Steve Urkel

Steve Urkel (played by Jaleel White) is a character on the 1990s sitcom Family Matters. Highly intelligent, he was (like other television heroes, e.g. Tim Taylor from Home Improvement) also quite accident-prone.

Urkel was socially awkward , but in an endearing way, and his popularity with the fans made him one of America's favorite nerds. After he caused an accident (usually because of his clumsiness or when one of his inventions backfired), he would often remark, "Did I do that?"

He drives a BMW Isetta, enjoys going to polka dances, plays the accordian and his favorite food is cheese. He conducts most of his activiites (scientific experiments and creating inventions) in the basement of his home.

In the 1991 episode "Life of the Party," Urkel creates a dance called "Do the Urkel" to help win friends at school.

On a serious note, Urkel's parents do not seem to love him; frequently, his comments imply that he is a victim of verbal and emotional child (although this has never explicitly been mentioned). In 1995, the elder Urkels move to Russia without informing their son, forcing the Winslows to allow Steve to move in.

In addition to his parents (who were never seen, although "Mrs. Urkel" once was heard off-screen), his family includes Myrtle Urkel (also played by White), who thought of herself as a southern belle; Original Gangster Dawg, another cousin (also played by White); and Aunt Oona (Donna Summer), his shy, socially awkward aunt from Altoona, Iowa.

In 1993, Urkel creates a transformation chamber, which he uses to create his suave, sexy alter ego, Stefan Urquelle (which later became a separate character once Urkel perfected cloning). Urkel later created other characters in the transformation chamber.

All for the love of Laura

Urkel's long-unrequited love interest was Laura Winslow , a popular girl at his high school. He also attracted the affection of Myra Monkhouse , who was very pretty and often had huge crushes for nerds. While Urkel tried his best, he ultimately realized he had no feelings for Myra, especially since he was convinced Laura was his true love.

Eventually, Urkel's patience paid off. In the later seasons, Laura came to appreciate Urkel's company and her feelings softened considerably. During the series' final season (1997-1998), she and Urkel fell in love, with Laura accepting Urkel's marriage proposal.

The ratings bonanza

Urkel was intended as a one-time character on ] (in the 1989 episode, "Laura's First Date," where Carl, Eddie and Estelle separately set up dates for Laura for a Sadie Hawkins dance). White played his part for all it was worth, and the audience immediately loved it. Several "Family Matters" scripts had to be hastily re-written to accomodate the Urkel character (while several first-season episodes that had been completed had new opening gags featuring Urkel). The addition of Urkel immediately helped the show's modest (at best) ratings.

Late in the first season of "Family Matters", White became a regular member of the cast (although he was not featured in the opening credits until season two).

Appearances on other shows=

Jaleel White has played Urkel on several of ABC's sitcoms, most notably:

• "Full House" – In the 1991 episode, "Stephanie Gets Framed," when he helps Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) deal with her anxieties after she has to get glasses.

• "Step by Step" — In the series' second episode, "The Dance," Urkel helps his science-fair pen pal, Al (Christine Lakin ) lift her spirits after her potential date dumps her just before a school dance. White reprises his "Do the Urkel" dance in the scene where Al gives her boyfriend his comeuppance. Note: White also has a short cameo in a 1997 episode.