Growing Up Urkel

By: Jaleel White

Narrated by: Jaleel White

An incisive and insightful celebrity memoir by Jaleel White, one of the most beloved icons of nineties pop culture and TV history, renowned for his portrayal of Steven 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 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 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 peaks, valleys, and plateaus of fame and fortune. Join Jaleel as he invites you to relive the unforgettable ride of nineties 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.

Loved it

It was a beautiful memoir of a person I remember watching on tv throughout my childhood. To hear the back story and behind the scenes as an adult was interesting and inspiring!

Amazing story from an h I nest Hollywood insider!

Loved it! Definitely needs an "Everybody Hates Chris" TV show treatment! Thanks for sharingyout story.

Good Listen

This is an audiobook review

I really enjoyed hearing the story or someone I grew up watching on television. And listening to the ups & downs. Very interesting.

Thank you Urkel/Stephon/Jaleel

Wow, this was an awesome listen!

This is by far one of my top favorite reads. I felt like I was there right alongside Jaleel. What an amazing story. Not only is he supremely talented as an actor; Jaleel reading the memoir was a real treat!

The way his parents raised him traditionally and protected him from a vicious business.

Nothing was disappointing about this autobiography. Well done Jaleel and I’m happy to have memories of your work and being one of my childhood icons.