremoore6029]

💯Mr.White you a grown man now I’m happy for you ‼️

[@rickyj1250]

I love how every other comment is about how well spoken he is. If he were white this would not be mentioned even once. The soft racism persists

[@mianaomipost9885]

I wish he would do a Family Matters spin-off and his son is a Steve Jr although he’s Stephan

[@maranathasoon8015]

Hmmm interesting

[@equivalentexchangeisalie5726]

Jaleel said he wouldn't want to do a reboot like that

[@evonza4858]

That's right own it brotha own it and get paid while you are at it🥰❤️🖤💚

[@KidAlmighty30]

very nice interview. Enjoyed it. I wish Jaleel the best, he deserves it. I think He's incredibly talented actor and should be getting a lot of movie roles playing different characters. He created a TV icon in Steve Urkel. that was amazing for a youngster to do that.

[@anthonyclay9694]

Did I do thaaat?😇 Dude, Urcal is an all time, iconic character! A Hall of Famer.

[@DS-br1wn]

I think after years of doing that urkell voice, it took a toll on his voice in the long term. His voice always sounds raspy now days. Very talented guy nonetheless

[@user-bi5fh9mh6e]

Awesome interview

[@kenndirtyyhitzfromdavault2036]

you tube kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3bJlWidr75rg5o

[@lagunacorona]

Family matters is the best thing as sitcoms go....nothing comes close.

[@kennethbonney7638]

How you doin Um black!!!!😂💯👍🏾

[@chrisdavis2306]

Classic response!

[@kennethbonney7638]

@@chrisdavis2306 😂💯

[@Kevinjandro]

He made that damn show seriously family matters I'm meaning.😁✌🏾🤘🏾

[@munimathbypeterfelton6251]

I agree with Jaleel's comparison between the 1960s and the 1990s. The two decades were very reaffirming for humanity and utilized uplifting, inspirational music and media creations filled with conscientious, moral values in their content as the voices for two different generations of young people coming of age in otherwise turbulent times during and before then.

[@carolynbratton7827]

They did not want to give him credit for being star of the show but it was zero without his character.

[@keithjefferson9189]

Very polished and smooth.

[@bensteward1393]

jaleel white the legend

[@kenndirtyyhitzfromdavault2036]

ben steward kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3bJlWidr75rg5o

[@audragray2102]

This was a really good interview 😊