Family Matters’ Jaleel White Just Admitted He Was Asked To Hide His ‘Bulge’ To Make Sure Things Were TGIF Appropriate

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As a devoted fan of Jaleel White’s iconic portrayal of Steve Urkel on Family Matters, I can’t help but be in awe of his journey from childhood stardom to adulthood resilience. His upcoming memoir, Growing Up Urkel, promises to delve into the highs and lows of fame, including the peculiar request to tone down his signature costume due to an unexpected “bulge.

Jaleel White gained prominence for portraying Steve Urkel on the Family Matters TV series. His endearing, quirky character with the distinctive voice, gait, and high-waisted pants held with suspenders stood out among others. However, as he grew older, this former child actor reveals in his memoir that a significant adjustment was necessary. Apparently, he was asked to conceal a certain aspect of himself to ensure that the show remained suitable for Friday night viewing.

In a similar vein to Matthew Perry and Tom Selleck, Jaleel White is opening up about his experiences, particularly during his time on “Family Matters.” Through his upcoming book, “Growing Up Urkel,” White shares the ups and downs of his fame. Notably, while he was in his 20s during the sitcom’s nine-season run, he revealed in his book (as reported by The Sun) that TV executives suggested he alter his signature costume of high-waisted jeans and suspenders because the outline of his lower body was becoming too prominent. In his own words:

“Let’s take off those belt loops, he might want to drop his trousers as well. I have to admit, it’s a bit awkward seeing him in such snug jeans. There seems to be something bulky down there.

Growing pains (not the show) can crop up in any space, including the entertainment industry. Ultimately, one could argue that ridding Steve Urkel of the suspenders was a great way to show the character growing up and expanding his style choices. That was especially present throughout the final season of the show, which featured a subplot about Steve trying to find a new signature look.

The voice actor behind Sonic the Hedgehog expressed feeling akin to a banana being carefully peeled as he emerged from Steve Urkel’s snug jeans. Given the family-friendly nature of Family Matters, it’s not surprising that TV executives had to modify Steve Urkel’s appearance to preserve his on-screen persona while accommodating the changing body of the actor playing him.

More on Family Matters

As a dedicated gamer, I can relate to Jaleel White’s perspective on the revival of “Family Matters.” Here’s my take:

Beyond the physical hurdles of his character in Family Matters, Jaleel White encountered some emotional struggles during his extended stint on the show. To begin with, he had to build rapport with his fellow actors, as he admitted that he initially felt “unwelcome” by the cast when he was initially only brought in as a temporary guest star on the series. Jo Marie Payton even recounted a heated exchange she had with White during filming an episode, and Reginald VelJohnson claimed that White was challenging to work with.

Beyond that point, Jaleel White’s experience of being advised to conceal his “bulge” during his formative years highlights some of the distinctive hurdles young actors encounter when maturing on a prolonged television series, transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Remarkably, despite navigating through such challenging circumstances, White remains an exemplar of a child star brimming with charm at a tender age. It’s hardly surprising that his captivating acting and seamless transformation into the character Steve Urkel kept viewers engrossed in the sitcom throughout its entire run.

You can stream Family Matters using a Max subscription (and don’t expect to see any “bulge”). Also, check out Jaleel White’s Growing Up Urkel, which hits Amazon and bookstores on November 19.

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2024-11-18 21:08