Family Matters
American television sitcom (1989–1998)
A spinoff of Perfect Strangers , Family Matters began as the at-home adventures of elevator operator Harriette Winslow and her multigenerational family. But midway through the first season, Jaleel White made a one-shot appearance as neighborhood nerd Urkel. With oversized glasses, undersized body, screechy voice and indomitable self-confidence, Urkel proved irresistibly funny, turning White into an overnight sensation and a new star of the show.
Cast ages at the series premiere (September 22, 1989)
- Bryton James, as Richard "Richie" Crawford: 3
- Reginald VelJohnson, as Carl Otis Winslow: 37
- Judyann Elder, as Harriette Winslow: 41
- Jo Marie Payton, as Harriette Winslow: 39
- Kellie Shanygne Williams, as Laura Lee Winslow: 13
- Darius McCrary, as Edward "Eddie" Winslow: 13
- Telma Hopkins, as Rachel Crawford: 40
- Jaimee Foxworth, as Judy Winslow: 9
- Jaleel White, as Steve Urkel: 12
- Rosetta LeNoire, as Estelle Winslow: 78
- Shawn Harrison, as Waldo Geraldo Faldo: 15
- Michelle Thomas, as Myra Monkhouse: 20
- Orlando Brown, as Jerry Jamal "3J" Jameson: 1