White recounted the surreal moment when Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key FaceTimed him while he was skiing, reflecting on the respect and humor behind the parody.

Jaleel White, the beloved actor who rose to fame as Steve Urkel on Family Matters, recently shared his thoughts on the widely discussed Key & Peele sketch that parodied the classic ’90s sitcom.

In an interview, White recounted the surreal moment when he was contacted by Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key, giving fans an intimate glimpse into his reaction to the parody and his personal take on comedy inspired by his iconic character.

White explained that the connection began in an unusual way. “Jordan Peele actually FaceTimed me, and I was skiing,” White recalled. “It’s one of my greatest screenshot regrets. I never answer my phone when I’m skiing — I keep it in my pocket and enjoy my day.

But I was getting on the lift, helmet on, goggles on, snow falling, and I feel it buzzing.” The call, as White emphasized, was not a random interaction.

“That’s a little secret in famous circles — when certain famous people FaceTime you, it means they’ve got something good on the other side,” he said, adding a playful note that missed calls from others might indicate something less noteworthy.

White described the moment he answered the call, removing his mittens and navigating the winter conditions to respond. “I answer, and it’s Jordan Peele and King Batch,” he said, referencing Keegan-Michael Key (affectionately nicknamed in their conversation).

White described it as “a moment where I’m literally two years later looking back thinking, why didn’t I hit that button?”

The surreal experience, he admitted, came with an underlying sense of respect for the comedians’ work. “He was like, ‘Man, I thought you would be mad, you would be upset,’” White recounted.

“And I said, ‘Jordan, my criteria for anything has always been audience satisfaction. Is it funny? If it’s funny, we’ve got to find a way to do it.’”

The Key & Peele sketch, which satirized the over-the-top elements of Family Matters and Steve Urkel’s iconic persona, received widespread acclaim for capturing the essence of the original show while infusing it with modern humor.

White praised the sketch for maintaining authenticity. “It was as if they had a mole on our set that took the behind-the-scenes energy and made it into a sketch,” he said.

This observation highlights the intricate attention Key and Peele paid to the source material, turning classic sitcom energy into a clever, contemporary parody that resonated with both longtime fans and new audiences.

White’s reaction to the sketch also underscores his understanding of comedy and audience engagement. As an actor who spent decades portraying one of television’s most memorable characters, he emphasized that the audience’s enjoyment is central to any performance.

“If it’s funny, it works,” he said. “That’s always been my approach, whether I’m performing or reflecting on parodies inspired by my work.” This philosophy demonstrates White’s enduring commitment to entertainment and humor, regardless of medium or platform.

In addition to his praise for the sketch, White shared insights into the broader cultural impact of Family Matters and Steve Urkel.

The character, known for his distinctive voice, clumsy behavior, and iconic catchphrases, became a cultural phenomenon in the late 1980s and 1990s, influencing comedy and television for decades.

White’s reflections on the Key & Peele sketch highlight how contemporary comedians continue to draw inspiration from these classic sitcoms, using parody to pay homage while introducing the characters to new generations.

White also reflected on his personal experience with fame and audience interaction. The FaceTime moment with Peele and Key, he admitted, was emblematic of the unexpected ways in which modern media connects creators and actors.

“It was a total surprise, and I was in the middle of enjoying my day, but it was also a reminder of how much respect there is in comedy,” White said.

This acknowledgment offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the intersections of legacy television, parody, and mutual admiration among performers.

The Key & Peele sketch itself has been widely discussed in pop culture circles, with critics praising its ability to balance reverence for the original material with sharp, contemporary satire.

White’s commentary confirms that even the original actors appreciate the skill and nuance involved.

His approval also signals the sketch’s success in bridging generational gaps, appealing to those who grew up with Family Matters as well as audiences discovering the humor for the first time.

White’s perspective goes beyond the sketch itself, shedding light on the evolving relationship between legacy television, parody, and modern media consumption.

He expressed admiration for Key and Peele’s approach to the material, noting that their attention to detail, timing, and performance quality reflects a deep understanding of what made the original show memorable.

“They took the behind-the-scenes energy and made it into a sketch — and it worked perfectly,” he said.

Ultimately, White’s reflections highlight the enduring cultural impact of Steve Urkel and Family Matters. Even decades later, the character continues to inspire laughter, reinterpretation, and appreciation in new forms.

White’s interaction with Key and Peele, including the unforgettable FaceTime moment on a snowy ski lift, serves as a testament to the continued relevance of classic television and the creative dialogue between past and present comedians.

For fans of Family Matters and comedy enthusiasts alike, White’s insights offer a rare, candid look at how iconic characters are perceived by both audiences and contemporary creators.

His perspective reinforces the idea that humor, timing, and audience connection remain central to lasting success, and that playful reinterpretation by other artists can honor a legacy while bringing fresh perspectives to beloved material.