Jaleel White Net Worth: How Much Is The Family Matters Star Worth Today?

Jaleel White is a name that many people associate with the iconic character of Steve Urkel, the nerdy and lovable neighbor of the Winslow family on the hit sitcom Family Matters. But how much is the actor behind the glasses and suspenders worth today? And what has he been up to since the show ended in 1998? In this article, we will explore Jaleel White’s net worth, career, and personal life.

Jaleel White’s Early Life and Career

Jaleel White was born on November 27, 1976, in Culver City, California. His mother, Gail, was a homemaker and his father, Michael, was a dentist. White began acting at the age of three, after his preschool teacher suggested that he try it. He starred in several commercials, including one for Jell-O pudding pops alongside Bill Cosby.

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, but was replaced by Keshia Knight Pulliam when Bill Cosby decided to make the character a girl. White then appeared in several TV shows and movies in the 1980s, such as Charlie & Co., Mr. Belvedere, and Good Morning, Miss Bliss.

Jaleel White’s Breakthrough Role as Steve Urkel

White’s career took off in 1989 when he landed the role of Steve Urkel on Family Matters. The character was originally intended to be a one-time guest appearance, but he became an instant hit with audiences and White became a regular cast member. The show aired for nine seasons, from 1989 to 1998, on ABC and CBS. White played Urkel in 203 of the show’s 215 episodes, sometimes also portraying Urkel’s alter egos Stefan Urquelle and Myrtle Urkel.

White’s performance as Urkel earned him several awards and nominations, including three NAACP Image Awards and two Young Artist Awards. He also became a cultural phenomenon and spawned the popular catchphrase “Did I do that?” . White was ranked #37 on VH1’s 2005 list of 100 Greatest Kid Stars.

Jaleel White’s Post-Family Matters Career

After Family Matters ended, White took a brief hiatus from acting to attend UCLA, where he graduated with a degree in film and television in 2001. He then returned to acting with supporting roles in movies such as Dreamgirls (2006) and Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (2011). He also appeared in several TV shows, such as Grown Ups (1999-2000), Boston Legal (2005), House (2011), Castle (2012), Psych (2014), Bones (2017), and The Big Show Show (2020).

White is also known for being the first actor to voice the popular Sega video game character Sonic the Hedgehog in animated media. He voiced Sonic in Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog (also known as Sonic SatAM), and Sonic Underground, all produced by DIC Entertainment in the 1990s. He reprised his role as Sonic in the 2013 Sonic fan film.

In addition to acting, White has also ventured into hosting and producing. He hosted the Syfy game show Total Blackout from 2012 to 2013. He also created and produced Fake It Til You Make It (2010), a web series about a former child star who becomes a Hollywood image consultant. He also starred in the series as Reggie Culkin.

Jaleel White’s Personal Life

White has a daughter named Samaya, who was born in 2009. He shares custody of her with his ex-girlfriend Bridget Hardy . White has been private about his personal life and has not been linked to anyone publicly since his split from Hardy.

White is also involved in several charitable causes, such as the Starlight Children’s Foundation and the American Cancer Society . He is also an avid fan of basketball and supports the Los Angeles Lakers .

Jaleel White’s Net Worth

According to various sources, Jaleel White has an estimated net worth of $8 million as of 2023. His main source of income is his acting career, which spans over three decades. He also earns money from hosting, producing, and voice acting.

At the peak of his fame on Family Matters, White reportedly earned $180,000 per episode, which amounts to $4 million per season. Adjusted for inflation, that would be equivalent to $300,000 per episode and $7 million per season today .

White has also invested in real estate and owns several properties in Los Angeles. In 2018, he sold his Sherman Oaks home for $1.7 million, which he bought in 2002 for $860,000 . He also owns a condo in Studio City, which he bought in 2013 for $690,000 .

Conclusion

Jaleel White is a talented and versatile actor who rose to fame as Steve Urkel on Family Matters. He has since appeared in many other TV shows and movies, as well as voiced Sonic the Hedgehog in several animated series. He has also hosted and produced his own projects. White has a net worth of $8 million as of 2023, which reflects his successful and long-lasting career in the entertainment industry.

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