Jaleel White Commits Suicide

Status: Hoax
The latest false celebrity death rumor going around concerns Jaleel White (best known for playing Urkel on Family Matters). Supposedly he committed suicide by shooting himself in the head. This rumor is old. It was first posted on my site over half a year ago (in the comments to my post titled 'Is this Jaleel White?'). It's no truer now than it was then. I have no idea why it's begun circulating again, but here are the main highlights from the hoax AP report:
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Jaleel White, who played 'nerdy' neighbor Steve Urkel on "Family Matters" found dead Monday. He was 29 years old.
White was pronounced dead on arrival after admission to an LA hospital early Monday morning. The death is being investigated as a suicide.
Born Jaleel Ahmad White, he began his career at the age of three acting in television commercials, before landing guest spots on shows such as "The Jeffersons" and "Mr. Belvedere." It was in 1989 that White landed the role that would make him famous, playing wacky neighbor 'Steve Urkel' on the ABC program "Family Matters."
Following the cancellation of "Family Matters" in 1997, friends claim White became obsessed with the character, and grew despondent, despite further successes as star and producer of the UPN sitcom "Grownups", and as a writer for NBA.com
Neighbor and friend, Bradley Spencer alerted police after hearing what he described as "a loud bang" coming from White's Los Angeles apartment.
Authorities state that upon entering the home they discovered a young African-American male with an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Also found was a note, which read simply "Did I do that?", a popular catchphrase from the show.
Like I said, this was all posted on my site over half a year ago. Which means that when people did a Google search for info about Jaleel White committing suicide, my site was one of the first they found. Because of this, my page about Jaleel White started to receive huge amounts of traffic. So much traffic that it was not only slowing the entire site down, but was also slowing other sites that were located on the same server at my web host. Nevin, the technical guy at my web host, has been exchanging emails with me about it all day. What we've done to try to ease the strain on the server is to automatically route people visiting the comments for that old Jaleel White thread to my page about false celebrity death rumors (which is a static page and therefore uses less of the cpu).

Celebrities Death

Posted on Mon Jun 05, 2006


Comments

He's just TV Trash! He's not even real, people!
You Tube Idoits probably care more about this piece of trash than your own families! That's why this world is so @#$%&* UP! GET OVER IT!!!
Posted by halevans79  on  Sun Jun 11, 2006  at  12:07 PM
🐍Don't scare me like that, I hate... yeh hate it when people spread rumors more than once that have no posititve affect on lany community, or life. God bless you Mr. White to continue to live a prosperous life and be happy.
Posted by Regina Robertson  on  Sun Jun 11, 2006  at  12:08 PM
Yes, we heard this rumor all the way in the middle east!!! We are all glad to hear you are alive and well! We didn't think you would do anything that anyway. After all, you are a legend and played a big part in all of our childhood. We wish you the best of luck and look forward to seeing you in another sitcom. Even to see you in a movie would be great!
Posted by Tammie Conover  on  Sun Jun 11, 2006  at  12:41 PM
:) I am so glad to hear that Jaleel White is alive and well. It is a real shame that people would have the nerve to even joke about someone dying like that. When I first heard about it I didn't believe it because I just knew that jaleel isnt that kind of person to do that. He has a very bright and promising future ahead of him and i think he should go on the air and announce to people that he is still alive because I know there are people who still think he's dead. Many blessing's for him and his family.
Posted by Sabrina Joseph  on  Sun Jun 11, 2006  at  01:04 PM
Why ❓ Never stop to think how many people this effects. I guest they had nothing eles in life better to do. I loved watching the show and enjoyed his acting, would love to see him once more. Keep the faith, whom ever said it I pray that God will forgive you for others May never.😉
Posted by Mary Ann  on  Sun Jun 11, 2006  at  03:52 PM
Can you believe how dumb some people are?. They can't tell a real person from their television persona!. For those of you who thinks he is just a television character; HE IS A REAL LIVE HUMAN BEING TOO!. It's too bad you can't distinguish what's real from what's not. Most of us KNOW that he portrayed a fictitious character on television, but most of us also have the good sense to know that when he stepped off that set, he was a real life human being like the rest of us. HERE IS THE DIFFERENCE FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DON'T KNOW; "STEVEN URKEL, TELEVISON PERSONA, JALEEL WHITE, REAL LIFE HUMAN BEING!!!." While you are on here leaving nasty comments, try going to get yourself an education!.
Posted by Latoya  on  Sun Jun 11, 2006  at  05:55 PM
Praise the Lord. That rumor was heart renching. Thank You Jesus. I'm so happy you are alive Jaleel. I love You, Stay prayerful. The spirit of death is speaking out and wants to take your life, but keep praying, and thank God for that hedge of protection he has put around you. I will be praying for you. May the Lord Bless You and keep You.
Dionna
Posted by Dionna  on  Sun Jun 11, 2006  at  08:15 PM
I hate tabloids and false rumors. I think its b.s. But my heart did skip a beat, when my aunts were gossiping! Even though I wasn't a big fan of the show, i'm glad you are alive and doing great!
Posted by daniela  on  Mon Jun 12, 2006  at  01:28 AM
lol I never heard of this i somehow stubbled upon it just now. lol at the did I do that note. I'm glad Mr. White's not died.PS I gotta a friend who actually looks like Urkel, if he take his glasses off he still looks nerdy, but not like Jaleel.

Have a good life Mr. whote, stay away from the guns and the pranks.

-Spin Out
Posted by Valdis  on  Mon Jun 12, 2006  at  08:46 AM
I rec'd an email last week stating that Jaleel committed suicide. I sat at my desk and cried. I so love this young man and was grieving over the news. I told my children immediately. My son, LeRoy, was so like Urkell that his friends would tease and torment him endlessly. But, what got him through was when I pointed out how brilliant Urkell was. Jaleel has alwalys been an inspiration to me, waaaay beyond Urkell! He just has the appearance of being a self-confident, loving young man. This is why the idea of his suicide bothered me so. Well, my grandmother used to tell me that if a rumor went out that you died and you didn't, you would live a very, very long time. I pray this is so for Jaleel, and may he be BLESSED as never before. ba
Posted by Brenda Austin  on  Mon Jun 12, 2006  at  10:40 AM
I was very upset when I saw the email. But I have enought common sense to know as Big of celebrity as Jaleel is it would have been on the news. Its sad when some people have nothing more in life to do but spread lies,rumors about people. Like my grandmother said if they lied on Jesus they will lie on you.
Posted by ToRonicia Woods  on  Mon Jun 12, 2006  at  11:48 AM
When i first heard it my heart literally dropped down to my feet. I am not a person to believe everything i read but i do enjoy wikipedia, the encyclopedia, so i was more prone to believe this story. however i couldn't find it on any other website. I am happy that it appears not to be true (i agree with the other writers that think jaleel is incredibly sexy). I wish Jaleel all the best in future endeavors, besides being on television isnt what its cracked up to be. it seems to kill you a little too soon!
Posted by Precious  on  Mon Jun 12, 2006  at  12:08 PM
I am very sadden about what happened to Jaleel, and I hope that his family will find a way to be strong through this devastated time in there life. My prayers are with you and may God bless each and everyone of you
Posted by Crystal Garvin  on  Mon Jun 12, 2006  at  02:01 PM
I was very upset when I heard the rumor but something told me it was just a rumor because I heard nothing of the situation on the news or even in a newspaper just an article that my mother printed out and showed and i felt it wasn't true and that someone who was very bored with no life did this but I'm glad to have conformation hearing that this was just a rumor and that one of my favorite actors is still alive and doing well
Posted by Ashley Lynch  on  Mon Jun 12, 2006  at  06:17 PM
I am very glad that the Jaleel White death rumor was a hoax. I remember watching him on Family Matters. I am glad he is alive and well. 😊
Posted by Pam  on  Mon Jun 12, 2006  at  06:43 PM
If the rumor is not true then why is still on the net, radio television what ever the case may be why is it circulating like that if it is not true. And why hasnt he come forward ans say something, The world is too small and life is too short for anyone to be thinking of killing themselves any way
Posted by risa  on  Mon Jun 12, 2006  at  08:53 PM
Thank God... you are alive! I am a big fan of Jaleel's. There are much richness and glory in Jaleel that has yet to come forward. May God bless him and his family.
Posted by Wendy  on  Mon Jun 12, 2006  at  09:23 PM
I think either Erkel or his people planted this story for publicity.
Posted by Rahman  on  Mon Jun 12, 2006  at  09:39 PM
Halevans79 (stupid name), you need to chill out! If people liked his character, what is it to YOU?
Posted by Rahman  on  Mon Jun 12, 2006  at  09:43 PM
Glad to hear that things are okay....
Posted by koco  on  Mon Jun 12, 2006  at  10:59 PM
I just want to say that i am glad that it was just a bad rumor.Jaleel take care of yourself and don't let these foolish things get to you.I grew up watching you on family matters. I also watched you on all grown up.Keep doing what you do and i will support you in whatever it is that you do.Know that you have fans that love you from way back me included.
Posted by michellejones  on  Tue Jun 13, 2006  at  02:04 AM
When I first heard of this I said to the person that told me "Are you sure that you have your facts straight?" Moments later I called my sister "Jane". I asked her. She said Connie give me a moment and I will find out the facts! She called me back and told me that it was in fact a fraud. He was very much alive. To who ever started this sad story may God have mercy on your soul and your family. That had to be hard on anyone in his family to hear that someone could tarnish him like that. On the better note maybe that have producer(d) looking at him star in one of the most famous movies in the world. Thank you for that.
Posted by Connie1  on  Tue Jun 13, 2006  at  09:38 AM
I am relieved to know the truth - Jaleel White is my man...
Posted by Keisha Delancy  on  Tue Jun 13, 2006  at  02:57 PM
I mean the 1st thing I want 2 do iz Thank God that its not true, The 2nd thing I want 2 say iz y would a person do something like that?
n To him of all people. A persons like iz not 2 be played with. The crazy part iz Iam 15 n I got more since then have these people out here
Posted by Samara  on  Tue Jun 13, 2006  at  06:53 PM
O my word. I thought he was dead and I didn't know what to do. I don't know him personally but i grew up watching him on t.v. and had me a little crush on some Steve. I kind of panicked and had to do a search for him, thank God it's not true. I wish you a very long and happy life to come. Some people are just mean man, i can't believe people are ignorant enough to do stupid things like that. Much Love Jaleel
Posted by anesha  on  Wed Jun 14, 2006  at  12:19 AM
❓
Rumour still goin' strong, did a search to be sure. Happy u're not 'six feet under'
Posted by Liza  on  Wed Jun 14, 2006  at  01:01 PM
:-)
I am so happy to hear that this was a hoak. Jaleel if you read these messages, please know that people out here love you. I grew up watching Family Matters and I was so sad to think this might have been real. It's sad to think about someone being sad enough to take their own life. Hope all is well and please keep acting.
Posted by Heidi  on  Wed Jun 14, 2006  at  01:28 PM
I knew the rumor awas just that so lets make these ney saters a lyer by pulic appearance somewhere anywhere
Posted by A.Judge  on  Wed Jun 14, 2006  at  01:32 PM
Really glad to hear that it's not true. I didn't think someone as intelligent and with such a bright future would go out like that. 😖
Posted by Dannette  on  Wed Jun 14, 2006  at  02:07 PM
I am so glad that he is alive. I have had the biggest crush on Jaleel White. As Urkel, he was beautiful, I was totally into him. He just gave a name and face to the underdog.
Jaleel, God bless you in all of your future endeavors.
Posted by Brandy Allen  on  Wed Jun 14, 2006  at  03:08 PM
Glad it aint so pimpin i loved your show a a child and i felt sad then haerd about the note wich gave hope. i knew you would not go out like that. stay up chief!
Posted by Will G  on  Wed Jun 14, 2006  at  03:33 PM
I just want to say to Steve - thank God!

My twelve year old son, Brock, and I were told this horrible rumor last night. I'm 53 years old and watch you as Urkle and Stefan many many times - unfortunately, our family has suffered the loss of loved ones through the tragedy of suicide - it's nothing to hoax about or joke about - I'm just very relieved and glad to hear that you are well - we really would love to see you either on tv or in movies - preferably "family friendly" - please, anyone reading this - know there's ALWAYS something better - things WILL get better - Read the Psalms - kdy
Posted by Karen D Young  on  Wed Jun 14, 2006  at  08:02 PM
That wasn't a funny joke at all!
Posted by Casandra  on  Wed Jun 14, 2006  at  11:15 PM
Jaleel you are the coolest. You are probably the funniest actor I've ever seen. Thank god you aren't dead.
Posted by Chase  on  Wed Jun 14, 2006  at  11:17 PM
I am so glad that info was not true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! words cant really explain how i felt when i heard that horrible rumor......NE way keeping doing you jaleel! peace my brother
Posted by tee tee  on  Thu Jun 15, 2006  at  01:34 AM
Thank you for clearing up that issue. It would have been a shame for it to be true.
Posted by LUIS MCDONALD  on  Thu Jun 15, 2006  at  01:10 PM
Thanks for clearing up such an ugly rumor.
Posted by Luis McDonald  on  Thu Jun 15, 2006  at  01:12 PM
I didn't hear the original rumor, but I am still disturbed that someone will blatantly defame and speak murder in someone's life. But dependence on god and His graciousness will help one to overcome all of the obstacles in these perilous times. Just stay stong Jaleel and continue to be the talented,creative, intelligent, industrious person you are and have been.
Posted by Roosevelt Acoff  on  Thu Jun 15, 2006  at  03:10 PM
to the person who spread that very bad,nasty,god awful rumor need a very,very,very,very serious help,and VERY QUICKLY.
Posted by chantel  on  Thu Jun 15, 2006  at  09:09 PM
06-16-06
very glad to hear this is only a hoax....Makes by vacation to Seattle next week much better.
Admired by Bronel
Posted by Bronel P. Hebert  on  Fri Jun 16, 2006  at  09:59 AM
People do not have nothing else to do but to make up nasty lies. Please get a job.
Posted by april  on  Fri Jun 16, 2006  at  10:07 AM
My first time hearing this was yesterday 6/15/06. When my mom asked me about it. Like i told her i don't that it is true. So i went on line to see what was going on. Happy to hear that it is not true.
Posted by Tammy Davis  on  Fri Jun 16, 2006  at  10:22 AM
I am very happy to hear Mr. Jaleel White didn't take his own life. From the look of him, he's to strong minded and educated to do something so stupid like that anyway. Brother man you keep on living and continue to stay as fine as you are. Remember who ever started this rumor about you a year ago need to know that God is watching over you and he is not ready to take you away from this earth until your mission is done on earth. Focus on your future.
For the one who spread the rumor, "STOP DRINKING HATERADE".
Posted by Mimi  on  Fri Jun 16, 2006  at  02:22 PM
Some people are really dumb. You shouldn't believe something unless it came off the news. Besides, things like this are sent almost all the time. Rumors that people are dead but eventually you find out that most of them aren't true. I hate it when people talk trash about someone they don't even know. I for one am glad it's not true also, I think he's a good person and actor. Funny to.
Posted by Willena Crawford  on  Fri Jun 16, 2006  at  02:36 PM
Well as you all have learned, each person plays a part in each other lives weather it's a TV show actor, or your beloved grandmother. We all touch each other
Posted by Chocolate  on  Fri Jun 16, 2006  at  03:09 PM
When my sister called me friday 16, 2006 and told me the news i told my husband we both said it could not be true, for 1 reason they whould have had it all over the news and an the news paper. But i'm glad he's alive and doing well with his self.


P.S. Mr. white if i were not married i would come find you and have you to myself.


We love you and keep
strong.
Posted by neffratia harvey  on  Sat Jun 17, 2006  at  05:45 AM
Jaleel was and remains the man. Death hoaxes are not funny, end of story. I am glad that this is just a rumor. I do feel sorry for him tho having to live with the Urkel stigma. One quick question, what else has mr. White done, has he been in any movies or shows since Urkel. Just Curious.
Posted by Zachary  on  Sat Jun 17, 2006  at  01:01 PM
"Wow," is all I can say. We as a society can be fascinated with some some of the most twisted things---playing a hoax like this about anyone is unreal and for the person who started it----get a life!
Posted by T Breland  on  Sat Jun 17, 2006  at  09:41 PM
It's good that Jaleel is well, but that goes to show or hear rather you can't always believe what you hear or read. Always get that facts!! Oh and by the way if your read Mr. White it would be great to see you in a sitcom or movie all grown-up!!!!!
Posted by Tyquanta  on  Sat Jun 17, 2006  at  11:24 PM
Jaleel - when I heard the rumor I hoped that it was not true. For a few moments I was saddened by it and got on the internet to see if this was another celebrity death hoax and thankfully it was but it is not a funny matter. The problem is that sick people romanticize death at everyones expense. Yes, we should pray for the silly person who started it and everyone that perpetuated the hoax as well as Jaleel & his family.

Keep your head up Jaleel, we are proud of your success!
Posted by D'lisa  on  Sun Jun 18, 2006  at  04:34 AM
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