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Born Jaleel Burnes White on November 27, 1976, the actor became famous for his portrayal of a young nerd in the 1989 sitcom Family Matters. While the character was only supposed to have a small part in the series, White's unflappable charm and cheeky wit won the hearts of everyone who watched the show. Even though his character sometimes seemed to overshadow White as a person, he continued to try to break out of the role that many had typecast him into.

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Humble Beginnings

Jaleel White was born in Culver City, California and began his acting career at the tender age of three. His first appearances were in commercials, including one for Jell-O pudding pops. His co-star for that particular commercial was none other than Bill Cosby. He also appeared in television series, like The Jeffersons, Charlie and Company, and Good Morning Miss Bliss. His many appearances in these smaller roles allowed him to act alongside many of the most popular actors and actresses of that time, including Candace Cameron, Chad Allen, Jennifer Anniston, and Sherman Hemsley. As he continued to take on more and more roles, his level of experience increased to the point that by the time Family Matters came around, White was definitely ready to shine.

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Family Matters

In 1989, White auditioned for and was cast as the uniquely dressed and ever-so-happy Steve Urkel on the hit television series, Family Matters. The part of young Urkel was never intended to develop into anything other than a bit part. After one show, however, it was apparent that the young man had literally stolen the show. What started out as a single appearance quickly escalated into one of the most popular characters on the show. White's role as Steve Urkel carried through until the show's end in 1998. At the time, he was 22 years old. At the time the show ended, White believed that his character had run its course and was ready to move past the role.

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Beyond Urkel

After Family Matters ended, White was so stereotyped within his role as Steve Urkel, he had major problems trying to find other roles. Even though he enjoyed his time playing Urkel, he had hoped to be able to put the character in his past and move on to more mature roles where he could grow as an actor. That proved to be much more difficult to accomplish. With White's acting career staring much earlier than his role of Steve Urkel, many people don't realize that the young actor was also the original voice for many of the Sonic the Hedgehog character. He also appeared in several series after Family Matters.

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During his time on Family Matters, White graduated from high school and went on to attend UCLA. He received his degree in film and television in 2001 and has used what he learned to continue to build on his list of credits and accomplishments. In addition to doing voice-overs for movies like Our Friend, Martin, he has also continued acting in small parts in numerous television series as well as a few moderately received movies.

Still Going Strong

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Since his graduation from college, White has appeared in many different television series, including Boston Legal, The Game, House, Total Blackout, Dancing With the Stars, and Are We There Yet? He has made several personal appearances on shows like the Celebrity Family Feud, Atlanta, and The Edge and Christian Show That Totally Reeks of Awesomeness. He has also made appearances in several movies including The Call of the Wild, Santa Con, The Wrong Woman, and The Preacher's Son.

White is the proud father of one child. His daughter Samaya was born in 2009. Her mother is White's ex-girlfriend, Bridget Hardy.