Growing Up Urkel Audiobook By Jaleel White cover art

Growing Up Urkel

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Growing Up Urkel

By: Jaleel White
Narrated by: Jaleel White
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About this listen

An incisive and insightful memoir by one of the most beloved icons of nineties television Jaleel White, the actor who portrayed Steve Urkel on the hit sitcom Family Matters.

At the tender age of twelve, Jaleel White auditioned for the role of Steve Urkel, the socially inept genius, who was in love with his next-door neighbor, Laura.

Though Steve Urkel was intended to be in only one episode, Jaleel’s indelible performance catapulted Urkel into the pantheon of American pop culture. But success can cost as much as it pays. After nine years on the popular sitcom Family Matters, Jaleel is twenty-one, a UCLA undergrad, and adjusting to a world and industry that sees him as the nasally nerd in high water pants, suspenders, and coke bottle glasses.

In this wise and witty memoir, Growing Up Urkel takes you on a memorable journey through the peaks, valleys, and plateaus of fame and fortune.

©2024 Jaleel White (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio
Entertainment & Celebrities Funny Witty Thought-Provoking

What listeners say about Growing Up Urkel

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Loved it

It was a beautiful memoir of a person I remember watching on tv throughout my childhood. To hear the back story and behind the scenes as an adult was interesting and inspiring!

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Amazing story from an h I nest Hollywood insider!

Loved it! Definitely needs an "Everybody Hates Chris" TV show treatment! Thanks for sharingyout story.

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Good Listen

This is an audiobook review

I really enjoyed hearing the story or someone I grew up watching on television. And listening to the ups & downs. Very interesting.

Thank you Urkel/Stephon/Jaleel

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Wow, this was an awesome listen!

This is by far one of my top favorite reads. I felt like I was there right alongside Jaleel. What an amazing story. Not only is he supremely talented as an actor; Jaleel reading the memoir was a real treat!

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The way his parents raised him traditionally and protected him from a vicious business.

Nothing was disappointing about this autobiography. Well done Jaleel and I’m happy to have memories of your work and being one of my childhood icons.

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Glimpse behind the scenes

I enjoyed learning about his background and hearing his perspective on one of my favorite TV shows from back in the day. He shared insights into the reality of Hollywood and the TV industry for young actors, as well as reflections on what he wishes he had done differently.

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More than I expected

Mr. & Mrs. White raised an amazing young man. It's refreshing to see how his childhood and his money was handled (properly) by his mother. And this dude has kept such a level head with his celebrity. So easy to listen to and Jaleel entertains with his life story. Thanx for the memories, Urkel!!

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WOW. Absolutely loved this!!!

Wow. Jaleel White’s book Growing Up Urkel was AMAZING!! Family Matters is one of my all time favorite shows, so learning about Jaleel’s experiences on and off family matters was so interesting!! I love all the story’s he tells, and how he reflects/acknowledging on mistakes, but doesn’t dwell on them, and sees them as lessons, and how to move forward. I LOVED listening to Jaleel tel his story as well. Hearing him tell his story and truth was extra special! I highly recommend this book if you love Jaleels work 😊

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My childhood role model

Outstanding read. Love his story. I have a deeper respect for Mr. White now.now.C
now.

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Growing Up Urkel

As a fan of Family Matters in the 90's, and a girl with a huge crush on Stefan Urquelle, it was a no-brainer to buy this book lol. Jaleel recounts many moments—both personal and professional about his life, and growing up as a child actor/star. The 90's were a time for him, evidenced by his many celebrity and Hollywood experiences described in his memoir. Jaleel was very detailed in his reflections, and I'm amazed by his vivid memories. You can tell he takes his craft very seriously, and has been fighting hard to be recognized for his talents in the industry. Yes, Family Matters is his claim to fame, but there is so much more about Jaleel White that he wants the world to know and appreciate. I hope he gets the recognition he deserves one day. The book was well written, and he did a great job narrating. I feel this memoir should have been written about a decade ago, as so much of the storytelling is in the past and or not so relevant or noteworthy today. In summary Jaleel is still chasing the level of fame and recognition he once had as a kid on TV, but as the chapters unfold, it's pretty evident that that ship has sailed. I think he will be much more successful if he explores other opportunities in his career apart from acting and TV.

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