Jaleel White Gets EMOTIONAL About His Days Playing Urkel... The iconic role of Steve Urkel on Family Matters made Jaleel White a household name, but it wasn't always easy being America's favorite nerd. In this heartfelt and emotional video, Jaleel White opens up about the highs and lows of portraying Urkel, the challenges he faced as a child star, and how the character impacted his life both on and off the screen. Get a rare glimpse into the emotional journey of the actor behind one of TV's most beloved characters as he shares his true feelings about the role that defined his career. This is a mustwatch for fans of Family Matters and anyone curious about the man behind the suspenders.