“Did I do that?” is a phrase made famous by one of the most iconic nerds in television history, Jaleel White, who played Steve Urkel on the ABC sitcom Family Matters. Recently, White shared a surprising revelation about the impact the character had on his voice. During a panel discussion at 90s Con 2024, held in Daytona Beach, Florida, on September 15, White revealed that portraying Urkel’s distinctive high-pitched, nasal voice caused long-term damage to his vocal cords.
According to anews channel, White explained to the audience that the damage he experienced was classified as “in emission,” meaning it affected the way his voice was emitted over time. He assured the audience that, despite this vocal damage, his voice has since healed, and he is fine today.
Urkel’s character started as a minor role in Family Matters but quickly became the show’s centerpiece, thanks to White’s portrayal. What began as a one-off guest appearance transformed into the show’s most recognizable and beloved character. Urkel’s quirky personality, awkward demeanor, and signature catchphrases endeared him to audiences, leading White to carry the show for almost a decade, from 1989 to 1998. The show’s success is largely attributed to White’s performance, though it came at a personal cost to his health.
The high-pitched, nasal quality of Urkel’s voice became one of the character’s most recognizable traits. However, using that voice for extended periods did significant damage to White’s vocal cords. Speaking to the audience at 90s Con, White revealed that he consulted a doctor to understand the issue further. He explained that the damage occurred because he held his voice at the same pitch consistently during puberty, a period when vocal changes are particularly sensitive. Had his voice been fluctuating or changing tones naturally, the damage might not have been as severe.
“I spoke to a doctor, and what happened is during puberty, I spoke at the same pitch for extended periods of time,” White said. “If the pitch had been going all over the place, I wouldn’t have damaged it quite as much.”
Although White did not work with a vocal coach while filming Family Matters, he now relies on one to help manage his voice. Alongside medical guidance, he has been able to regain control of his vocal health. He emphasized to the audience that he has no regrets, stating,
“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.”
Despite the challenges, White remains proud of the work he did on Family Matters. His portrayal of Steve Urkel left an indelible mark on television history and solidified his place as one of the most beloved characters from the ’90s. While the voice may have caused him physical strain, it contributed to a cultural phenomenon that spanned nearly a decade. The character became a symbol of the nerd archetype in popular culture, influencing how similar characters were portrayed in future television shows.
White has previously spoken about the unexpected rise of Urkel’s character. In an interview with TV One’s Uncensored, White disclosed that Urkel wasn’t initially intended to become such a prominent figure on Family Matters. When he was first cast, it was meant to be a single guest appearance. “I didn’t think anything of it, being cast to be on Family Matters, because it was supposed to only be a guest spot, one and done,” White revealed in 2021.
However, audiences fell in love with Urkel, and the character quickly became a regular on the show, evolving far beyond the initial expectations. His nerdy fashion sense, clumsy yet lovable demeanor, and catchphrases became a defining feature of ’90s sitcoms. Over time, Steve Urkel’s popularity outgrew the original premise of Family Matters, and the show itself began revolving around him, showcasing his misadventures and relationships with the Winslow family.
For Jaleel White, the experience of playing Urkel remains one of the most significant parts of his career. While the physical toll it took on his voice was real, he views it as a small price to pay for the legacy the character left behind. Urkel’s influence on pop culture and his contribution to the success of Family Matters continue to be celebrated decades later.
In retrospect, the sacrifices White made, including the damage to his voice, have paid off. The character of Steve Urkel is still remembered fondly by fans around the world, and White’s portrayal remains one of the most beloved in television history. The enduring popularity of the character speaks to the impact White had, despite the challenges he faced while bringing Urkel to life.
