PERFORMING ARTS

Growing Up Urkel

S. & S. Nov. 2024. 288p. ISBN 9781668068892. $28.99. MEMOIR
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The character of Steve Urkel from the ABC sitcom Family Matters is synonymous with 1990s television, and actor White’s embodiment of the nerdy kid with catchphrases like “Did I do that?” has had a lasting influence ever since he began playing the role at the age of 12. In this memoir, White tells his story with a charming and witty flair for words. He shares many funny, personal stories of growing up as a regular kid on a popular TV show. He remembers selling candy out of his backpack at school before getting cast on Family Matters. White was far luckier and fared better than some of his ’90s contemporaries thanks to his parents, and this makes his memoir a potent antidote to recent memoirs like Jennette McCurdy’s I’m Glad My Mom Died. Still, White is clear-eyed about his challenges in Hollywood while remaining true to himself. White also delves into his career and struggles to be taken seriously as an actor after Family Matters ended in 1998. This memoir will convince readers that there’s much more to White than Urkel’s glasses and suspenders.
VERDICT A candid and surprisingly touching memoir from the actor who created one of television’s most memorable characters.
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