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).
Comments
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
very glad to hear this is only a hoax....Makes by vacation to Seattle next week much better.
Admired by Bronel
For the one who spread the rumor, "STOP DRINKING HATERADE".
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.
Keep your head up Jaleel, we are proud of your success!
Cammie
with/at this actor jaleel white killed HIMSELF.
because jaleel would not say a phrase from his
steve urkel character "did i do that" if jaleel
killed himself.
Keep the faith and always leave them laughing.
Tell the truth Jaleel, you made an ex mad:-)
Get a life whoever you are~
i guess i was gullible, but i was really concerned. i don't think they should post things like that, and i'm sorry that rumor is still very much circulating!
Michele