Growing Up Urkel

4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars | 55 ratings

Price: 16.4

Last update: 12-22-2024


About this item

An incisive and insightful memoir by one of the most beloved icons of nineties television Jaleel White, the actor who portrayed Steve Urkel on the hit sitcom Family Matters.

At the tender age of twelve, Jaleel White auditioned for the role of Steve Urkel, the socially inept genius, who was in love with his next-door neighbor, Laura.

Though Steve Urkel was intended to be in only one episode, Jaleel’s indelible performance 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 twenty-one, 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 the peaks, valleys, and plateaus of fame and fortune.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Sd King
    5.0 out of 5 stars Boy II Man
    Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2024
    Jaleel White has written an entertaining and instructive book - a book that transcend the typical Hollywood memoir. White celebrates the people who protected, mentored, and encouraged him. He also as critical of himself as he is towards the people he felt used and slighted by.
    One quibble: halfway through the book, White wrote about a producer who had a reputation for firing star actors he felt was "getting too big for their britches." However, it's well-documented the dismissal of the Emmy-winning actress in question was more nuance and controversial. This oversight is unfortunate because the actress' reported fight for fair creative control and compensation in some ways parallel the author's journey.
    Overall, it's a book that is highly recommended.
  • stephanie k.
    3.0 out of 5 stars Was OK
    Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2024
    Overall, if you were a fan of Steve Urkel or Jaleel White in general I think you'll like, not love the book. There was a lot of repetition in there and could have been edited better. I also think some things could have used more attention. You don't find out until close to the end that he has a daughter. I guess he can't talk too much about her for privacy, but I found it unusual there wasn't more talk of her. I do like inside juicy Hollywood gossip and there was some of that as well. Overall an easy & quick read.
  • Jessica T.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting
    Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2024
    I grew up watching Family Matters and still occasionally enjoy a clip here and there so it was really cool to learn the before, during, and after. It was another celebrity memoir that made show business sound like the LAST thing I'd want anything to do with. lol
    And I could appreciate that he included so many embarrassing or humbling moments. I dug the transparency.
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read
    Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2024
    I really enjoyed this book. I was a huge fan of Family Matters in the 90s. Jaleel White has written a very entertaining and insightful book into how the show and character impacted his life. I highly recommend!
  • D. Boykin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Humble man
    Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2024
    Thank you Jaleel A. White for writing a good book growing up in the show biz. Your blessed with wonderful parents Dr. Michael White and Gail White great job on keeping your son on good path. Way to advocate for him when he needed. Jaleel you change the game in positive way. Thank you for Steven Q Urkle and Stefan Urquelle.
  • Uchihajdog
    5.0 out of 5 stars A good buy
    Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2024
    This was a gift for my wife and she liked it but if your only looking for his times on family matters then it is limited in that regard. Still worth the price.
  • Keke
    3.0 out of 5 stars Huge Fan but..
    Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2024
    I gave it 3 stars because its too much industry talk. It was easy to glaze over. Even though there are plenty of curse words its still very pg13. Idk why i expected much more tea spilling or personal relationship drama. But it was mostly professional relationship insight. I didnt finish the book.
  • Judson Mitchell
    4.0 out of 5 stars Child actor grows up
    Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2024
    Very interesting. Slightly one-sided

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