How Wesley Snipes Changed Jaleel White’s Mind About Playing Family Matters’ Myrtle

When “Family Matters” changed its core premise and elevated Steve Urkel from recurring comic foil to the show’s primary focus, actor Jaleel White found himself busy playing not only Urkel but also members of his extended family. In various episodes, White essayed Urkel’s suave alter ego, Stefan Urquelle, and two cousins: the streetwise Cornelius Eugene Urkel, and genteel Southern belle Myrtle May Urkel. The latter proved a fan favorite, but was also a thorn in White’s side, and one which required some motivation to embrace the role.

Talking to Deseret News back in 1997, White explained his trepidation about putting on Myrtle‘s dress.