Jaleel White wasn't supposed to have a lasting role on 'Family Matters,' but his Urkel character took off. He looks back on the role that changed his career in 'Growing Up Urkel.'

The Family Matters legend speaks to VF about the hard lessons, difficult relationships—with figures from Les Moonves to Bill Cosby—and silver linings of being a young icon.

Jaleel White rose to fame playing the nerdy next door neighbor to the Winslow family on the beloved series from 1989 to 1998. Initially, the character was only set to appear for one episode, but Urkel quickly became the show’s breakout character known for the catchphrase “Did I do that?