Growing Up Urkel
About the Book
Growing Up Urkel
An incisive and insightful celebrity memoir by Jaleel White, one of the most beloved icons of 90s pop culture and TV history, renowned for his portrayal of Steven Urkel on the hit sitcom "Family Matters".
At the tender age of 12, Jaleel White auditioned for the role of Steve Urkel, the socially inept genius, who was in love with his next-door neighbor, Laura.
Though Steven Urkel was intended to be in only one episode, Jaleel’s indelible performance as a child actor catapulted Urkel into the pantheon of American pop culture. But success can cost as much as it pays. After nine years on the popular sitcom "Family Matters", Jaleel is 21, a UCLA undergrad, and adjusting to a world and industry that sees him as the nasally nerd in high water pants, suspenders and coke bottle glasses.
In this wise and witty memoir, GROWING UP URKEL takes you on a memorable journey through peaks, valleys and plateaus of fame and fortune. Join Jaleel as he invites you to relive the unforgettable ride of 90s nostalgia, while uncovering the personal growth behind the iconic suspenders and the lasting impact of his journey as one of America’s favorite sitcom stars.
Growing Up Urkel
- Publication Date: November 11, 2025
- Genres: African American Interest, Autobiography, Memoir, Nonfiction, Television
- Paperback: 336 pages
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster
- ISBN-10: 1668068907
- ISBN-13: 9781668068908