Who Is Jaleel White? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jaleel White, born on November 27, 1976, is an American actor and voice actor, renowned for his role as Steve Urkel on the popular sitcom "Family Matters." As of 2025, he is 48 years old. His career began at a young age, and he quickly became a household name in the 90s, showcasing his talents not just in live-action television but also as a voice actor in animated series and video games.
| Occupation | Game Show Host |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 27, 1976 |
| Age | 48 Years |
| Birth Place | Culver City, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Jaleel White's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Jaleel White stands approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall and maintains a well-fit physique. His weight fluctuates around 160 lbs (72 kg) and he actively engages in fitness routines to stay healthy. His measurements are an integral part of his charisma, allowing him to adapt to various roles in his acting career.
At the age of 12, White originated his most famous role, Steve Urkel, on Family Matters (1989–1998). The role was initially conceived as a one-time guest appearance, but the character proved to be popular, and White was given a full-time starring role.
He also played several other members of the Urkel family, including his alter ego Stefan Urquelle and Myrtle Urkel. During the height of Family Matters' popularity, the character of Urkel was marketed with breakfast cereal (Urkel-Os) and an Urkel doll.
In addition to starring in the series, White also wrote several episodes, including one, at age 19, that was the series' highest rated for that year. The series was a staple of ABC's TGIF lineup and became one of the longest-running sitcoms with a predominantly black cast in television history.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As for his personal life, Jaleel White has been somewhat private about his relationships. In 2025, he has been linked to a few notable personalities but has not made any public assertions about a steady boyfriend or girlfriend. He shares a daughter, Samaya, born in 2009, from a previous relationship, which he cherishes and frequently highlights in interviews.
His mother later became his manager. White attended John Marshall Fundamental High School in Pasadena, California, and South Pasadena High School, and later graduating from UCLA in 2001. On the advice of his preschool teacher, White began acting as a child. He got his start on TV commercials at age three.
One of White's notable commercial appearances was for Jell-O pudding pops alongside Bill Cosby.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Jaleel White's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. His wealth is attributed to his extensive acting career, voiceover work, and business endeavors. While specific salary details remain undisclosed, it is clear that his longstanding presence in the entertainment industry has afforded him a comfortable lifestyle.
Career, Business and Investments
White gained immense popularity during the run of "Family Matters," which aired from 1989 to 1998. Beyond acting, he has diversified his career into various ventures including producing and directing. In recent years, he has participated in several other projects, such as guest appearances on popular shows and reality television. Notably, he ventured into business, launching a couple of signature food products that showcase his passion for cooking.
Jaleel White has also embraced the digital age, showing his prowess in social media and YouTube content creation, further enhancing his career and brand.
White's first television role was a guest stint on The Jeffersons, in 1984. He later auditioned for the role of Rudy Huxtable on The Cosby Show.
According to White, he was cast in the role (the character was originally intended to be male) but was replaced by Keshia Knight Pulliam when Bill Cosby decided to mirror his television family after his real life family. The following year, he was cast as the son of Flip Wilson and Gladys Knight on the CBS sitcom Charlie and Company.
The series was intended to be CBS' answer to the highly rated Cosby Show which debuted on NBC in 1984. Unlike The Cosby Show, Charlie and Company did not catch on with audiences and was canceled in May 1986. In 1987, he appeared in the pilot episode for Good Morning, Miss Bliss, and had a guest role on Mr. Belvedere.
In 1988, White had a supporting role in Cadets, a sitcom starring Soleil Moon Frye. The pilot episode aired during a preview special on September 25, 1988, on ABC. The series, however, was not picked up by the network. Also during the 1980s, he appeared in a few segments of NBC's One to Grow On.
Social Network
Jaleel White is active on various social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter, where he shares snippets of his life, interacts with fans, and promotes his projects. He has garnered a significant following, allowing him to maintain a strong connection with his audience and stay relevant in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
Education
White graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a degree in Film and Television. His education played a crucial role in shaping his career, providing essential skills that he has utilized throughout his years in the industry.
In 1999, White returned to television in the UPN sitcom Grown Ups. The series was based around White as a young man striking out into adulthood. He also co-produced and wrote some episodes for the show, in which he starred as "J", a college graduate struggling to establish his role in life as an adult.
The pilot episode featured another former child actor, Soleil Moon Frye, known for her role as Punky Brewster, as the girl whom he chose as a roommate. The show received poor reviews from critics but debuted in second place in the ratings upon its premiere. However, ratings soon dropped and UPN canceled the series after one season.
