Jaleel White Opens Up About How Steve Urkel’s Iconic Voice Damaged His Vocal Cords

Jaleel White, best known for his role as Steve Urkel in the hit 90s show “Family Matters,” has revealed that playing the iconic character took a toll on his voice. Speaking at 90s Con 2024 in Daytona Beach, Florida, the actor reflected on how altering his voice for the role caused long-term damage to his vocal cords.

White, 47, portrayed Steve Urkel for the show’s nine-season run, from 1989 to 1998, becoming known for the character’s high-pitched, nasal voice. During the panel discussion, White explained that the pitch at which he had to speak for extended periods, particularly during his puberty years, left him with vocal damage. He shared, “If the pitch had been going all over the place, I wouldn’t have damaged it quite as much. It’s been in remission, and I’m fine now.”

White admitted that it was a scary time, as he often received feedback from the network asking for clearer and more audible delivery. He added, “I felt like I was really losing it. I would constantly get notes like, ‘We can’t hear him. Please be more clear.’” The actor revealed that he had no vocal coach at the time, leaving him unprepared to protect his voice.

Now, White works closely with both a vocal coach and a doctor to manage and maintain his vocal health. Although the experience was challenging, White reflected on it positively. He stated, “I wouldn’t do anything differently. It was a great experience, and it was a small sacrifice to make for one hell of a legacy.”

The Toll of Fame on Vocal Health

Jaleel White’s revelation highlights how demanding it can be for actors to maintain character voices, particularly when no proper vocal training is provided. For years, the portrayal of Steve Urkel required White to maintain a specific voice pitch, despite going through puberty, which made it difficult to sustain without consequences. The lack of support or awareness of vocal strain led to issues that persisted well after his time on the show.

Looking Forward

Although his voice suffered long-term damage, White continues to have a successful career and now takes his vocal health more seriously. He manages the effects with a combination of vocal training and medical care, ensuring that his voice stays in good condition for future projects.

In the end, White remains proud of his time as Urkel, recognising the challenges as part of the sacrifice for a role that brought him immense fame and left an indelible mark on TV history.