About This Quiz
Remember the names of the Winslows' three kids, or who Steve was dating when he was transforming into Stefan? And admit it -- do you still do the Urkel dance when you think no one is watching? If you're a "Family Matters" fanatic, prove your knowledge of this classic sitcom with this quiz!
Many "Family Matters" fans are surprised to learn that a couple of guys named Larry and Balki inspired the show. On the '80s comedy "Perfect Strangers," main characters Larry and Balki worked at the Chicago Chronicle Building. On season three of the series, viewers were introduced to the Chronicle Building's elevator operator, a woman named Harriette.Â
Producers spun off the Harriette Winslow character to her own show, which premiered in 1989 and was given the title "Family Matters." Though the series was initially designed to focus on Harriette, her police officer husband Carl and their kids, no one planned for the shocking popularity of the Winslows' next-door neighbor.
Intended to appear in just a single episode in season one, the uber-nerd Steve Urkel was such a smash hit with viewers that he quickly became the star of the show. For nine seasons, fans tuned in for their weekly Urkel dose, and studio audiences never failed to laugh at his signature line, "Did I do that?"
Think you know everything there is to know about this Friday-night favorite? Take our quiz to test your "Family Matters" IQ!
Family Matters was a spin-off of the show Perfect Strangers and revolved around a middle-class African-American family.
The house shown at the beginning and the end of the opening credits as the Winslow's home is located at 1516 West Wrightwood Avenue in Chicago, IL.
The original theme song was Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World", but was replaceded after the fifth episode of season one with, "As Days Go By" performed by Jesse Frederick.
Advertisement
Steve Urkel also had an alter ego named Stefan Urquelle.
Carl Winslow was played by Reginald VelJohnson, Jr. In 2015, he played alongside Jo Marie Payton, Reginald's wife on Family Matters, once again in The Flight Before Christmas, a Lifetime movie.
Carl Winslow was a fictional member of the Chicago Police Department.
Advertisement
The initial purpose of TGIF came from the popular phrase "Thank God It's Friday," however the stars of the lineup renamed the acronym to mean "Thank Goodness It's Funny"!
Harriette Winslow was played by Jo Marie Payton. She starred as Harriette Winslow as well on Perfect Strangers which aired for 2 years prior to the creation of Family Matters.
Laura is the oldest daughter of Harriette and Carl Winslow. She never gave Urkel the time of day, but leading into the final season of the show, she eventually learned to love him.
Advertisement
Eddie Winslow was Laura's older brother who was a regular jock - slacked in school and always in pursuit of a new girlfriend!
Jaleel White was cast as Steve Urkel and was originally intended to be a one-time guest appearance on the show, but was an instant hit with audiences, so he became a regular cast member!
Generally this phrase began with, "Oops!" as Steve was a very clumsy individual.
Advertisement
Estelle Winslow was often called "Mother" by her son Carl. "Mother" was played by Rosetta LeNoire.
Carl's voice says, "Family Matters is a Miller-Boyett production, in association with Lorimar television and is distributed by Warner Brothers Domestic Television Distribution."
Myrtle Urkel was actually played by Jaleel White, not a woman!
Advertisement
Though he had a smooth delivery which Laura was initially attracted to, soon she realized that Stefan was self-centered and narcissistic and she wanted Steve back.
The Urkel Dance originated in the season two episode of "Life of the Party". The dance became famous and Jaleel White actually performed it on the 5th Annual American Comedy Awards!
The rest of the dance lyrics say, "Bend your knees, and stick out your pelvis; (I'm telling you, baby, it's better than Elvis!)"."
Advertisement
In the 1991 episode of Full House titled "Stephanie Gets Framed, Steve Urkel plays the cousin of a friend of DJ Tanner.
3J joined the cast in the final two seasons of Familiy Matters.
3J was Urkel's "Little Brother" who was introduced in one of the episodes that paid homage to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America program.
Advertisement
Myra Monkhouse was the cousin of Laura's then-boyfriend Ted Curran. They set Myra up with Steve so that Steve would leave Laura alone!
In the episode, "Pop Goes the Question", both Steve AND Stefan propose to Laura but she chooses Steve!
Rachel Baines-Crawford was played by Telma Hopkins who acted on Family Matters from 1989 - 1997. She is also a singer.
Advertisement
Tammy Townsend played the recurring role of Greta McClure in Family Matters from 1995 - 1998.
Family Matters aired on ABC from September 22, 1989 to May 9, 1997 and then on CBS from September 19, 1997 to July 17, 1998 for a total of 9 seasons.
Waldo Geraldo Faldo was played by Shawn Harrison and is best known for this role in his career.
Advertisement
Rachel's Place was opened by Harriette's sister Rachel who is an entrepreneur, writer and budding singer.
Carl and Harriette's biological children are Eddie, Laura and Judy. They eventually adopt 3J as well.
Carl Winslow, Dad, appeared in every episode. Reginald VelJohnson is known for playing police officers in many films and on television, including his role on Family Matters.
Advertisement
Each of the 215 episodes was recorded in color and ran for 30 minutes, including commercials.
This was the last line of the show's opening theme song.
It is assumed following their engagement that Steve and Laura would get married! But the series ended just after season 9.
Advertisement
In the late 80s and early 90s, a company called Life Alert became famous for their commercials that were essentially mocked in this episode with Steve Urkel's line.