Jaleel White: Growing Up Urkel | Really? no, Really?

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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?
***
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[@micmaliss]

I did not know Jason Alexander had a podcast? I'm locked in.

[@IarctusI]

Really? no, really?

[@micmaliss]

@@IarctusI Really!!!

[@katiemosley6689]

I didn’t know either, but this is great! Hell yeah

[@daa589]

I did not know that was jaosn Alexander in the thumbnail 😅

[@oledevo]

90% of hollywood are doing podcasts now.

[@markus_with_a_k]

I’m white and grew up as a young kid in the 90s watching, Family Matters, Home Improvement, Boy Meets World, Fresh Prince, Full House, and Cosby Show. I never thought about it as a race thing. Enjoy the shows because they were fun and entertaining with a side of comfort.

[@loboneiner1034]

Same. I never saw it as a race thing. I just watched shows I liked.

[@TheDeathboy900]

Yet you add the fact of being white. Just putting that out there. I never say ' my Chinese friend ' for instance. Also I think that children and Amerikan television programming should not mix

[@Daniel-Strain]

Me too. Loved many all-black shows, all the way back to Good Times. Loved many all white shows, and many mixed shows. People talk about Seinfeld and Friends like it's Aryan TV or something lol. It's just reality. Many families and groups of friends live in similar areas and cultures and just simply don't happen to know many people of other races - not because they don't want to, but because it just didn't come about. I do appreciate the fact that it's good for all kinds of people to see themselves represented in media and I want everyone to be included in society. But the idea that every single show today has to have a checklist of every kind of person on the planet living next to one another and hanging out feels extremely artificial. Sure, it's POSSIBLE that such a group happened to come together, but it breaks immersion when it makes you think about casting choices in the middle of the story.

[@bond77581]

Same

[@kevin_ninja_jones2363]

Exactly we didn't think like that we just watched the good shows that made us laugh and enjoy

[@DougUnfunny]

Seinfeld and Family Matters both Debuted in 1989. July for Seinfeld and September for Family Matters. And both Ended in 1998. The cross over we never got till now.

[@Zanziebar]

It's crazy, I never noticed both Kramer and Urkel were the wacky nextdoor neighbor. they could get Flanders and Wilson, Kimmy, the dad from fifty first dates, Shanaynay, and Roger for a yogi's ark type situation.

[@canaan5337]

God could you imagine Urkel wreaking havoc and asking “did I do that?” Jerry: “ahh that’s a shame”.

[@canadianmike711]

I thought Jason has full hair now

[@sgaidola76]

What a synchronicity!

[@Kravis63]

I’m 41, I was in that demographic that loved both shows.

[@Jon.S]

The guy is so self-aware, just highlights how hard it is for the “other” child-stars who struggle in comparison

[@cfny162]

Black girl here! My whole family watched Seinfeld. I still watch Seinfeld and reference it to this day!! I also still watch and love Jaleel White. I was so excited to see him at 90s Con this year! I almost missed my airport transport cause I couldn't pull myself away from his interview. So good!

[@timcase2494]

As a white dude with two brothers, this show was so big when we were growing up in Canada. We used to call it the Steve Urkel show. The Family Matters family felt like my extended family and i learned so many life lessons from that show. I remember it being in syndication on various channels 4 times a day after school for a period. And then there was the new episode every Friday for the TGIF block of shows. In that context, I couldn't have asked for a better interview about Jaleel White's experience being Urkel and the update on where he is today. Glad he seems to still be doing well. Subscribed.

[@temperedglass1130]

Canada is such a woke inflation ridden hell hole.

[@KairuHakubi]

Imagine being THAT into Sega and then getting to voice Sonic. I love that his mom was hovering around him, she might have donut-blocked him, but.. it's Hollywood. Keep an eye on them.

[@PatDK]

I thought you meant another type of donut before I got to that point lol

[@nogrecords]

​@@PatDK😂

[@kasumiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin]

Jaleel is so great at conversing and telling stories that it literally feels like he's painting pictures in your head...

[@thunderking8925]

Ha ha Sanford and son.

[@samanthasmith4038]

He is such a professional and so savvy with the business and his craft. And I love that he is such a fan of Seinfeld. I absolutely love this. Can't get enough of Jaleel. Thanks for bringing this to us.

[@briansakurada2823]

This was probably the best episode to discover this podcast from.

[@nogrecords]

Agreed

[@MoeSlislack]

This was the best episode so far. I love Jaleels points about parenting.

[@rileygarraway87]

Me too he is a great person great father great everything

[@leatherfacelore]

his parents are the real MVP

[@Ruleof2Review]

Damn. I just LOVE Jaleel. I grew up with Family Matters and I love hearing from him today. He’s got a great grasp on the business that was happening around him when he was just a kid. Helluva guy. So glad he’s seen success in his life.

[@nerdytime]

What's crazy is he loved Sega so much that he became the voice of Sonic

[@realcoachescorner3503]

What a smart individual, to know ones self is important. He a legend and a thinker much blessings to this brother.

[@kanokadafi]

It's so crazy that it all started with wanting a Sega Genesis and he ended up being the definitive voice for Sonic the Hedgehog. loved this episode!

[@bradholbrooks]

George is talking to Urkel… worlds are colliding!!!

[@facelessandnameless]

😂

[@grhmcrckrs9516]

I don't pretend to know what it's like for a black child growing up or even what an accurate depiction of black child need would look like, but what I appreciated about his depiction was that Urkel knew who he was. That's not to say he didn't struggle with wanting to fit in and wishing that he could be cool by socially accepted standards, but I believe that is also what made the character universally loved. His character was unafraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, and allowed the audience to genuinely feel for Urkel. For me, growing up in the same era, I got to watch someone struggle with wanting to be seen, be loved, and ultimately grow into an adult who love themself for who they are so that he could be loved for who he truly is, because you will never be happy being loved as something you aren't. All that is to say, thank you, Jaleel, for sticking with the work you did as this character, regardless of how realistic/unrealistic the portrail might be, because what you gave so many who struggled like your character, because it provided a window into the pitfalls of trying to hard to please others in sacrifice of yourself. It allowed me to take pride in the quirks of my own personality, and allowed me to appreciate the love from those who accepted/loved thise parts of me.

[@JessesAuditorium]

Always had a great respect for Jaleel. Thanks for the interview.

[@kevinwall6497]

Just a few years younger than Jeleel and grew up watching family matters on Friday nights. I loved that show back then and once I got past my 20's I loved Seinfeld even more, so this episode was awesome to me as it brought two of my favorites together!

[@reallynoreallypodcast]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@travp959]

Jaleel white is one of the most amazing actors ever. All the characters especially towards the last seasons

[@roysredneckgarage2956]

Urkle is a historic icon of tv. Funny to think about.

[@rameybutler-hm7nx]

I only know him as the iconic voice of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG!!!!

[@charleyvoos6078]

Great guest. Hearing Jaleel and Jason trade stories about learning they were famous and dealing with it was a treasure. You guys should do longer episodes. Let these interviews breathe a little bit. I'm not saying you need to do Joe Rogan 3 hour shows, but I would have liked another 30 minutes with Jaleel. Food for thought.

[@RussellHolland69]

“Leave them wanting more and you know they'll call you back.” - Bobby Womack

[@Gromble_Sir]

Jaleels coming back to the show?!?!!

[@reallynoreallypodcast]

Thanks for the feedback! We'll keep that in mind.

[@careyjones98]

Dang this was a way better conversation than I expected!!!

[@sdzero]

Jaleel is 💯 correct about the motivation a video game console gave kids back in the 90s. I had just won the lifesavers candy contest that gave away a free copy of Sonic 3. The only issue was I didn't have a Sega Genesis to play it. Back in 1994 the Sega Genesis was nearing the end of it's life cycle, so it was massively reduced to $99.99 and to a kid at that time that was still a gargantuan amount of money. It took me and my brother an entire year to save up for a Sega Genesis that came bundled with Sonic 2. We were determined to get that system. Thankfully, Blockbuster had $0.49 game rentals to tide us over and not go over budget. It was the most amazing feeling buying something so out of reach. Which is a different feeling than getting it as a gift.

[@phillipsmith5013]

Another great episode. Keep it up guy's. Love this show. The only complaint I got is I wish it was longer.

[@Niche.S]

I was really surprised by the analytical approach Jaleel took in creating Urkel. It doesn't seem like that on-screen but that's a testament to his talent and intelligence. Jaleel's pitch with his instincts and mind for story-telli,ng it's a damn near guaranteed success. What are the studios waiting for?

[@osaji922]

A few parallels between Family Matters and Seinfeld. Both started in 1989 and both ran 9 seasons.

[@hbmento8102]

Both also ended in '98, crazy timing

[@cru-mbs3640]

Both were also on TV during that time. These parallels are crazy.

[@DanNewell-r5o]

And that's where the parallels end lol

[@canaan5337]

I liked both shows at the time. Seinfeld is still my favorite show.

[@TRJ2241987]

Not fully true, Seinfeld Chronicles was a one off pilot in 1989 where as Family Matters was already a full fledged spinoff. Seinfeld truly started in 1991. Interestingly Jaleel was in the one off pilot for Saved by the Bell way back in 1987

[@TrvisXXIII]

Love it when Jaleel does interviews, he needs to speak out more because I love to hear him talk

[@RuthOrtega-y4k]

My dad took my brother and I to the Hollywood Christmas parade when I was 9 Jaleel was on that parade. I tell you soooo many kids ran up to his convertible to say hi during the parade and he was so friendly. I was one of those kids. I’ll never forget that I touched his leather glove. Lol. 😍😂 I loved that show!

[@CrazyDlamond]

God I could watch another one of these, this was that good

[@CharlieTWilbury]

Great conversation. I was a few years older than this show but I saw plenty of episodes and I always kind of had the sense that he was a lot smarter than he was playing. It's nice to see I was on to something. It's also nice to see that the apples don't fall far from the tree. Jaleel's dad was clearly a genius as well. Another great, great conversation guys; I loved it!

[@reallynoreallypodcast]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@eltravos99]

I KNEW he used Peewee Herman as a reference. Peewee is so much like his character. And Peewee had a doll they sold and so did Urkel. Both had a "uniform" they would always wear. Dude is a genius.

[@TheNumbasign2]

No . He’s lying. There is an episode of small wonder. Where the daughter EV had a date. The little kid that played her date acted exactly like Urkel.

[@TheNumbasign2]

It was season 1 episode 4 of small wonder. It’s on KZbin.

[@allgoodwoods219]

Great, great interview! And to Jason, my mother loved Seinfeld! She would laugh from a healthy place watching that show! I also loved Seinfeld, so yeah black people watched Seinfeld too! Jaleel very smart and aware! We need him back on TV doing whatever he wants!

[@b.lloydreese2030]

I loved family matters What a great interview, jaleel seems like a great dude and kudos to his parents for raining him right. Would love to see his 90s wonder years and would love to see him and jason collaborate. Great chemistry on this interview

[@anthonyemmm]

80s & 90s were the best decades of television. Miss those days

[@chipdamutt108]

This interview is just gold. I didn't see the show until it was in syndication, but I've seen each one multiple times and watch whenever it's on.

[@Ray-iz4kg]

Man those 40 mins flew by. Great interview

[@reallynoreallypodcast]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@danielleon3758]

growing up in the 90s Costanza and Urkel were two of my favorite characters ever . Thanks for the memories, guys.

[@justinsingleton2113]

I love hearing Jaleel's interviews, he is good at telling a story

[@akashicrecords42]

A great interview. Lots of substance, no slow moments, intriguing questions, and more. One of my favorite podcast episodes.

[@samanthasmith4038]

Jaleel is so smart and amazing it is astounding

[@TREPFLIX]

This was such a great trip down memory lane. The 90’s sitcom era was the greatest. Thank you!

[@reallynoreallypodcast]

Thank you for watching!

[@RaeRaeDaddyOnDaBeat]

Yooooo J Alexander is that guy 💪🏾💯💪🏾💯💪🏾💯💪🏾💯 I love Seinfeld because of you Brother. Fkn hilarious 😆

[@ForPetesake552]

Jason Alexander has a podcast!!!!! I did not know this, subscribed!

[@kevinenriquez4626]

I was waiting for them to call him in to the room, but he was just sitting there 😂😂😂😂 chilling

[@rekorivera3020]

This was awesome! We need more Jaleel white! My mom got a photo with him backstage in the 90’s!Great interview as well!

[@dvalentine8947]

This was a great interview, Jaleel did a great job playing Urkel & one of few who survived being a child star.

[@chaotikcavalier515]

Jason Alexander is a sitcom icon from Seinfeld and watching him with Jaleel who is also an icon was great. They know and they share. Wonderful interview.

[@nittygritty4070]

I had no clue Jason Alexander had a podcast. Instant sub! Jaleel really is one of those rare child actors who remains wholesome and mentally well put together. 👍

[@HoroJoga]

I like how he mentions the Sega Genesis so much, it was really a special thing to him.

[@drewbreezy5854]

Thanks for the laughs. Unlike many shows from around that era, it gets better as the seasons go on and it still holds up today. Fresh prince is another like that and family matters should be looked at as on par with that show. Congrats on filling that role so perfectly.

[@DJjohndabomb12]

Jaleel does the best impersonation of Bruce Lee anyone could ever imagine. I would love to hear more about how he studied and trained to do that, truly talented!!!

[@Pierreandandre]

Wow, this one was really REALLY good. This is what I love about these type of podcasts. To see two ore more actors who played epic characters sit, hangout, and talk about their experiences in this way. For those of us who have been fans for 30+ years, and in my case since childhood, really shows you being regular human beings at the end of the day. Shows individuals like me how real the human side of all this really is. Much appreciated learning of all these behind the scenes and origin stories. Thank you guys for all your hard work. Family Matters was one of my favorite sitcoms as a kid and later Seinfeld when I was an older teen. Two of my most nostalgic favorites. My dad, brothers, and I are ALWAYS quoting Seinfeld characters and we just laugh and laugh. 😄

[@larrynintendo6838]

Thanks for voicing Sonic in TAMS! Absolutely loved that show and pop it in still from time to time!

[@DJ--ALLDAY]

👍🏾I thoroughly enjoyed this fellas, Way back, As a kid from Queens buying comic books in the old neighborhood "Jerry" was from and seeing him during 1st season taping of the show and then watching u guys talk NYC geography, landscape, city living - it was a period in life that made the 80's /90's memorable. Thank u Jason .. I'm subscribed

[@ADarkandStormyNight]

I was literally half way through this before I realized that is Jason Alexander, I had to go back and point at the screen "WAIT A MINUTE! YOU CAN'T FOOL ME!" You win THIS round Jason...this round

[@TightNinja]

If you didn't post this comment I never would have guessed

[@dmoneysb]

I was watching Seinfeld as a kid too

[@the1truking]

The algorithm pulled a winner with this one. Great interview to all!

[@coreybell6297]

Jason playing the Grim Reaper in the 2002 Twilight Zone is hands down one of the greatest performances I've ever seen. Glad to see you in this format aswell.

[@dukeviking]

Wow...that was a wonderful discussion. Jaleel is extremely smart.

[@thebrownfilmshow]

I'm so happy I grew up with Family Matters. He was so magnetic, and I'm glad he looks like a cool guy irl. Great interview.

[@TheRomeerome]

This is why podcasts are so much better than legacy. Smart conversation.

[@Mitch-b3y]

I'd love to see the show that Jaleel pitched at the end, about growing up as Urkel, the auditions, based in the 90's etc. It sounds great!

[@PalmliX]

Loved this, Family Matters and Seinfeld were a big part of my life growing up in the 90's. Could have easily been twice the length!

[@ahmedics82]

Jaleel needs a podcast!

[@QTRBlackGarrett]

I really needed this to be 3 hours long

[@Hiluxtaco]

Fantastic episode, Guys !!

[@stonz42]

Family matters was my favorite show as a kid. I love when Jaleel talks about the 90s culture. I wish the world could go back to those days. It was a great time to be a kid.

[@musek5048]

Those 90s sitcoms were really just what made the 90s great for me. I remember it was our family thing to watch the new episodes every week and talk about it later with friends or other people. It felt like EVERYONE was more connected with each other on common grounds compared to today where everything seems to have it's niche which isnt necessarily a bad thing but it just causes more division amongst people. I have so many great memories as a child thanks to shows like family matters.

[@CoachShellyGiggey]

I loved this interview! I also grew up watching all the same as Markus (comment below me) mentioned. I laughed so hard.. and even cried at times. TV is SO different now. Some shows are still great though. ;)

[@c.o.n.collectingofnostalgi889]

Learning Jaleel White wanted a Sega Genesis ( Mega Drive here in Australia ) and became the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog on the 90's animated show 😊

[@mari-johnbeers3545]

I stumbled upon your podcast a few days ago, wish I knew about you two sooner. Great episode guys!!

[@rajusa-tamilmoviesongsandm5025]

I met Jaleel at a bakery in Boston a month ago. Such a sweet guy.. He posed for a photo with me.. ❤Talented actor deserves more ...

[@mongo19696]

I'm a white 55 year old male. To be perfectly honest, during Family Matters broadcast years I'd watch the show whenever I came across it, but it wasn't something I did religiously. But I was drawn into the show after seeing you Jaleel as an adult in different interviews, especially the Hollywood Medium episode, I wanted to see more of you. I enjoy watching real people who are deeper than their character. Jaleel you've become one hell of a Good Person, the type of it would be a pleasure to know personally. Keep being the person you already are.

[@deadboyzX8]

"Company women" I died😂😂😂

[@GODCONVOYPRIME]

Holy crap Jason Alexander looks awesome he's aged magnificently!

[@Dartanyoogles]

He barely looks any different than he did in the 90s when he is clean shaven!

[@CraigSmith-qq3sr]

Thank you Jason,Peter and Jaleel for this episode, it made my day🤣🤣😂😂😂

[@michaelshepherd733]

Great interview guys......Jaleel is such a cool person. I wish him the best with whatever he does....

[@dralin350]

Amazing interview Right there with Jaleel, I'd love to see him on again. Great talk. Legends ❤

[@DiffuseMoose]

Wow, I could have listened to y'all talk all day. I love hearing this type of genuine insight into the showbiz scene, especially from Jason and Jaleel in this case: two actors who experienced explosive growth and fame for extremely iconic roles. Heck, I would have loved to have heard about other topics, like diving deeper into what was mentioned about seeing other children on the show and in Hollywood deal with the industry, fame, etc. What did they do? How did they cope? How bad, really, was the industry to them? Anyway, great stuff! Subscribed. Thank you for the content!

[@mikehikes3902]

I still think about the Bruce Lee skit with Carl, Mother Winslow flipping the drug dealers to the ground and Steve noticing Laura's "Bazooms". Family Matters will always be a top tier sitcom.

[@garycollins7750]

He was also in the pilot for Good Morning Miss Bliss that became Saved by the Bell.

[@kingjeffishere]

I have to admit, this KZbin recommended vid kept me here the whole time. This was decent, had to subscribe.

[@nickjohansen9038]

Urkel was the second worst thing to happen to me as a child. Instead of being the kid with glasses compared to Dwayne Wayne every kid with glasses was compared to Urkel.

[@Pljbcdddffggcchhghhh]

Love Jaleel White, icon of the 90's

[@TastyJester]

First time this show popped up in my recommendation. Jaleel is an excellent storyteller and truly cares about his craft, could have listened to another hour or two.

[@kevin_ninja_jones2363]

I never missed an episode growing up one of my favorite shows that wasn't cartoons at the time. Urkle was my favorite character i laughed my butt off

[@Kurzweil_Kaczynski]

They showed up in my Facebook reels, and I’ve been spending at least two days looking for it with no context, thinking it was Steve Urkel’s podcast not even realizing he had a real name

[@juan999toys]

Fantastic episodes guys! You must have a return interview!

[@reallynoreallypodcast]

Thanks for the suggestion! We'll keep it in mind.

[@TheDeathboy900]

I was a young adult when Family Matters debut. Classic entertainment. Also not a fan of Jerry, but the supporting cast on Seinfeld kept me coming back for more. (props to the Gary Shandling show)

[@SuperCosmicMutantSquid]

How...how did I not know Jason Alexander had a podcast? And the Jaleel episode was the one suggested to me??? I'M IN.

[@tunahelpa5433]

Jaleel is a nice success story. Full disclosure, i watched Seinfeld on Thursdays, Family Matters on ABC Fridays, andd I was a 40 year old white guy. Characters! Thats the key.

[@gunkanjima3408]

Jaleel turned into a great actor on that show. I just remember those scenes of him consoling Laura or telling her his true sensitive feelings with that cheesy string music in the background. Loved this show

[@dogoftheg]

I didn’t realize that was George Kostanza until he told the black family story. Wow. I tuned in for Jaleel; pleasant overall viewing experience. 👍👍💯

[@arcadeheroes1]

These two legends were the best characters in their respective shows. They are brilliant actors.

[@carminedawg9506]

Great interview . Jaleel seems like a nice dude

[@reallynoreallypodcast]

He really is!

[@sterlingbaltimore1672]

Great interview. Subscribed 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@reallynoreallypodcast]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@mrsteve4313]

A great guy. Liked watching him on Family Matters even though it annoyed me some times in the way his character didn't grow much. I loved his character and how he played it on Psych, those episodes were great!!!

[@longtallzach9]

I’ve been waiting 30yrs for this interview, I just didn’t know it

[@jorje0068]

All the catch phrases are coming back. The nostalgia is overwhelming

[@phillipsmith5013]

Hey I just saw him last night in a Star Wars TV show Skeleton Crew. Episode 2