9 Famous TV Characters Who Were Originally Much Smaller Roles

4. Steve Urkel - Family Matters

The Character: Steve Urkel (Jaleel White) was the quintessential nerd. He had massive glasses, suspenders, a nasally voice and was virtually invisible to women. He was also a constant source of annoyance for his neighbors, the Winslows, and would often interfere into their lives with his crazy (yet oddly advanced) science projects.

What Almost Happened? Urkel was originally meant to only appear in one episode as the nerdy first date for Laura Winslow. However, the character proved to be such a hit with the audience, both in-studio and at home, that by the second season premiere, Urkel had been added to the regular cast. As his popularity grew, the show moved focus from the Winslows and made Urkel the main protagonist.

How'd It Turn Out? It's hard to say whether Urkel's inclusion benefited the show or ruined it.

Initially, Family Matters was about the lives of a middle-class African-American family, but once Urkel came into the fold they started doing plots about love potions, time travel and cloning. But the show has its fans and went on to become the longest running U.S sitcom with an African-American cast, so there's something to be said about that.