Laura Winslow Wasn’t the Love of Steve Urkel’s Life on ‘Family Matters’ — This Character Was
Let’s be honest — for years, we all watched Family Matters and assumed Steve Urkel would eventually end up with Laura Winslow. It felt like a fairytale ending, right? Nerdy guy pines for the pretty girl next door, and after nearly a decade of chasing her, he finally gets the girl. Classic.
But if you really look at the show, was Laura truly the love of Steve’s life? Or was it someone else entirely — someone who actually saw Steve for who he was and loved him deeply without trying to change him?
Enter Myra Monkhouse. Yup, that Myra. And honestly? She was the one.
Let’s break it down.
Was Steve in Love or Just Obsessed?
From day one, Steve’s pursuit of Laura was more obsession than affection. He adored her, sure — but mostly from a distance. Laura constantly brushed him off, treated him like an annoying neighbor kid, and only took interest in him once he became cooler — literally — by transforming into his alter ego, Stefan Urquelle.
If we’re being real, that’s not love. That’s chasing validation.
Myra Monkhouse: The Girl Who Got Steve
When Myra came onto the scene, everything changed. Unlike Laura, Myra didn’t want Steve to be someone else. She loved his goofy laugh, his oversized glasses, his weird inventions — all of it. She didn’t just tolerate Steve’s quirks — she celebrated them.
She was fiercely loyal, emotionally available, and genuinely excited to be around him. While Laura kept Steve at arm’s length for years, Myra held him close without hesitation. Now that’s love.
They Were a Perfect Match
Steve and Myra were both super intelligent and shared a love for science and innovation. Whether it was building gadgets together or nerding out over lab experiments, they had a connection that went way beyond surface-level attraction.
Let’s not forget: Laura never shared Steve’s interests. Ever. She barely understood what made him tick. But Myra? She was like him. In another universe, they could’ve been the ultimate power couple of geekdom.
Myra Accepted Him Unconditionally
Here’s the kicker: Myra never asked Steve to change. She didn’t want Stefan. She didn’t try to “fix” him. In contrast, Laura didn’t start liking Steve until he became Stefan — the confident, smooth-talking version of himself that he literally had to invent to get her attention.
That speaks volumes. Myra wanted Steve, not Stefan. That kind of loyalty? Rare.
Laura’s Feelings Showed Up Late
Let’s not forget — Laura didn’t come around until much later in the series. By then, it felt more like she was “supposed” to fall for Steve because he’d been chasing her for so long. It didn’t feel organic, and the chemistry just wasn’t there.
By the time Laura finally started reciprocating feelings, it felt more like she was settling. Meanwhile, Myra had already proven herself as someone who deeply cared for Steve from the jump.
Myra Deserved Better
Let’s be real here — Myra was more than a lovesick character. She was passionate, emotional, funny, and vulnerable. Sure, she got a little intense at times, but it was because she really cared. She put her whole heart into loving Steve, and in the end, he tossed her aside.
Even when she realized Steve still loved Laura, Myra didn’t turn cold or bitter (okay, maybe a little bitter, but come on, wouldn’t you?). She was hurt, but she still wanted the best for him. That’s some real maturity.
A Tragic Ending — On and Off Screen
What makes Myra’s story even more heartbreaking is the real-life loss of actress Michelle Thomas. She died in 1998 at just 30 years old from a rare form of cancer. Her death stunned fans, cast, and crew alike — and many believe it added emotional weight to Myra’s place in the show’s legacy.
Michelle’s passing wasn’t just a loss for Family Matters, but for television in general. She brought warmth, authenticity, and strength to every scene she was in.
The Fans Know the Truth
Head to any comment section, Reddit thread, or YouTube tribute video and you’ll see one common theme: “Steve should’ve ended up with Myra.”
So many fans believe the writers got it wrong by forcing a Steve-and-Laura romance in the final season. It felt rushed, unnatural, and honestly unfair to a character who had been by Steve’s side through everything.
Even the Cast Knew Myra Was Special
Jaleel White, the actor behind Steve Urkel, has spoken many times about how close he was to Michelle Thomas in real life. After her passing, he shared touching tributes and admitted her death was one of the hardest things he’d ever gone through.
Their real-life connection may be why Steve and Myra’s relationship on screen felt so genuine. You could feel that chemistry, that trust, that spark.
Could the Show Have Ended Differently?
Absolutely. Imagine this — instead of Steve proposing to Laura in the finale, he realizes he’s been chasing a fantasy all along. He comes to terms with his feelings and rushes back to Myra, realizing that real love had been right in front of him the whole time.
Now that would’ve been a memorable ending.
Why It Still Matters Today
Shows like Family Matters weren’t just about laughs — they were about relationships, growth, and emotional truth. And one of the biggest lessons the show accidentally taught us? That sometimes, the one who truly loves you is the one you overlook.
In life — and in love — timing, recognition, and appreciation matter more than fantasies. Steve had real love in Myra. He just didn’t see it until it was too late.
Conclusion
Steve and Laura might’ve been endgame on Family Matters, but that doesn’t mean they were the best match. Myra Monkhouse was the one who truly saw Steve, embraced him, and loved him without conditions. And while the show gave us a picture-perfect ending, fans will always remember who really had Steve’s heart — even if he didn’t realize it himself.
FAQs
1. Was Steve Urkel ever truly in love with Myra Monkhouse?
Yes, Steve cared for Myra deeply, but his long-standing obsession with Laura clouded his judgment. His relationship with Myra showed real emotional depth.
2. Why did Steve end up with Laura in the finale?
The writers likely wanted to give fans a “full circle” moment, but many believe it was forced and didn’t reflect true chemistry or character growth.
3. Did Laura actually love Steve, or just Stefan?
Laura’s feelings for Stefan came first, and it took her a long time to even consider Steve romantically, which suggests her feelings were never as strong or natural.
4. What happened to Myra on the show?
Myra became more jealous and insecure as Steve drifted back toward Laura. Eventually, they broke up — and the show moved on without resolving her storyline meaningfully.
5. What happened to Michelle Thomas, who played Myra?
Michelle Thomas tragically passed away in 1998 due to a rare cancer. Her death was a huge loss to the entertainment world and to fans of the show.
