How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Jaleel White

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A few years ago, Jaleel White got really into game shows.

Jaleel White, best known for playing the lovable, quirky character Steve Urkel on “Family Matters,” has recently been making appearances as a guest on game shows like “25 Words or Less,” Anthony Anderson’s “To Tell the Truth,” and “Pictionary” with Jerry O’Connell.

“I just enjoyed winning the money for the people,” White says. “It’s strangely equally gratifying.”

A friend who had worked with him for years suggested he host a game show, and he agreed. Called “Flip Side,” the show pits two teams against each other to guess how a crowd answered a series of “this or that” questions, with a $10,000 prize on the line. The show’s second season just aired earlier this month.

White says that, in a way, hosting the show feels similar to being on a sitcom.

Betty White explained that when she performed in sitcoms, she had a strong connection with the audience. She could sense what emotions they were responding to in the story and would adjust her performance accordingly, either emphasizing a moment or toning it down based on their reactions. She described this back-and-forth as a mutually beneficial relationship, much like the way she interacted with contestants on game shows.

Entertainment & Arts

Jaleel White originally wasn’t intended to be a regular on ‘Family Matters,’ but his character, Urkel, became incredibly popular. In his book, ‘Growing Up Urkel,’ he reflects on how the role transformed his career.

Jaleel White is working on a TV show inspired by his memoir, “Growing Up Urkel,” which came out last year. Though he usually spends Sundays watching the Chargers during football season, he shared what his perfect day in Los Angeles looks like: starting with pancakes after church, then catching a show or game at the Cosm immersive entertainment venue, and finishing with a round of footgolf.

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

I usually sleep in until around 9:30 a.m., especially if I don’t have filming for “Flip Side” to do. I tend to stay up late – I’m naturally a night person. My mom used to stay up late a lot when she was pregnant with me, and she loved Mexican food, so I think that’s where I get it from! I really enjoy good Mexican food, too. When I’m doing well, I like to go to Oasis church on Wilshire. Pastor Julian is great – I think he’s a really insightful spiritual leader in the city, and it’s cool that he wears Jordans while preaching!

Food

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Find your perfect pancake at these 11 L.A. restaurants

Los Angeles has amazing pancakes! You can find all kinds – from classic buttermilk and cornmeal stacks to those bursting with blueberries or bananas, and topped with plenty of whipped cream.

Looking for the best pancakes in L.A. after church? I recommend two places. First, there’s Redbird near downtown – they make amazing pancakes with perfectly charred edges, something you don’t find everywhere. Another favorite is Takagi Coffee on West Third Street, a Japanese cafe known for its fluffy soufflé pancakes. Living in L.A. is expensive, but the city’s diverse culture is something really special, and you can see that even in its food scene – like enjoying an American diner and a Japanese cafe after visiting a diverse church.

At 2 p.m., head to Cosm in Inglewood for a unique entertainment experience. I miss going to the movies and want to encourage others to enjoy live events together. Cosm is changing what a sports bar can be – you can watch a game, see a show like Cirque du Soleil, and it feels like you’re *in* the action. They create a really immersive atmosphere, and sometimes even shoot out T-shirts to the crowd!

Okay, so if you’re looking for something fun and affordable, let me tell you about footgolf! It’s exactly what it sounds like – golf, but played with a soccer ball and your feet. Rancho Park has a fantastic course. Seriously, we’re talking oversized holes and a whole lot of laughs. I picture a chill afternoon – maybe enjoying some snacks, a little something to relax, and friendly wagers on each hole. It’s a blast with friends, but also totally family-friendly! Before we head out, we *have* to grab tacos. My go-to is Mariscos Jalisco – their crunchy shrimp taco is legendary. Trust me, it’s the perfect fuel for a footgolf adventure.

Around 8 p.m., I’m usually looking for an easy dinner. I have to say, Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop Kitchen is great for takeout. After eating unhealthy food all day, I try to balance it out with a salad. Then, I’ll probably relax on the couch, watch some TV with my partner, and get ready for the week ahead.

Around 11:30 p.m. on a Sunday, I usually wind down by watching TV until bedtime. I love to binge-watch shows – I just finished “Forever” on Netflix and I’m excited to see the return of “Wednesday.” I have pretty diverse taste in movies and TV, and I enjoy everything from serious dramas to fun, quirky shows like Tim Burton’s work. People might be surprised by what I actually like to watch!

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2025-09-26 13:31