Jaleel White Discusses Voice Damage from Urkel

Jaleel White, known for his role as Steve Urkel on 'Family Matters', revealed at 90s Con 2024 that his portrayal caused lasting damage to his vocal cords due to the high-pitched tone he maintained during puberty. He disclosed that speaking at the same pitch for extended periods led to vocal strain, although he has since recovered and is now fine. White shared that he often received network notes about clarity during filming, which was concerning for him at the time. Despite the challenges, he expressed no regrets about his iconic role, stating it was a valuable experience and a small sacrifice for a significant legacy. White also mentioned the initial resistance he faced from the cast when his character gained popularity, which caught him off guard. Now, he works with vocal coaches to safeguard his voice and appreciates his journey as an actor.