Saturday, November 03, 2007

Jaleel White

Jaleel Ahmad White is a former child star best known for his role as super-dork Steve Urkel on the 1990s family sitcom, Family Matters.

White has born on November 27, 1976 in Pasadena, California. White started his acting career in TV commercials and guest starring roles on TV shows. At the age of three White appeared in a commercial for Kellogg’s and in other commercials after his preschool teacher persuaded his parents to take him to auditions. During the mid-1980s he had guest starring roles on TV shows such as The Jeffersons, Mr. Belvedere, and in the pilot episode of Good Morning, Miss Bliss. His first recurring TV role was as the son of Flip Wilson and Gladys Knight on the CBS series Charlie and Company.

White hit the big time and became a huge star in 1989, when he was cast as the dorky Steve Urkel on the ABC Friday night sitcom, Family Matters. The Steve Urkel character was the next-door-neighbor of the Winslow family, around whom the show revolved. Steve Urkel was in love with Laura Winslow, the little girl in the Winslow family. White was initially supposed to only appear occasionally on the show as Steve Urkel.

However, during his initial guest appearance, White received a standing ovation for his performance as Steve Urkel and drew approving chants from a group of college fraternity brothers who were in the studio audience. White claims to have created the role by borrowing his dentist father's dental glasses, hiking up his pants, bending his knees, and speaking in a high-pitched geeky tone. He was given a full-time starring role, and soon became the favorite TV character during the run of the series.

Steve Urkel was the Dustin "Screech" Diamond of the black community. However, unlike Screech, the Steve Urkel character was occasionally quite funny and people tuned in to watch his antics. Family Matters was a huge hit in the early 1990s, primarily due to the Urkel character. Urkel would always bug the Carl Winslow, the father and head of the Winslow family, and would often break things or screw something up and then say in a nasally voice, "Did I do that???"

When Family Matters began in 1989, White has a short and skinny kid. However, by the mid-1990s he had grown several inches taller and had gone through puberty. Still wanting to cash in on the Urkel character, the show's producers made White continue to talk in a high-pitched voice and be an annoying nerd even though he was a young man by the mid-1990s.

The last several seasons of Family Matters were horrendous. One of the storylines was that Urkel built a transformation chamber, which allowed him to change from the nerdy Steven Urkel into the hip and suave ladies man, Stefan Urquelle. This was quite possibly the stupidest storyline since the Flintstones added The Great Gazoo, an alien that only Fred Flintstone could see.

By the show's final season, he was commanding $100,000 per episode. Unfortunately for White, he was so tightly defined by his Urkel character that it became hard for him to get other roles after the show's run completed. White did manage to secure a starring role on Grown Ups, a sitcom on the UPN from 1999-2000. However, Grown Ups received terrible ratings and was cancelled after just one season.

White has had to settle for minor roles in movies and TV shows such as Miracle Dogs Too, Who Made the Potatoe Salad?, Dreamgirls, and Boston Legal. Although he did act on the Grown Ups show after Family Matters ended, White has not have any significant roles. He has been forever typecast as Urkel and there probably isn't anything he can do to break out of it.

White is definitely no longer the cute kid he was at the beginning of Family Matters. Like many formerly cute child stars, White grew up to somewhat weird-looking. As an adult, his eyes look sunken and puffy, almost as though someone punched him in the eyes, as shown below:







White was also the subject on an Internet rumor a few years ago. Many people received an e-mail that purported to show White prancing around as a raging homosexual at a party with other gay men. Here are some of the pictures that were being e-mailed across the Internet:





As it turns out, the man in the photos was not Jaleel White. Instead, it was simply an Atlanta hairdresser who had an uncanny resemblance to White. For this and the other reasons discussed above, Jaleel White is without a doubt one washed-up celebrity!

*** UPDATE - July 9, 2010 ***

Jaleel White is being investigated by the police for allegedly beating a woman. Supposedly the woman who was hit is Bridget Hardy, the mother of White's child. According to TMZ, the alleged victim claims White punched her in one of her surgically enhanced breasts while driving along the Pacific Coast Highway two weeks ago, while an infant was riding in the car. The woman also claims that White slapped her when they arrived at home and then pushed her into a toilet so forcefully that it broke the toilet tank.

The composite picture below shows White and Hardy. (White seems to look far older than 33 in the photo below).




*** UPDATE - September 4, 2011 ***

I recently discovered that there are rumors of a gay sex tape involving Jaleel White and former NBA star Anfernee ("Penny") Hardaway. According to the rumor, many NBA players have viewed copies of the gay sex tape. White has denied the rumors and claimed that Penny Hardaway was like a big brother to him. [The audio clip of White's denial is available on this site.]


50 comments:

Anonymous said...

Urkel is the black man's Screech Powers fo' shizzle!!!

Anonymous said...

Urkel is dah man!

Anonymous said...

If I can't get the actual Urkel I might try hooking up with that hairdresser. How I dreamed as a young man to tie Urkel to a chair and slap my dong in his face shouting "Did I do that" at the top of my lungs!

Anonymous said...

Fellow washed up celebrity, Jaimee Foxworth, got canned from 'Family Matters' to make room for the Steve Urkel character. Then she transitioned into porn.

The woman that played Harriet also left because she didn't like how they overemphasized the Urkel character.

They should have just named the show to 'Urkel Matters'.

Anonymous said...

At least he's not a total and complete douchebag like our "friend" Dustin Diamond is.

Anonymous said...

Dear Anom,

Name the place and time, I'll bring the zubaz you bring that ass. I'll have you know I am in no way shape or form a black man, although I have had the pleasure of many black holes and I'm not talking about my bathhouse tour of Calcutta! I look like a more hunky and queer version of Ben Stiller. If that floats your boat then I'm sure I can fit you into my busy schedule.

Anonymous said...

How can I resist - my colon is yours Jewve. As long as you're willing to yell "Did I do that?!" in an Urkel-styleee as I'm giving you a rusty trombone.

Anonymous said...

You people need some serious help.

Movie Fan said...

I deleted the gay vs. straight posts, as they are too far off topic. I added a "free speech" guestbook to this blog where you can discuss off-topic issues: http://washedupcelebrities.blogspot.com/2007/11/washed-up-celebrities-guestbook.html

Anonymous said...

It was awesome when Urkel was still acting like this little geek when he had shot up to 6ft 3in. and was about 190 pounds. He could have scared the shit out of most people if walked up behind them in a parking lot but was still playing Urkel! He could have been doing porn with that build!

Anonymous said...

I can't believe you forgot to mention his unfortunate suicide a couple of years back.

Anonymous said...

Maybe his eyes are so puffy because of all of the times that Carl Winslow gave him a heavy and sweaty pair of Arabian Goggles?

Anonymous said...

Did he do that????

Anonymous said...

Did he do that???

Anonymous said...

most annoying character and show ever...EVER!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm a huge Jaleel White fan, and I watched the entire series of Family Matters as a child. Jaleel grew up fast as a young skinny Steve Urkel to a young adult College bound Steve Urkel. But, when he played other characters such as, Stefan Urquelle his suave, cool alter-ego fans saw the real life Jaleel White. I even imitated his character growing up.

Anonymous said...

to be fair, he's actually not doing to badly, covers basketball for ESPN i think.

Anonymous said...

ok first of all, jaleel did NOT commite suicide...that was a hoax. and another thing jaleel is the best actor/producer/writter EVER!!!! and anyone who thinks difrent is a #@&$$$##$%^@# and they should #%@@#%$^ and #@$$#@!!anyway the point is jaleel white is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LondonOntGuy said...

Urkel ruined the show.

The first few seasons were alright. After he became the main character, the show just went down hill from there.

It 'jumped the shark' so to speak.

Anonymous said...

I think white is a great actor. I think someone should give him a chance in a movie. I don't think he is not that recognizable with out the glasses and those high pant.

You Do said...

got any cheese?

Anonymous said...

Jaleel White is a brilliant physical comedian. I met him once and he was extremely bright and friendly. I would love to see him display his talent and versatilty in adult roles.

Anonymous said...

OMG!!! I was born on the same day as Janeel. November 27. Though he's a LOT older I am STILL a HUGE fan!!! If I ever met him I would burst out in tears!!!

Igor Neigh said...

You didn't give his full name. I have it on good authority that his name is actually Jaleel Lemonjello Shi'Thead Ahmed Dontarrious X. Squa'Na'Shito La-a (the dash don't be silent) White, Jr. III.

A friend of mine met him at a watermelon roast and said he was very nice. He got up in front of the crowd and did his Urkel schtick to much applause, then a bunch of 300+ pound women threw food stamps and Jay-Z CDs at him. He pointed at one and they went off to screw in the back of a lime green '82 Buick with spinning rims and Obama stickers on the doe.

He be def, hatas!

Anonymous said...

Barney, Pebbles, and BamBam could see The Great Gazoo too.

Unknown said...

Hey! Nowhere in the entry - or these comments - is it mentioned that White also spent most of the 90s as the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog, across three different TV cartoon series! (Only one was any good, mostly due to the dark sci-fi-fantasy setting.) I was curious about him a year ago and looked him up on Google, found an interview on some website, and he said that his Sonic gig was quite the moneymaker for him. So maybe that`s why he`s been out of the spotlight - living off his residuals from Family Matters and Sonic cartoons!

(Hey, beats doing porn and Celebrity Boxing!)

Rich said...

Yeah I was just going to post that Jaleel did the voice for Sonic the Hedgehog and some other cartoons as well. I don't think he belongs on this list as he is said to be living a good clean healthy life with plenty of money in the ank from the cartoon and Family matters show. Imo, this enrty shouldbe deleted as he is not some cracked out broke guy out doing a pron. Hell he is probably set for life with the money he made in the past.

Anonymous said...

He created a hell of a character from nowhere. He should continue in comedy and create new characters., Other options: 1. Movie with PeeWee Herman. 2. Porn Urekel movie...It would be short lived, but quickly popular, funny, and very profitable.

Anonymous said...

OMG KURT!

Here's a gem for you! Urkel is accused of beating his baby momma.

Here's the said link:

http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/48672751.html

And here's a little pic to go along with the commentary:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/melissa_ann420/erkel.jpg

Anonymous said...

Someone left this interesting tidbit of information about Jaleel on TMZ:

My cousin, who was pretty ill with a heart condition and Down Syndrome, was crazy about Urkel and Family Matters. The Starlight Foundation paid for and her family to visit the set during the mid to late 1990s. This Jaleel White couldn't be less welcoming, was stanoffisn, giving short answers and refusing at any point to voice his character. after a brief visit, he left with a lot of disappointment. Thank goodness. Reginald VelJohnson came in and entertained everyone with lots of humor and close interaction with my cousin. She died about a year later and her family still recalls this interaction.

I believe how you treat others defines what kind of person you are. And I take some measure of satisfaction that this guy hasn't had much career success since that show.

Anonymous said...

WOW...I never knew Urkel was into white women. I always pictured him being with a fine lookin' sista. Just like Gary Coleman's old lady, this skanky ginger bitch is only trying to sponge off his fame and notoriety. She shit out his nappy headed little love child and now she probably wants to take him to the cleaners. We all know there is no way she hooked up with urkel for his charm and good looks..lol

Anonymous said...

I'd do that!

Anonymous said...

Jaleel may have some sort of thyroid condition. That might explain why his eyes are so puffy.

Anonymous said...

Jaleel is built good as a grown up. I bet he slings long. ;)

Anonymous said...

To say he's a black Dustin Diamond is an insult. Jaleel White could act, and he could act well. He played a nerd perfectly. Dustin Diamond was a horrible actor and was not even remotely funny.

Anonymous said...

Straight to video: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1705773/

BOTR said...

Wants to shatter his image by guest-starring on Breaking Bad:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/08/jaleel-white-on-urkel-breaking-bad-typecasting_n_1192656.html

Aisha said...

Jaleel has not had to "settle" for any roles. He is choosy about his roles for the simple fact that he can be-the man is set for life and doesn't really have to work. Would still love to see him on something else though.

The_Dark_One said...

Steve Urkel RUINED my life! Back when I attended elementary school, not only did kids liken me to Steve, but grown adults, GROWN ASS ADULTS...and it has continued into adulthood. I have not been able to socially interact with other people because of the ENDLESS insults and teases. To this day, I walk down a street and someone calls "Did I do thaaat?" It pisses me off to the point of murder! I cannot get a date. Women look at me and just start laughing in my face. And everyone wants to know WHY I'm so mean and bitter? Because I have to put up with shit like this. If I EVER meet Jaleel White, I will kill him. I will fucking KILL HIM.

D.L.B.'S Mens Lingerie said...

I still love you Jaleel so don't mind these other people.Dwight

D.L.B.'S Mens Lingerie said...

I love you the way you are Jaleel and don't change for anyone but yourself.Dwight blkman988@earthlink.net

BOTR said...

He's on Dancing With The Stars this season.

BOTR said...

Looks like Jaleel is turning into the black Dustin Diamond if this article is any indication:

Exclusive: Jaleel White Gets Into Vicious Fight with Kym Johnson, Mark Ballas

http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/jaleel-white-gets-into-vicious-fight-with-kym-johnson-mark-ballas-201224

Anonymous said...

Fag

Anonymous said...

He's not washed up. He was a guest host on an episode of the view.

Anonymous said...

wow lil penny and urkiel gayed out together guess he couldn't take chasing Laura no more and went for Carl instead lol

Anonymous said...

Has there been a family matters reunion??

Anonymous said...

Hey Urkel I've got a shrine dedicated to you in my bedroom. I have your picture, lube, condoms, and I'm okay with fisting. Since you clearly have alot of time now... I'll be waiting!

Terry McGee said...

Jaleel White was a Compton Crip in his spare time! His gang name was "Annoying MOFO".

Mother Winslow said...

I just saw him on a Lifetime Movie with Winnie Cooper, Aaron Samuels from Mean Girls and Jerry Gergich from Parks and Rec. No joke. It also looks as if Jaleel has a thyroid problem. Bugged out eyes like his are usually indicative of an overactive thyroid. Hopefully his residual checks have afforded him good health insurance so that he can check that out.