When we think of Family Matters, one name instantly pops up: Steve Urkel. With his suspenders, snorting laugh, and unforgettable catchphrase “Did I do that?”, Urkel wasn’t just a sitcom character—he became a cultural icon. While most fans remember his relentless pursuit of Laura Winslow, there’s another love story that deserves attention: Steve Urkel and Myra Monkhouse.
Their relationship was sweet, quirky, and, for many fans, the kind of romance that felt authentic. Let’s take a nostalgic trip back and explore why Urkel and Myra’s relationship remains one of the most underrated love stories in TV history.
The Introduction of Myra Monkhouse
When Myra Monkhouse first appeared in Season 4, she brought fresh energy to the show. Unlike Laura, who rolled her eyes at Urkel’s antics, Myra embraced him wholeheartedly. She loved his brainy side, his quirky personality, and even his fashion choices. From the very beginning, she made it clear: Steve Urkel was her dream guy.
Why Myra Was Different
Myra wasn’t just a rebound or filler character; she represented something important. Where Laura saw a nerd to be avoided, Myra saw a treasure. She was affectionate, supportive, and admired everything that made Urkel unique.
It’s easy to see why fans warmed up to her. She gave Urkel something he had never experienced before—unconditional love without resistance.
Urkel’s Crush on Laura vs. His Relationship with Myra
Urkel’s crush on Laura Winslow was legendary, but let’s be honest—it was mostly one-sided for a long time. Laura didn’t return his feelings until much later, and for years she dismissed him.
Myra, on the other hand, gave Urkel the validation he always craved. With her, he didn’t need to chase, beg, or prove himself. Their love was mutual from day one.
The Chemistry Between Urkel and Myra
On-screen, Jaleel White (Urkel) and Michelle Thomas (Myra) had undeniable chemistry. Their scenes were playful, romantic, and sometimes downright hilarious. Unlike the awkward dynamic with Laura, Urkel seemed relaxed and confident around Myra.
Their relationship wasn’t just a subplot; it became a fan-favorite romance that many still argue was more genuine than his eventual pairing with Laura.
The Rise of a Beloved Sitcom Couple
During the mid-seasons of Family Matters, Urkel and Myra’s relationship blossomed. Fans saw them go on dates, share sweet moments, and even navigate the typical ups and downs of young love.
It was refreshing to see Urkel finally being loved the way he always deserved.
Why Fans Loved Urkel and Myra Together
So, why did this couple strike such a chord with audiences?
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Acceptance: Myra adored Steve for who he was, quirks and all.
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Mutual Love: Their relationship wasn’t one-sided—it was balanced.
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Playful Energy: Together, they had fun, laughed, and supported each other.
For many fans, their romance represented the idea that love doesn’t have to be about chasing—it can be about finding someone who already sees your worth.
Myra’s Fierce Loyalty
One thing that stood out about Myra was her loyalty. She defended Urkel against bullies, rivals, and even Laura herself. She wasn’t afraid to fight for the man she loved, both literally and emotionally.
Her fierce devotion made her a standout character, and she quickly became a fan favorite.
The Downside of Myra’s Character
As much as fans adored her, Myra wasn’t perfect. As the series went on, her love for Urkel sometimes crossed into obsession. She became overly jealous, possessive, and controlling, which added tension to their relationship.
This shift in her character was intentional by the writers, but it also hurt her chances of being Urkel’s true endgame.
Urkel’s Conflict Between Laura and Myra
Urkel’s heart was always torn. Deep down, his first love was Laura, and no matter how amazing Myra was, he couldn’t completely let go of that dream. This internal conflict made for emotional and sometimes heartbreaking moments, especially when Myra realized she wasn’t Urkel’s number one choice.
The Legacy of Michelle Thomas
Behind the character of Myra was actress Michelle Thomas, who tragically passed away in 1998 at just 30 years old. Her warmth, charm, and talent brought Myra to life, and fans still remember her fondly.
Her untimely death gave even more meaning to her role, cementing Myra as one of the most beloved characters in Family Matters.
The Writers’ Final Choice
Despite the strong fan support for Urkel and Myra, the writers ultimately chose to end the series with Urkel and Laura as the official couple. In the finale, Steve proposes to Laura, closing the book on his long journey to win her heart.
But for many, this decision felt bittersweet. It ended Myra’s story without giving her the closure she deserved.
Why Urkel and Myra Still Resonate Today
Even decades later, Urkel and Myra’s romance continues to spark debate. Fans post clips, write think-pieces, and even create fanfiction keeping their love alive. Why? Because their relationship tapped into something universal: the desire to be loved exactly as we are.
The “What If” Question
One of the biggest questions fans still ask is: What if the writers had chosen Myra instead of Laura?
Would Steve have been happier with someone who adored him from day one? Or was the chase for Laura always part of his destiny?
This “what if” scenario keeps the debate alive, fueling nostalgia every time fans revisit the show.
My Personal Take
If we’re talking about healthy, unconditional love, Myra was the better partner. She saw Steve’s worth instantly and never made him prove himself. But if we’re talking about storytelling, drama, and long-term payoff, Laura made more sense as the final choice.
Still, Steve and Myra’s love story remains one of the sweetest parts of Family Matters—a nostalgic gem that deserves recognition.
Conclusion
Steve Urkel and Myra Monkhouse’s relationship may not have been the endgame, but it was a love story worth remembering. It showed us that sometimes the person who truly loves you isn’t the one you chase—it’s the one who’s been standing beside you all along.
Their romance was playful, heartfelt, and deeply human, making it one of the most underrated sitcom love stories of the ’90s. Whether you’re Team Laura or Team Myra, one thing is clear: Myra gave Urkel something no one else did—complete acceptance.
FAQs
1. Who played Myra Monkhouse in Family Matters?
Myra was played by Michelle Thomas, a talented actress who left a lasting legacy despite her untimely passing in 1998.
2. Did Steve Urkel love Myra?
Yes, Steve cared deeply for Myra, but his heart was always conflicted because of his long-time crush on Laura Winslow.
3. Why didn’t Urkel end up with Myra?
The writers chose to complete the long-running storyline of Steve’s pursuit of Laura, making her his ultimate love interest.
4. Was Myra more popular than Laura with fans?
Some fans preferred Myra because she loved Steve unconditionally, but Laura had the advantage of being part of the Winslow family’s central storyline.
5. What makes Urkel and Myra’s relationship nostalgic?
Their love story captured the innocence of young romance, full of laughter, loyalty, and genuine affection, reminding viewers of the simplicity of ’90s sitcom love.
