overview
Steven Quincy Urkel (born July 25, 1976[1]), better known as Steve Urkel, is a fictional character on the ABC/CBS[2] comedy sitcom Family Matters, portrayed by Jaleel White. Originally a one-time guest on the show, he soon became the most popular character of the show.
Urkel was the epitome of a geek/nerd, with large, thick eyeglasses, "high-water or flooding" pants held up by suspenders, multi-colored cardigan sweaters, and a high-pitched voice. His main interactions on the show were his unrequited love for Laura Winslow, his perpetual annoyance of her father, Carl, and his seemingly one-way "best bud" relationship with her brother, Eddie. Amongst the rest of the family, Harriette; Rachel; and "Mother" Estelle Winslow were more accepting and caring of Urkel.
Throughout the series' run, Urkel was central to many of the series' recurring gags, primarily gratuitous property damage and/or personal injury as a result of his inventions going awry or his outright clumsiness. He became known for several catch phrases uttered after some humorous misfortune occurred, including "I've fallen and I can't get up!", "Did I do that?", and "Now see what you did." His catchphrase, "Did I do that?" was actually stated by Curly in the 1934 Three Stooges short Punch Drunks. Urkel was also known for a distinctive laugh, which consisted of a loud cackle followed by a nasal snort.