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.

White starred on the show as Steve Urkel from 1989 to 1998, and was around 22 years old when the hit series ended.