| Steve Urkel | |
|---|---|
| Family Matters character | |
 Jaleel White as Steve Urkel | |
| First appearance | "Rachel's First Date" (1989; only in syndicated episodes), "Laura's First Date" (1989; in first run episodes) |
| Last appearance | "Urkel Saves Santa: The Movie!" (2023) |
| Created by | Thomas L. Miller Robert L. Boyett William Bickley Michael Warren |
| Portrayed by | Jaleel White |
| In-universe information | |
| Full name | Steven Quincy Urkel |
| Alias | Stefan Urquelle |
| Nickname | Urk Man Jerkel (by various school bullies, including Jimmy) Urkie (by 3J) Uncle Steve (by Richie) Stevie or Stevie-kins (by Myra) |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Student, inventor, scientist |
| Family | Herb Urkel (father) Diane "Roberta" Urkel (mother) |
| Relatives | Myrtle May Urkel (cousin) "Big Daddy" Urkel (uncle) Cecil Urkel (uncle) Cornelius Eugene "Original Gangsta Dawg" Urkel (cousin) Hirum Ross "H&R" Urkel (uncle)[1] Julie Urkel (cousin) Oona Urkel (aunt) Omar Urkel (uncle) Ernie Urkel (uncle) Stefan Urquelle (clone, originally alter-ego) Muriel Urkel (aunt) Cleotus Urkel (cousin) Dirk Urkel (uncle) |
Steven Quincy Urkel is a fictional character on the American ABC/CBS sitcom Family Matters, portrayed by Jaleel White.[2] Originally slated for a single appearance, he broke out to be the show's most popular character, gradually becoming its protagonist.[3][4][5][6] Due to the character's off-putting characteristics, a tendency to stir up events, and his role in the show's plotlines, he is considered a nuisance by the original protagonist's family, the Winslows. However, they come to accept him over time.
The character epitomizes a geek or nerd of the era, with large, thick eyeglasses, flood pants held up by suspenders, bad posture, multi-colored cardigan sweaters, saddle shoes, and a high-pitched voice.[7] He professes love for his neighbor Laura Winslow. This love often leads to mishaps that trigger plot points and crises, and is unrequited until the series' end.
Throughout the series, Urkel is central to many of its running gags, primarily property damage and/or personal injury resulting from his inventions going awry or his clumsiness.[8] The character became associated with catchphrases including "I've fallen and I can't get up!", "I don't have to take this. I'm going home.", "Did I do that?", "Whoa, Mama!", and "Look what you did!"
- ^ "Hirum Ross Urkel.MP4".
- ^ Carter, Bill (1997-02-05). "Steve Urkel Is a Hit Notes - Did He Do That? - Review". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-01-23.
- ^ Horowitz, Joy (1991-04-17). "Snookums! Steve Urkel Is a Hit". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-08-20.
- ^ Zoglin, Richard (1998-05-18). "Television: Another Teary Farewell". Time. Archived from the original on January 29, 2011. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
- ^ "Is Uncool Urkel the '90s Answer to the Fonz?". Los Angeles Times. 1991-01-04. Retrieved 2010-08-22.
- ^ "Will the Real Steve Please Stand Up?". Los Angeles Times. 1992-02-04. Retrieved 2010-08-22.
- ^ Bellafante, Ginia (1996-12-09). "Revenge of The Nerd". Time. Archived from the original on September 19, 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
- ^ "Television: Yes, Urkel Still Lives". Time. 1991-04-01. Archived from the original on November 22, 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-21.