You probably remember Jaleel White as Steve Urkel, the annoying nerd from the popular sitcom Family Matters.

Originally cast in a guest role on the show, his performance sparked such widespread interest he was signed on as a permanent cast member and immortalized the words “Did I do that?” You could argue those four words were what carried the show in its 1989-1998 run.

So what happened to Jaleel White after Urkel’s character was pulled off the air? One would assume such a well-known actor would simply place his face elsewhere.

However, as is often the case with actors who have created a character more popular than the inventor, it is hard to achieve separation from that role later in life. This common problem with iconic roles not only makes it difficult for White as an actor, but makes it hard for an audience to accept him in a different or more serious part.

Despite this difficulty, White has tried different personas. A year after Family Matters ended, he produced and starred in Grown Ups, a show that offered the polar opposite role of Urkel. In an attempt to reinvent himself, White was portrayed as a suave, serious college graduate. This new portrayal was not a hit, however, and the show was cancelled after only one season. White then lent his voice to Sonic The Hedgehog in the Sonic Underground cartoon. In 2001, he enrolled in UCLA’s film school.

White’s latest projects include the 2005 movie Who Made the Potatoe Salad?, a romantic comedy where he plays a cop dealing with the prospect of meeting his fiancé’s peculiar family. In Easier, Softer Way (2006), White will make a cameo appearance, but the star of the flick will be That ’70s Show’s Danny Masterson.

Currently, White is concentrating on writing. He loves basketball and writes a blog on the official NBA website. Compared to his former $100,000 per episode role on Family Matters, and seeing his face on merchandise like Urkel dolls and Urkel O’s cereal, his current activities don’t seem as great.

But, as long as he enjoys what he’s doing, who are we to judge? If we looked down on White, we’d be just like Carl Winslow, always disrespecting Urkel when poor Steve was just trying to be friendly.