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Myrtle Mae Urkel made her first appearance in the eighth episode of season 2, "Cousin Urkel", as part of an exchange agreement between Big Daddy Urkel and Dr. Urkel. She was played by Jaleel White.

Character Biography[]

Myrtle was a rich Southern belle from Biloxi, Mississippi, living in the Urkel Oaks, a rich antebellum house who fell in love with Eddie at first sight, despite his obvious dislike for her. Her rich father, Big Daddy Urkel (played by Reginald VelJohnson), was a loving and caring father to Myrtle but did not approve of Eddie being his daughter's boyfriend except when bribed with cash. Like Urkel did in his pursuit for Laura, she frequently went to great lengths to capture the object of her affection, such as sneaking into his bedroom at night and trying to kiss him. However unlike Steve, Myrtle refused to ever leave Eddie alone and disrespects his personal space by stalking him, much to his extreme terror. Several years later, she returned to Chicago to visit her cousin and renew her pursuit of Eddie; by this time, he and Greta had started dating. Unlike Laura's would-be boyfriends, Greta was more successful in warding Myrtle off.

Finally, in the episode "Don't Make Me Over", after finally realizing Eddie doesn't like Myrtle and reaffirms his love for Greta, she relinquished her love for him. She decided to pursue other guys in the hopes of finding her true love and starts to leave. Although happy at first, Eddie quickly realizes that now Myrtle's leaving, his life would be boring without her mixing it up by reaffirming her love for him and asks for her to stay. Myrtle refused and leaves, telling him that she will find another man who will love her for herself.

Appearances[]

Season 2[]

Season 7[]

Season 8[]

Season 9[]

Trivia[]

  • Originally when Myrtle was being considered in returning for season 7's "She's Back", the producers had in mind Tasha Scott to play her. She comes back mature and more attractive than last time. Eddie is immediately smitten by Myrtle's appearance and dates around with her, making Greta jealous. Jaleel White was against the idea and returned as her as a means to keep Eddie loyal to Greta. (unverified; citation required)[citation needed]
  • When writing the role, casting a new young actress for the role was the intention. However, it was decided that having Jaleel White play the role would make the jokes far more effective.
    • Jaleel's father was the one that ultimately wanted the character removed from the show for a few years, as he was concerned about his son's mental health.[1]
  • Much to the surprise of the cast and crew, many fans didn’t recognize White in the costume the first time he played Myrtle. Many felt he looked convincing and played the part extraordinarily. When Myrtle returned to the show, White was obviously much older. Due to this, it was decided to make Myrtle’s more mannish appearance a running gag.

Gallery[]

References[]

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