<P> Steven Quincy Urkel is a fictional character on the ABC / CBS sitcom Family Matters who was portrayed by Jaleel White . Originally slated to have been a one - time only character on the show, he soon became its most popular character and gradually became its protagonist . </P> <P> Steve is the epitome of a geek / nerd, with large, thick eyeglasses, flood pants held up by suspenders, multi-colored cardigan sweaters, and a high - pitched voice . He professes an unrequited love for his neighbor Laura Winslow, and considered a nuisance by the Winslow family, though they come to accept him over time . Throughout the series' run, Steve is central to many of its recurring gags, primarily property damage and / or personal injury as a result of his inventions going awry or his outright clumsiness . He becomes known for several catchphrases uttered after some humorous misfortune occurs, including "I've fallen, and I can't get up!", "Did I do that?" "Whoa, Mama!" and "Look what you did" (on those rare occasions when someone else caused the damage). </P> <P> In syndication, Steve Urkel first appeared on the 4th episode of the first season, "Rachel's First Date" (as the show staff wanted to more naturally introduce him to audiences upon repeated viewings). On the 12th episode of the first season, "Laura's First Date", he reappears as a nerdy young boy who takes Laura Winslow out on a date . While he is madly in love with her, Laura finds Steve grating and doesn't return his affection . While intended as a minor character, Urkel became very popular for his oddball antics . He soon became a recurring character, and joined the main cast beginning with the season two premiere "Rachel's Place". </P> <P> Family Matters co-creator Michael Warren named the character after his friend, writer and director Steve Erkel . Due to the show and the character's tremendous popularity during the early 1990s, Erkel encountered difficulties using his own name; he received many prank phone calls from "Laura" asking for "Steve", and businesses found his name to be suspicious . Warren stated that had he known that the character would reappear for years he would not have named him after his friend . </P>

When did steve urkel become a regular on family matters