Jaleel Ahmad White (born November 27, 1976) is an American
actor and
screenwriter. He is best known for his role as
Steve Urkel/
Stefan Urquelle on the 1990s sitcom
Family Matters. White also voiced the character of
Sonic the Hedgehog and other characters for
Sonic the Hedgehog media.
Early life and career
White was born in
Pasadena, California, son of Michael White, a dentist, and Gail, a housewife.
[Jaleel White Biography (1976-05/14/2009)] White got his start on TV commercials at age three with
Kellogg's after his preschool teacher persuaded his reluctant parents to take him to auditions. He landed his first television role as
Flip Wilson and
Gladys Knight's son on the
CBS series
Charlie and Company. He next appeared on another CBS comedy series,
The Jeffersons. White also appeared in the pilot episode for
Good Morning, Miss Bliss in 1987, and had a role in the 1990
television movie Camp Cucamonga, which also featured
Chad Allen (
My Two Dads),
Candace Cameron (
Full House),
Danica McKellar and
Josh Saviano (
The Wonder Years),
Breckin Meyer and
Jennifer Aniston.