Enabling ‘Player party control’ in the options allows you to select henchmen, move them, or attack them. You can access their inventory through conversation or via the radial menu. Some pre-expansion fan-modules have their own methods for enabling this feature.
To cast spells on henchmen, you must be an elf or half-elf, have taken the weapon focus feat for either shortbows or longbows, and be able to cast protective spells. Henchmen with vanilla AI do use wands, especially useful for low-level spellcasters who quickly run out of spells. Confiscate their melee weapons as belts.
In Enhanced Edition, henchmen can be directed to do specific spells at specific targets. However, they never attack, only flee or stand there. To make wizard henchmen learn spells from spell scrolls in their inventory, you can choose what spell to learn, scribe, memorize, and cast.
In SoU, you can ask your henchmen to cast specific spells, activate particular abilities, and identify your companions. For strong fighters, someone that can find traps, heal, or cast spells is needed. You must use magical means to restore them.
There is a stone to flesh elixir available in the interlude, but if you don’t get it, you may be stuck. If you cannot cast a stone to flesh spell and have no potion that allows you to do so, there may be an event that allows you to cast it.
📹 Neverwinter Nights Enhanced Edition Shadows of Undrentide Chapter 1 Underground Ruins
Hello and welcome back to Lord Fenton Gaming plays Neverwinter Nights Enhanced Edition. I am your host Lord Fenton.
📹 Why Jaleel White’s Father Had to Intervene With The ‘Family Matters’ Cast | UNCENSORED
Jaleel White’s father stepped in after Jo Marie Payton and Reginald VelJohnson told Jaleel White that he was doing a disservice …
Before I drop the timestamps no self advertising for your YouTube page. I spot those type of posts in spam or filter so long. If I see YourTube link than it’s gone. Bots and Scammers are gone. Here are the timestamps for this article down below: article Start – 0:00 Intro – 0:07 NOTE: In this article today I am going through the Underground Ruins. This is not bad at all if you know what your doing. Remember each time you pull the lever you need to follow the lighted path to the elemental of that area. So remember light blue is water/ice, red is fire, white is air and green is earth elementals to face. Once all four are down the giant doors will open up to J’Nal. Read this note – 0:38 Flip this lever – 0:51 Loot this potion – 1:01 Go through the door and follow the light blue light – 1:15 Note: The tokens works like this. Cast level 0 spells on the pools and you do it to all four you get 1. You get another 1 if you defeat all four elementals. Elementals are IMMUNE to critical hits. So use the elemental protection potion. Use your henchmen to tank. Water/Ice Elemental fight – 3:05 Flip this lever – 4:33 Go through the door and follow the red light – 4:57 Fire Elemental fight – 6:24 Flip this lever – 7:47 Go through the door and follow the white light – 8:06 Air Elemental fight – 10:10 Flip this lever – 11:34 Go through the door and follow the green light – 11:57 Level up – 12:47 Earth Elemental fight – 14:44 Use the pool to claim your prize of an summon elemental OR if all the tokens the robe of elemental resistance – 16:28 Cutscene – 17:14 Speak with J’Nal – 18:40 Loot for this book – 24:19 Note: In order to get out you need to speak to the wisp but it cost a potion.
by the way, i found a really good build out, its a pure wizard keep in mind, and had 3 summons (including good planar ally) that also includes panther or pixie dragon, i cant remember but i would pretty much have a couple of good offensive spells, including my personal favorite (pamtasonal killer) dispel magic and a bunch of buff spells (premotion shield, improved invisiblity protection from elements (other spells i cant remember) greater sanctuary and tensers transformation for when i need to meele (i found the buffs carry over so i become op as hell) and with henchmen im untoucuable, most attacks on me miss im immune to magic missle and i can just run away with sanctuary, i also went for ac armor(necklace of armor count ect) because i could only wear cloth, horrid wilting being my best aoe offensive and best vs undead/mind spell immune mobs, i also wore helmet of intelligence and rings of clear thought, goes amazing with sequencer robe because i can store one definsive or ultility spell, also decided to run find traps and knock on this build(you can put in the robe i mentioned) so you’re pretty much a god/goddess. Takes forever to buff though so I’d buff before combat
Also, did you find a fix to the bug where i cant cast level nine spells? If i remember right my intelligence is in the 30s, all i should need is 19, so is it just a console / enchanted edition bug? It gets annoying because i hear of well of the bansie and most importantly for my build: time stop, so i can stop time before i cast any of my offensive spells, because i cant store offensive spells in seqencer robe, speaking of, have you ever considered using it? Seems like the best caster robe because you can store something usefull like protection from elements, maybe time stop, im not sure whats that classified as schoolwise or category wise, but i was thinking having a piece of fucking cloth stop time would be awesome, also a little op because it is a instant cast from the robe, you can probobaly find a mod to make it store any spell, not sure if it stores epic spells
Rip my game, i broke it, i cant be toched and im here able to do 70-79 damage with horrid wilting without even being in epic levels, it is instant death on all mobs and bosses, Was i not meant to take this spell? It was in reccomened spells too, its like the game is trying to prove to me i should make a dark and lawful evil lich (sub race ) sorcerer that spams it, it is almost like they were like “hey take this spell and Fuck the shit out of bosses ok?”
Also dont forget greater spell focus (abjuration) makes it harder for them to resist sanctuary, your best friend for running like a little bitch from hard mobs, (enless they are true seeing i think) they wont notice you, its pretty much hide in plain sight but with will check rather then listen and spot, so the mobs are like you’re….. Immortal!? (Great song btw)
Umd monk items too op,i can use blue moon robes now plus i do more dps then my gwf greatsword user with mother fucking daggers, with evasion and cot and shadowdancer its too oped, its like i am the godess of decepion, female character btw, i like the skinnier cloaks, i can also use scrolls so no caster levels needed, its like i am a tornado of steel and death, now if only i had whirlwind attack for the giggles, i might try whirlwind attack + stealth = aoe sneak attack if the game will allow it
The show was failing and destined to be cancelled until Jaleel’s one-off appearance as Urkel. The Urkel character becoming not only permanent, but a primary focus, saved the show. There’s plenty of documented interviews and writings about the other cast member’s jealousy. They considered themselves the stars. Well, they were. They were the stars of a failing show that would have never been renewed. It took a real star coming on board, one that committed himself to his performances at that level, to save the whole ship from sinking.
If you are an adult cast member, and you have a problem with a part that a child actor is GIVEN, go to the writers and directors. You don’t go to the child and basically tell him about your feelings. You don’t put the honor of his entire race on his shoulders versus getting fired, while you keep your job. if what he is saying happened this way, I am so disappointed in them.
Pity that the adults on these shows had to bully or guilt trip these young actors. I realize that most of these experienced actors were Broadway veterans where they didn’t make much money despite their great talents. When they got their chance to make money on TV, they seemed to want to dim the light of the child actors who rose to the top. I agree with the posters who acknowledged that love or hate the character, Jaleel White killed that role. He was a child genius to play all those characters and his parents kept him in line. A very underrated actor.
I’ve been perusal Family Matters reruns lately (big fan when I was a kid) and as an adult, it really strikes me how talented Jaleel White actually was, and how amazing of a job he did on the show. He was (/is) deserving of much more recognition than he ever got, and fully deserved Emmys/Golden Globes for his performances.
Jaleel did absolutely hilarious drag that episode. He totally committed. If memory serves he was afraid of his classmates reaction but they loved him for it. He really deserves credit for carrying a lot of unnecessary burdens on the show but in the end it was very clean family fun that entertained so many people.
You can understand both sides of this, but they really should have taken this up with the producers. He was just a kid, and didn’t need to have that put on him. There’s already a alot pressure on him because he was basically carrying the show on his shoulders at such a young age, he didn’t need more added to it.
It was plain to the audience that Jaleel was just playing his roll and played it well. Nothing earth shattering or ground breaking in that. I would wager that the two that gave him all the flack were jealous of his talent so they used the ‘black men in dresses’ argument to try and shut him down. Which is silly on these terms. They should have been glad he was willing to go the extra mile to make the characters he played memorable. Because without Jaleel, they would have not made on TV for as long as they did. smh. God bless his Dad for stepping up.
Outstanding job by Jaleel for playing an excellent role on this show. An even better job by his father, who thought it was more important to support his son as he did his work, instead of worrying about his skin color, or what role he was playing at the time. He knew people wouldn’t look at it the way the other cast members did.
He plays so many characters & is amazingly talented…along w the rest of the cast,he’s brilliant. They cover so many topics & issues & always ends on a positive note. We could all learn from Steve Erkel. Everyone on show is so gifted & they will go far in the future. The show always makes me laugh & w my medical situation I need all the laughter I can get,that’s why I wait each a.m. to see show.BRAVO Jaleel
Jaleel really doesn’t get enough credit for being a physical actor. I think of guys like Martin Lawrence, Lucille Ball, Jim Carey. I really think you have to throw Jaleel in that conversation. He was absolutely great at that slapstick physical comedy and had incredible timing, especially for his age.
Nothing wrong with fellow actors who’ve been around a while and dealing with Hollywood trying to coach a younger fellow actor on the dangers of what Hollywood will try to do to them and how they’ll always try to get them to compromise just to get a laugh or higher ratings. If they didn’t do so then my only criticism is that the older actors should have told the producers/writers/directors directly what their concerns and objections were point blank rather than just approaching a child actor on it.
That episode was hilarious and I never once thought of it as trying to degrade Jaleel. The list of white actors who have put on dresses and wigs and played women is long and prestigious. Robin Williams, John Travolta, Michael J Fox, Adam Sandler, Dustin Hoffman, Tom Hanks, Johnny Depp, Patrick Swayze, Woody Harrelson etc. Literally some of the most respected actors in cinema history.
When a real father shows more support for his son/daughter who are giving their all for playing different characters in a show but the costars who play the role of parents do the opposite, open their mouth and insert their foot or just be plain selfish jackasses, you’ll know who you really has your back.
I always thought both Jaleel White and JoMarie Payton were the true anchors of Family Matters. The show was originally made for JoMarie, as her character spun-off from Perfect Strangers. At the same time, Jaleel came in, supposedly as a one-off, ended becoming a overnight sensation and became part of the main cast. The way he did physical comedy and the multiple characters, he was almost like a human version of Bugs Bunny in a way.
Congrats to Jaheel for doing the character and being proud to do it ( eventually led to him doing it again ) and his father standing up for him. Because he had to go through a lot for the next 9-10 years playing Urkel and variants. I understand it was a different time however I feel as though Harriet and Carl’s actor displayed their anger and upset on the wrong person as it should’ve went to production. Jaheel was doing what he was told to do he was a child actor. I understand where they was coming from at the time period and probably grown out of the whole black men wearing dress but he was just a child.
Some of the happiest times in my young life were perusal him play my favorite character. There are certain things that I remember from my childhood based on what episode of family matters I was perusal. I had no idea this was going on behind the scenes, I thought Myrtle was an amazing character… I still do! I’m sorry you had to put up with people forcing their negative opinions onto you like that. She was then, and is now one of my favorite characters I’ve ever seen on TV. Thank you
The fact this show became a sensation was in major parts to this man here. Without him, this show would not have lasted as long and shame on Reggie and Jo Marie for saying that sort of thing to a kid. It’s a comedy show, grow a funny bone and roll with it. Super glad Jaleel’s father was a lion on the set for that.
Being so young, yet being able to carry such a variety of colorful characters that even veteran actors would struggle under the weigh of, this guy is the pinnacle of acting talent. After the show ended, I looked forward to seeing him advance into even bigger roles and was disappointed that they didn’t seem to roll his way. For me the show was always the Urkel show. The rest of the cast were funny and it was well written, but let’s be honest, we all watched Family Matters for this talented man. He has that rare kind of charisma that can carry a stage with ease.
Please play Family Matters more. When I get to watch it, it brings me back to happy feelings I had as a kid. The morality and wholesomeness of the show, as well as many of the storylines are still do relevant today. Please keep showing it more often and regularly so younger generations can benefit from its goodness.
As a young white kid, he was the epitome of cool to me. As a 4 time combat veteran getting ready to retire from the Army, husband and father of 2, he is still the coolest character in the history of television to me, and his portrayal of resilience, innocence, determination and love is still one of the greatest things this world has ever seen.
There’s a sense of sadness l feel when l watch Family Matters reruns. 😢 It’s a past time of coming home to a warm house after football, basketball, and track practice. A time when things made sense, a time when nothing needed to make sense. A time when pain was a scraped knee, a broken heart was only over puppy love. After innocence lost. Being a teen took forever and 30 seemed so old. Yup, even reruns of Rosanne bring back wonderful memories. Yup. 😊😅
Go dad! It seems though that he went after the producers, instead of the cast members who were the real issue. Gotta say that was shitty of those adult cast members to go after a teenage kid like that. He was just an actor playing a part that he was given. They should’ve been ashamed of themselves for making him cry.
Those people who told you that are stupid… it’s comedy, and you killed it. Your work helped and inspired so many kids growing up, including myself!!! I remember in Elementary school looking forward to TGIF on ABC, Family Matters was the best show on the planet. Then Boy meets world came in then home improvement. Absolutely loved your work in FM Jaleel, your character Steve Urkel is truly an iconic American Classic.
I am a mixed girl in a white family and Family Matters gave me a home. It gave me a feeling of family and home that my family couldn’t give me. I am so thankful for that! Jaleel, you are an amazing actor and no matter what you were doing, you were an idol to so many people ❤ “Did I do that?!?” Yes, you did!!👍🏾
Why is everyone butt hurt about him being in a dress. He’s acting, I’m sure he was probably making a lot more money than any of you at that time at that age. When he was in that dress. Get over yourself, is acting. That’s what you’re supposed to do. You’re not supposed to be yourself, you’re playing a role. Maybe some of the men need to get over that toxic masculinity. As a man, I don’t see nothing wrong with this. Be comfortable with in your sexuality. Especially when you getting paid a check to act.
I’m sad to hear that Jo Marie and Reggie tried to put that burden on a kid Jaleel. If anything that conversation should have been had With Jaleel parents and they could have decided if they wanted Jaleel to speak with them about it or not. What grown a** person guilt trips a kid who’s clearly just doing what the job asks of them. It’s not like he deeply knew the history of Black men in dresses in Hollywood. That part really grinds my gears. I’m so glad he had a dad there to stand up for him, protect him and advocate for him.
Jaleel was amazing as Steve Urkel. I remember this episode and all I saw was Steves cousin…not Steve. Jaleel should have gotten at least 1 Emmy for his amazing portrayal..I can’t imagine Family Matters having the fanbase and impact it had without Jaleel knocking it out of the park each week. This episode though he knocked it way beyond the ballpark..superb job!! Hearing that the 2 adult leads said what they said is gutsy…his dad having his back is the stuff great fathers are made of..1st class dad.
Respect! As a father myself there was no way I would have let my son be coerce by others to wear a dress. Word of God taught me a long time ago how to live when my coffers are full and when they are bare. I’m to stay true to who I am in either state. A son needs to see his father stand up as man to others, especially defending his children.
I’ll give his dad some credit…he let his young son learn a lesson and make some decisions for himself. He didn’t just jump in and solve the problem until it became dad’s problem to solve time. Jameel wanted to get it done and once it was finished the emotions set in and broke down a little. Then dad got up and said his what needed to be said to show him he had his back. He raised a good kid and let that kid use the tools he gave him. I’m amazed at how few parents know how to step back to a degree and let their kids learn to solve their own problems when possible. We are crippling our kids when we teach them what’s right but never let them actually make the right choice, answer for their actions, take the butt woopin they deserve when they screw up! This is a very good example of a man teaching his son how to be a man one day and that boy growing up to appreciate his father for it. Love this story! With that being said….I loved me some Urkel back in the day and I miss that era of television! Myrtle was hilarious by the way….that character’s pursuit of Eddie was too much!! Lol
What’s he talking about?…he played Mrytle Urkel more than once on Family Matters because I think Mrytle had a thing for Junior 😂🤣😂…and who the heck cares..that’s why they call it acting, men are always hilarious when they play women I don’t care what color they are I think it’s funny, it makes us laugh at ourselves and say, are we really over the top like that? 😂🤣
I’m sorry but I’m just gonna have to say this, I believe part of the reason why the actors of Harriet and Carl Winslow said that to Jaleel was low key jealous of his success. It was supposed to be THEIR show, about THEIR family. But along comes the character of Urkel, originally supposed to be a one time guest character and HE was all anyone cared about and taking up all the screen time. Jo Marie Payton (Harriet Winslow ) seems like a lovely person, but a bit narcissistic. There’s that infamous clip of her talking about how her and Jaleel almost got into a fight. At one point she says she told the producers they “won’t even have a show” if it wasn’t for her. Yes I’m aware that the show is a spinoff of Jo Marie Payton and Reginald VelJohnson’s careers from Perfect Strangers. So what? Before Urkel the show was facing cancellation as they were just another boring generic TV show family. Urkel came along, stole the show and saved it as well. He is why the show lasted longer than a single season, let alone 9. Also, did anyone else’s characters sell talking dolls, cereal, lunch boxes and goodness knows what else. 🙂↔️. Did anyone else get to cameo in other hit shows (such as Full House 🏠), 🙂↔️ 👎. Sorry but no Urkel, no show.
100% agree with you, Jaleel. And it wasn’t like it was your idea or your choice… There are many people behind the scenes that decided to have you dress as that character. The writers, for instance. As a white child growing up with you and perusal you on screen every week, I never once thought about any of the cast member’s race. And when you dressed up as that character, I never thought about anything outside of the storyline that was unfolding. I never thought anything about the real people behind the characters being a disappointment or anything negative for them, playing the rules that they played. In fact, I always admired all of you, the writers, the creators, etc. for continuously infusing life lessons, and the constant reminder of excepting the people around you who may be a little different. Week after week you all taught this to children and their parents. Given the current state of things, and how people treat each other in this country and the huge divide, I sincerely wish that Show would come back again. There are so many people who need to learn the lessons about how to love and treat each other and how family sometimes isn’t only blood related. Thank you for everything.
I think Family matters broke the mold for a lot of other sitcoms of the time. Just like the Cosby’s .. Family matters, showed a nuclear family unit. Nobody was on drugs or portrayed as a stereotype… and Steve Urkel is literally the genius next door. His family was always away traveling, and seeing the World, they didn’t have time for him and his inventions, and truly saw how well rounded and mature he was. I think the whole emasculation/ dress wearing, was an issue for Jo Marie and Reginald, but I think for many of us it wasn’t seen like that. Why? Because Myrtle was literally like someone in everyone’s family. He wasn’t a mocking stereotype of a Black woman, like in Martin, or a hypersexual Black man in drag being sexualized. He was literally playing that weird cousin whos cooped up and is boy crazy and you take her to club and she don’t know how to act. There wasn’t a “demasculation” associated with it, Urkel wasn’t humiliated, and it showed his range as an actor. Nor did he do anything stereotypical or something he felt uncomfortable. Myrtle literally reminds me of some family, and even some of the girls that went to school around me.
Aw man I actually (vaguely) remember this episode. Again it’s a vague recollection but I remember enjoying it just as much as any other. I’m black and was a kid at the time so I cared nothing about any sort of perceived racism or belittling of a black male dressing up as female….and frankly, to this day, I still don’t see the connection. Other actors of different races have crossdressed for a part, either jokingly or seriously. I know all about the “Black pride” we try and instill in our people, but I don’t see a child actor playing a comedic part like this as being detrimental to that. Also: What sort of grown person would attack a child for doing such a part? If Jo Marie and Reginald had a true problem with this, they should’ve went to the showrunner/director/etc, not the Jaleel. Maybe they did initially, but they should have never spoken to him directly about it. Good on Jaleel’s father for stepping in though. Sad thing is – the burden he spoke of was not necessarily put on Jaleel by the writers. It was put on him by his own people, and that’s just disappointing.
More appreciation to Jaleel White knowing just how much work & efforts he had to put into his characters he played in Family Matters! Luckily in 2023, world societies are more acceptable with others’ choice of life than back in the 1970s or 1980s … 😊🙏 Many Happy Good Blessings in Return to Jaleel White! 🌷🌿🌎💜🕊
reginald hated Jaleel. He hated him because a 10 year old outshined this man who believed he was gonna be the next Mr. Jefferson with family matters and this kid obliterated that with his talent. And reginald was not quiet about it. The irony was that his anger and rage at jaleel made reginalds interactions with him so utterly realistic, that it amped up the humor to levels no other actor duo could have accomplished. It worked so well BECAUSE reginald HATED jaleel so completely…. but it came off as some of the greatest comedic acting ever put to film. Reginald owes his legacy to Jaleel White…. and I’m sure it despises that. Oh well.
I never understood the whole “black males wearing dresses is demeaning and racist” trope thing. I grew up with British comedy, where white guys were always putting on dresses for a sketch. Same thing with American comedy too, with Saturday Night Live, The Bird Cage, Mrs. Doubtfire, Space Balls, Under Siege (not a comedy, but Gary Busey was still put in a dress for comedic effect)…its not just black men being put in dresses for a laugh. Its a staple of western comedy. Wish people would take their “everything is racist” glasses off to see the world for what it really is. Its actually a nice place if you ignore all the fake shit we are told to believe by people that want us all to be unhappy, paranoid and angry at eachother.
This is a great story. Jaleel White’s Urkel is pretty much the entire reason Family Matters was so popular. I think this is a bit of paranoia in the black community. Countless white actors have put on dresses and played girls or been in drag for movies/shows/stage performances for tons of years. That’s a huge burden to have laid on a kid from Reginald Vel Johnson Marie Jo Payton.
Family Matters was a great show, for at least 5 seasons if I remember correctly, there were great characters and it had some great lessons as well. White has talent clearly, but obviously the whispers about him and his dad being difficult to work with is true, because he never got any meaningful work after this series ended
I saw Jaleel in person years ago and he spoke of this. He didn’t mention Joe Marie and Reggie’s disdain for the character, but he said that he was actually not too thrilled to be playing the character and said he would only do it ONCE. He also said that he didn’t like Stefan Urkelle, the more smooth, charming character either. He said he thought the show worked just fine with him just playing Urkel, despite it becoming more difficult later in the run as his voice was changing and he had to maintain the high pitched voice. One more fact… ABC at one point wanted to change the title of the show to “The Steve Urkel Show” and give Jaleel top billing. Jaleel didn’t want this at all, considering he had already pissed off the cast with the character’s popularity. He insisted on staying billed last and to leave the show exactly as it was.
I still remember being a kid and perusal this when it came out till the very end! very amazing show! so many episodes that made you relate.. like the gun shooting, Stefan, when Laura and Steve get married I feel like it must have been difficult growing up on tv too, point is can’t believe we are here now, the dress thing I think it ties to the whole humiliation ritual
I totally understand his sentiments. Hollywood really does have an obsession with Black men in dresses but I am glad he decided to play the character again. It was probably his best alter ego and really showed his level of talent as an actor. So many men play women in movies and it’s so unconvincing but Jaleel really made it seem as if Myrtle was a real person and not just a boy in a wig. The thing I liked also about Mrytle is that she wasn’t a stereotype like Shanaenae, Rasputia or Wanda. She was intelligent and wealthy (butt ugly but I mean there was only so much they could do 😂), a far cry from what Hollywood always does when Black men play Black women.
I know this was posted like two years ago and I’m just now seeing this but honestly I think him playing Urkel has changed a lot of lives and how people think because back then the preps Rory is worried about going with geeks you know, and nowadays is the complete opposite I think he’s changed a lot of lives playing that character and showing people how much love and kindness in this world that he should be proud of what he accomplished with this character.
It’s odd that Jo-Marie and Reggie would even think that would paint black people in some negative light. Also, BREATHTAKINGLY IRRESPONSIBLE of them to make a little kid feel bad for playing a character for christ sake. I remember perusal that episode when it premiered and even as a kid, I thought it was incredible
Honestly as inspiring actor I truly wish I could be as he was in the show I know I will never reach it but he is extremely talented actor I mean you’re literally talking about a kid who was supposed to be on one episode but the fans loved him so much they added him as full character the clothes he would wear seem uncomfortable, he has to do the voice and the different characters he could play and literally nail ever single line was truly amazing guy It sucked that he didn’t get as credit or awards for hit
Eh. At the expense of my inherent negativity, I must say that I don’t really agree with the father. Having your kid’s back was great, sincerely, but why did he succumb to the pressure and only let Jaleel play Myrtle once? He obviously had no problem, the writers basically wrote the part, so the only ones that had a problem were Reggie and JoMarie. Pop should have said that Jaleel can play Myrtle as many times as he wanted.
People need to remember why his “show parents” felt that way. You can YouTube the articles that Chappelle shared his views (on Oprah) on Hollywood forcing famous black actors to dress up in drag for “comedy relief”. Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Chris Tucker, Wesley Snipes, Martin Lawrence, Jamie Foxx, Donald Glover and many, many other black actors dressed in drag. Don’t blame Jo and Reginald. They knew that Jaleel had the power to reject the storyline. He still did it because he was coached by the wrong people. Jaleel thought that if he would “embrace the character”, that everything would be fine. He missed the point. Fair enough because he was sooo young. And his father stuck up for him – great! But to say he should’ve been mad at the other actors is just crap. They were protecting each other. I don’t remember another sitcom around that time where a white family had a bit character in drag.
I would love to puff with Jaleel and hear his story. Even the opportunity to work with him would be so cool (freelance photographer/videographer). From what I gather, he seems like a really good dude. I met a Producer of his show at another show, it was years ago I want to say his name was like Rich Powell or something like that. Really nice guy, I did a Steve Urkel impression for him and he was kind enough to laugh because I am sure, at 9 years old, it wasn’t that good.
All you fools in the comments is exactly what the problem is. Yall try to put people against each other constantly. Siblings. Cast members. Singing groups! It’s always this one did the most or carried etc. It’s still an ensemble! All the black shows in the 90s needed EVERYBODY to be what they were. Fresh Prince. Family Matters. Living Single etc. All the shows needed EVERYBODY to be successful. FOH If he didn’t need them, he’d have a spin off of just him! If you really wanna know the truth, he got stuck with this character and really couldn’t land anything else. Jo Marie was the break out voice of proud family. Reginald already had Die Hard.
His cast-members were not wrong especially depending on your views of todays social climate. Black men wearing dresses is absolutely a TV trope that is definitely apart of the process when trying to excel in that industry. Daniel Curtis Lee who played Cookie on Ned’s Declassified also had to wear a dress in the early episodes of the show and this is show that came out in like 07-08? You have to realize that coincidences do not exist especially in the world of entertainment
Some black people tend to dig deep because we’re used to finding bad things buried underneath the surface. We say, “If this is under the first layer of dirt, then what’s 6 feet under? In the past, you’d keep digging to find more and more racist skeletons. Times have changed, & situations of the past are not always present. Those who forget this will perceive allies as enemies and a scene meant in good fun, as something nefarious.
I don’t suppose the rest of the cast didn’t have a problem with Flip Wilson who famously portrayed his character Geraldine for decades. Nor with Tyler Perry or Martin Lawrence playing their characters Madea and Big Momma respectively. Nor I suppose did they have a problem with Eddie Murphy playing in drag in his Nutty Professor movies. Their jealousy of Jaleel led to their attempts to belittle and hamstring his performance and nothing more. This is not uncommon in our black community, where we often seek to tear down the successful in favor of the loser.
I never understand the I won’t wear a dress argument because an actor acts, if you allow belief or personal feelings to get in the way then how do you do your job?, men wearing dresses especially in comedy has been a thing in acting for hundreds of years. If he was asked to portray a gay man I would absolutely respect his wishes not to do this, especially as there are so many gay actors around to take his place but comedically playing a female is not what I see as something an actor should not do. Maybe Hollywood is a freaky place that is something else, but his comedy performance was of a man pretending to be female everyone can see that surely??? it is comedy .
I understand exactly what God is saying. To him it was just fine, but the riders in the producers it was a humiliation ritual. To see the masculine, define masculine humiliate themselves for millions to billions of people in the world to see. To drive down the energy in the core of masculinity itself within us. Being young one does not understand the power-play in these executive producers decisions. Everything is by design. This is a line that must always be shredded very carefully. Never to be dipped play with or crossed. Because it can have adverse effects in one’s life permanently or for a long time. I respect to God Jaleel white, but no guidance by should ever have to do that should always down for themselves to say no. He has a great father.
It’s a shame that in Black and Latino cultures, a man being feminine is seen as a disgrace. It’s just generational ignorance. I’m glad now, our communities are evolving and being more expressive and I’m glad Jaleel took a positive attitude now as adult about the experience. Just remember everyone, he was a kid playing a role and it wasn’t until an adult told him it was “wrong” that made it all of a sudden wrong for him, and like that anyone can plant the seed of right and wrong and see it unfurl into chaos.