Jaleel White Reveals Playing Steve Urkel Damaged His Voice

Jaleel White, known for his iconic role as Steve Urkel on “Family Matters,” revealed that playing the character caused long-term damage to his voice. Speaking at 90s Con 2024, White explained that maintaining Urkel’s high-pitched, nasal voice throughout puberty strained his vocal cords. Without a vocal coach at the time, White was unprepared for the toll the voice would take.

He recalled a period where he struggled with vocal clarity, often receiving network notes about his performance. White now works with a vocal coach and doctor to manage the effects of the damage. Despite the challenges, White expressed no regrets, calling the experience “a small sacrifice” for the legacy of his beloved character. He portrayed Urkel throughout the show’s nine-season run from 1989 to 1998.

Source: BET