On the age of 12, Jaleel White was forged as lovable nerd Steve Urkel within the '90s sitcom “Household Issues.” He was 21 years previous when he completed the present.
“I at all times felt protected and safe on set,” White, 47, tells TODAY.com.
He pauses, then provides, “I used to be fortunate.”
White is referring to “Quiet on Set: The Darkish Aspect of Children TV,” an explosive docuseries detailing alleged abuse and exploitation at Nickelodeon.
“Youngster actors are going by means of a time the place among the harshest realities of our enterprise are coming to gentle,” White says, evaluating it to the #MeToo motion in opposition to sexual violence.
In her upcoming memoir, “Rising Up Urkel,” White says she celebrates mothers and dads who had been lively in defending their kids, reasonably than attempting to develop into celebrities themselves.
“Some mother and father dressed so extravagantly you'd suppose they had been the star,” White remembers. “They usually additionally appeared to prioritize their pursuits over these of their kids.”
White says her mom, Gail, who was additionally her supervisor, “had no need to be well-known.”
“She wasn't good, however she did sufficient to guard me from among the apparent pitfalls of the enterprise,” he says. “On the one hand, she was a helicopter mother. She was on my butt as a result of kids left alone are those predators are inclined to go after.”
White remembers listening to about different baby actors who had no spending limits and had been allowed to remain out all night time.
“They’d freedoms that I didn't have,” he says, noting that his curfew at all times matched his shoe measurement.
“After I was in ninth grade, I wore a measurement 9 and needed to be residence by 9 o'clock,” he says.
White says he's by no means had to consider being a stage dad himself. His 14-year-old daughter, Samaya, whom he shares together with his ex-partner Bridget Hardy, has no need to enter present enterprise.
“Individuals have requested her since she was little and he or she at all times says 'no!'”
As for his personal story, White says he's excited that the memoir will present a special facet of him.
“Everybody is aware of me as this iconic character,” he says. “This ebook will give readers a behind-the-curtain take a look at what occurred when the cameras went off.”
“Rising Up Urkel” is obtainable for pre-order at JaleelWhite.com.
This story first appeared on TODAY.com. Extra from TODAY: