The 90s sitcom Family Matters gave us one of the most iconic characters in television history—Steve Urkel, played by Jaleel White. The nerdy, lovable character captured hearts across America, but behind the scenes, there were rumors of on-set tension, particularly involving Jaleel White and his co-stars. As time passed, many fans have wondered: Does the cast of Family Matters still have unresolved issues with Jaleel White today? In this article, we’ll explore the history of the on-set drama, where things stand now, and what the cast members have said about their relationships with Jaleel White years after the show’s finale.
The Rise of Steve Urkel: A Star is Born
Before diving into the drama, let’s take a moment to recognize just how significant Family Matters was in the 90s. The show began as a spinoff of Perfect Strangers, focusing on the Winslow family. Initially, the show’s premise revolved around the family’s life and their neighborhood. However, it wasn’t until Jaleel White’s portrayal of Steve Urkel, the geeky neighbor with a passion for science and a crush on Laura Winslow, that the series truly skyrocketed in popularity.
Urkel became the breakout character, and the show’s producers leaned into his popularity. Steve Urkel soon became the face of Family Matters, appearing in nearly every episode, which naturally led to a rise in White’s fame.
Behind the Scenes: The Alleged On-Set Tension
While Steve Urkel’s popularity was undeniable, not everyone on the Family Matters set was thrilled about his central role. According to various interviews and behind-the-scenes reports, Jaleel White’s overwhelming presence as Urkel reportedly caused tension among the cast. Some cast members felt that Urkel’s character was taking too much focus away from their own storylines, particularly since the show had originally been centered around the Winslow family.
Jaleel White himself has admitted in several interviews that being the show’s main star put him in a difficult position. In a 2020 interview, White revealed that he often felt isolated on set, especially since he wasn’t given as much creative freedom as he would have liked. He also mentioned that some co-stars didn’t always appreciate the attention his character received.
Did Jaleel White Have Issues with His Co-Stars?
While many of the Family Matters cast members have spoken fondly of their time on the show, there have been reports of friction between Jaleel White and some of his co-stars. One of the most notable reports came from the actress who played Laura Winslow, Kellie Shanygne Williams. In the past, she’s described how, as a young actor, she had her own struggles with the nature of her character’s relationship with Urkel. There were times when the spotlight on Urkel’s infatuation with Laura seemed to overshadow other dynamics on the show.
However, both White and Williams have since addressed their on-screen tension and have expressed mutual respect for each other in more recent interviews. Williams even shared that she and Jaleel White are still close, and that their relationship was never as strained as some might have believed.
The Drama with Reginald VelJohnson (Carl Winslow)
Perhaps the most notable and publicized tension involved Jaleel White and Reginald VelJohnson, who played Carl Winslow, the patriarch of the Winslow family. VelJohnson has been candid in interviews about the pressure he felt as the father figure on the show, especially when Urkel’s character began to take over.
It’s been reported that there were disagreements between White and VelJohnson about the direction of the show. However, both actors have downplayed any significant drama, claiming that while there were creative differences, there was never any lasting animosity. Reginald VelJohnson even admitted that it took some time for him to adjust to the Urkel-centric direction of the show, but ultimately, they came to an understanding.
The Controversy Around Jaleel White’s Salary and Recognition
Another source of tension was Jaleel White’s salary. As Urkel’s character became more popular, Jaleel White reportedly requested a pay raise, feeling that he deserved more for the increased workload. This led to some friction with producers and cast members who believed that he was already getting more attention than others.
At one point, there were also discussions about White’s recognition within the cast. Many felt that he was carrying the show on his shoulders, but some of his co-stars believed that they were not being properly recognized for their contributions. Despite this, White has always spoken highly of the cast, and in interviews, he has acknowledged that the success of the show was a collective effort.
Where Do Jaleel White and the Cast Stand Today?
So, after all these years, do the Family Matters cast members still have issues with Jaleel White? The answer appears to be no. In recent years, several of the show’s stars have spoken publicly about how their relationships have evolved since the show ended.
In interviews, Jaleel White has mentioned that he has reconciled with many of his co-stars, including Reginald VelJohnson, and that their interactions are much more positive today. The cast has reunited for various projects over the years, including interviews and nostalgic events, where it’s clear that the old tensions have subsided.
For instance, in a 2020 reunion interview, White, Williams, and VelJohnson all expressed that they had a newfound appreciation for one another and the show’s legacy. They also dis
Jaleel White’s Reflection on the Show and Its Impact
Jaleel White has been very vocal about his feelings toward Family Matters and his role as Steve Urkel. He has reflected on how much the show changed his life and how he has come to embrace the legacy of Urkel, even though it initially caused him some struggles in terms of typecasting.
White has also expressed gratitude for the opportunities the show gave him and how it helped launch his career. In more recent years, Jaleel White has leaned into his role as a beloved TV character, acknowledging that Urkel will always be a part of who he is, and he has no regrets about the character.
What About the Rest of the Cast?
Other members of the cast, like Jo Marie Payton (who played Harriette Winslow) and Darius McCrary (who played Eddie Winslow), have all commented on their relationships with White in interviews. Payton has spoken highly of White, saying that he was always a professional and that they were like a family. McCrary has also supported White, commenting on their friendship and shared experiences over the years.
While there were certainly some bumps during their time together on Family Matters, it seems that any issues the cast members may have had with Jaleel White have been long resolved.
Conclusion
It’s clear that the drama between Jaleel White and the Family Matters cast was more about creative differences and growing pains rather than personal animosity. As time has passed, any tension has faded, and the cast members have reconciled, acknowledging that their time together on the show was pivotal for each of their careers. Today, it appears that all is well between Jaleel White and his former co-stars, and any issues that arose during the show’s run are nothing but distant memories.
FAQs
1. Did Jaleel White have issues with the Family Matters cast? While there were some tensions during the show’s run, particularly around the character of Urkel becoming the center of the show, Jaleel White and his co-stars have since reconciled.
2. Was there a feud between Jaleel White and Reginald VelJohnson? There were creative differences, but both actors have since publicly stated that there was no lasting animosity between them. They have a respectful relationship today.
3. How did Jaleel White feel about his role as Steve Urkel? Jaleel White has expressed that while the character of Urkel was challenging at times, he ultimately embraced the role and the opportunities it provided him in his career.
4. Are the cast members of Family Matters still friends today? Yes, the cast members of Family Matters have reconciled over the years and have appeared together at reunions and interviews, showing that their relationships are now positive.
5. Why did Jaleel White receive a pay raise request on Family Matters? As the character of Steve Urkel became more popular, Jaleel White felt that his increased workload warranted a higher salary. This led to some tension with the show’s producers.
