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

Half a year huh? You think if they report it often enough he'll take the hint?
Posted by eriC draveS  on  Mon Jun 05, 2006  at  07:47 PM
That'way older than a year, at least here in Barcelona. I heard he was dead back when I was in school, that's maybe 8 or 9 years ago. To this day I still surprise some friends when I show 'em a somewhat recent picture of him from the imdb.
Posted by Dani  on  Tue Jun 06, 2006  at  06:21 AM
I ran a search on CNN today (6/6) and it was posted there; so, does this mean CNN posted a hoax story??????
Posted by Cassie  on  Tue Jun 06, 2006  at  02:09 PM
Phew! I'm so glad that story was a hoax! I think he is very sexy! Thank you for letting me know the truth.
Posted by Cinda  on  Tue Jun 06, 2006  at  09:36 PM
I think this was of poor taste to proclaim someone's death even in a joking way. Poor taste!!!
Posted by cassandra  on  Wed Jun 07, 2006  at  04:51 AM
death is nothing to play around with,put yourself into his position, would you like it if the shoes were on the other foot. Would you like it if your parents read or heard that you were dead later to find out it was a joke.How would you feel?
Posted by cassandra  on  Wed Jun 07, 2006  at  05:07 AM
hahaha, what's funnier is how many people believe bullshit they read at first. IT'S THE INTERNET!!! TRUST NOONE OR ELSE THE MANBEARPIG WILL GET YOU!!
Posted by mydixiewrecked  on  Wed Jun 07, 2006  at  01:44 PM
AS I SAID TO MY NIECE, WHO WAS VERY CONCERNED,
I WAS BELIEVING IT UNTIL I READ THE STATEMENT,
"DID I DO THAT?" I REFUSE TO BELIEVE THAT JALEEL,
A VERY INTELLIGENT AND LEVEL HEADED YOUNG MAN, WOULD DO SOMETHING SO INSENSITIVE TO HIS FAMILY OR HIS FANS.
Posted by Gloria Young  on  Wed Jun 07, 2006  at  04:10 PM
whoa im glad i know the truth that was so upsetting to think that he would have done that he's a very handsome man with a bright futrue ahaed of him i wish him all the best
Posted by Jami  on  Wed Jun 07, 2006  at  07:17 PM
well its going all over myspace i believed it at first and so did my parents, to find out it was just a oke that really shows how stupied people can be its almost like wishing death on someone well i'll pry for him n hiz family for all these stupied rumors goinin around
Posted by valancia  on  Wed Jun 07, 2006  at  07:35 PM
Thank god its not true so keep on living for god is life.
Posted by Mallicha  on  Wed Jun 07, 2006  at  09:24 PM
Thankful to know that he still is alive just hope that he doesnt try this because its dumb you should live your life till the fullest.
Posted by Dei'Janae  on  Wed Jun 07, 2006  at  09:26 PM
I am glad that it is not true. I was kinda weary of the information. Because the email I received read that he could not get over being Steve Urkel or something to that effect. But I remember Jaleel White stating, after Family Matters ended, that he was grown and did not want to be referred to as "Urkel". Anyway, I am glad this is just a rumor.
Posted by shantra  on  Thu Jun 08, 2006  at  07:15 AM
Someone told me n my family on Tuesday that he killed himself. It was sad to here that because growing up I could relate to Steve Urkel. I'm really happy to find out that it was not true. But it is really a shame to see how people start rumors.
Posted by Michael  on  Thu Jun 08, 2006  at  09:11 AM
Death is not a game nor is it funny. Hoaxs on people's supposed deaths isn't funny.... And why this resurfaced after half a year is incrediable and that it's on CNN.com is even worse. What happened to actually researching a story for facts?
Posted by Kay  on  Thu Jun 08, 2006  at  10:19 AM
I am skeptical about things I read, including this. I have to have facts. I have to have proof either way. I will be following up close. If he has past on, my sympathy to his family. If not may God have mercy on the souls of the ones who started this rumor. Remember that saying while you are digging a ditch for me be careful because you might just fall in.
Posted by tonya  on  Thu Jun 08, 2006  at  11:16 AM
i am so happy this was a hoax cuz i love jaleel so much and when i hurd that rumor i cired for days. i love you jaleel. always. foreva baby!!!!
Posted by Jiana  on  Thu Jun 08, 2006  at  10:07 PM
Damn I'm just reading about this, hopefully it is a hoax. If its true its very disturbing, White was very cool. Maybe the fact that he was today still being called Urkel. Which was problably driving him nuts. And the fact it was problably hard to get a job following his most known roll "Steve Urkel". If its true don't you think there's a "family matters" curse, cause Myra (urkels love interest) died in 1998. Judy became a short-term pornstar after being kicked off the show in 1993. Now Urkel's dead...think about it!
Posted by Kevin  on  Fri Jun 09, 2006  at  02:17 PM
When this information was told to me, in the begining I was sadden as if I knew Jaleel White, it's funny how sometime we get so involed with actors and actress, that they become apart of us, Denzel said it best when he was telling Steve Harvey the difference between them is that he comes into people homes and Dezel is only on big screen. And this is so true when we see these actors in these weekly sitcoms and we tivo them, we get caught up. I said all that to say, I was sadden for a minute because all I could think about was this youngman that I came to love, his character, his style, and his great since of humor. Jaleel you may never see this or even hear about it but, I thank God your ok, Jaleel you are a great actor, writer, and producer, and I'm certain a wonderful person, keep your head up and I wish to you much success. And I feel as though we should all pray for the sick person who started this and yes I call him/her a sick person because that is what they are and they need prayer trust they do.
Posted by Rochelle Henderson  on  Fri Jun 09, 2006  at  08:10 PM
:roll: i'm glad its not true....i didin't think you would go out like that.....just goes to show that you really have to be careful about the information you read on the net
Posted by Phillip Moore  on  Fri Jun 09, 2006  at  08:44 PM
phew
Posted by Chris Mcfarland  on  Fri Jun 09, 2006  at  08:59 PM
I'm sorry.I made a mistake because I'm new to this,but I really don't like death hoaxes because it's not funny and if Jaleel White was really dead then I would be real upset considering the fact that he is one of the coolest brothers around.He is a great actor and I admire his style a lot.When he was playing Steve Urkel in family matters,he went with the most beautiful girl which is Myra.She was an excellent and very fine actor.It's too bad that she died in 1998,I was very sad about that.Anyway,I don't wan't to hear any more f**king hoaxes about Jaleel White :coolmad: I'm serious.Talking about he committed suicide by shooting himself in the head,tell me why the hell he would do that for? :blank: he is a true g 😊 I don't know what else to say 😕 ,but respect this man,for he is cool as hell!!! 😊
Posted by Chris Mcfarland  on  Fri Jun 09, 2006  at  09:24 PM
i want to know if he is really dead or not
Posted by odessa smith  on  Fri Jun 09, 2006  at  09:31 PM
Wow that's really a horrible rumor to spread about someone. I grew up on family matters and when I heard about this Jaleel White supposed death I was really upset. It was different for me. I didn't read this on the Internet. I actually heard it on the radio. I was so shocked. I immediately started trying to find this on the internet. I just typed in my search toolbar "jaleel white" and so much crazy stuff popped up. That's when I start doubting that this might just be a rumor. I wish u well Jaleel and hopefully this rumor goes away quick and fast.
Posted by Raquel Lewis  on  Fri Jun 09, 2006  at  10:34 PM
my boyfriend was telling me about it tonight and i was like you got to be lieing the first thing i said was that is unbeleiveable and i said to my self let me look on the net and see can i see some truth and i came across this and i said THANK GOD that wasnt true so keep on living u have did so much in life to let it go down the drain.MUCH LOVE
Posted by rhonda dortch  on  Fri Jun 09, 2006  at  11:32 PM
I didnt believe it then and i dont believe it now people say things that are not true everyday they just need something to talk about. keep on living your life and dont worry about the silly rumors love to see you soon on my tv screen.
Posted by Monique  on  Sat Jun 10, 2006  at  12:54 AM
Glad to hear the rumour is untrue! God bless you Jaleel! Take care.
Posted by Pixie  on  Sat Jun 10, 2006  at  03:16 AM
I am so happy that those rumors aren't true. I don't think I could take the news of losing yet another one of my favorite childhood stars. I'm still finding it hard to believe that "Hakeem" from Moesha is really gone. It really hurt my feelings when I read that false e-mail. I was shocked that he would do such a thing. And oh let's not forget the note. Anyway I'm glad to see you are alive and well. Now could we see more of you? I think you're a really talented actor.
Posted by Chrystal  on  Sat Jun 10, 2006  at  11:45 AM
The article shows that some people are really sick. Jaleel White seems to be doing quite good for himself. Sounds like a fan was too obsessed with the Urkel character. The internet is a source of rumor mills all the time. Just an example: Mike Vick being gay, Eddie Murphy and Johnny Gill doing that true life"Brokeback Mountain". Luther(RIP) rumors about him dying from AIDS.
Posted by Barry Williams  on  Sat Jun 10, 2006  at  01:02 PM
My Brother only told me about this half an hour ago. He had heard it from our Cousin earlier this morning. A quick search on Google, and presto! It's a hoax. No surprise really. Now if people would just stop trying to kill off Tom Cruise...

Unta Glebin Gloutin Globin,

Red Ronin, The Cybernetic Samurai
Posted by Red Ronin  on  Sat Jun 10, 2006  at  01:47 PM
I am really happy to hear that it is not true, but how do we really know the truth. He has not came out and said I AM STILL AROUND. Anyway I am glade that he is and I don't wish anything bad on him. If he is thing about something like that some on please help him out. My nepew is named after him. My sis is one of his biggest fans.
Posted by Roechelle Collins  on  Sat Jun 10, 2006  at  03:01 PM
omg im soo happy it wasnt true i was about to freak out! like omg! im soo happy he is the best fot he best (other than will smith of course;-) )
Posted by penni  on  Sat Jun 10, 2006  at  06:50 PM
The rumor had resurfaced. I was in the hair salon today and a random lady mentioned it. I was slightly saddened because, you know, it's an unfortunate incidence..or it would have been. The statement," you never know what somebody is going through." began spilling out of everyone's mouth that was in the general vicinity of the conversation.
I AM SO GLAD THAT YOU ARE ALIVE AND WELL! I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS. I will as keep the person who decided to make this story up, in my prayers. Forgive them for they know not what they do or the havoc they cause.

Peace, Happiness, and Blessings to you Jaleel...(ha ha-referring to u as if i know u personally)
May you continue to be successful in all of your endeavors.
Posted by Shanta T.  on  Sat Jun 10, 2006  at  08:27 PM
All I can say is, whom ever made this up is one sick individual
with nothing better to do. Where ever Jaleel is, whatever he is doing, I wish him the best. I first heard of this from my sister whom received it in an email from a friend. I just didn't believe it the minute she told me about it. Come on, he is a well-known celebrity, if that had really happend it would have been all over the news, or at least I would think so.
Posted by Latoya  on  Sat Jun 10, 2006  at  10:14 PM
I think it's sad and pathetic that so many people even CARE. I mean, he's a kid on a tv show, not Mother Teresa! It's one thing if you actually KNOW him (and I'm betting that 100% of you don't!), but it's another to put so much time and energy into worrying about someone you'll never even meet.

Stand up, walk away from the computer, and go do something productive with your lives! Feed the poor! Protest an unjust war! Teach someone to read! DO SOMETHING!
Posted by Barbarella  on  Sun Jun 11, 2006  at  02:46 AM
:coolsmirk: FIRST OF ALL I'M VERY HAPPY TO KNOW HE IS NOT DEAD! BUT POEPLE NEED TO GET A LIFE AND DEATH IS NOT FOR PLAYING WITH.... DID'T THEIR MOTHER TELL THEM THAT AS A CHILD! DEATH IS COMING ONE DAY LETS NOT RUSH THAT DAY FOR ANYONE.
Posted by Karita Powell in Coralville, Iowa  on  Sun Jun 11, 2006  at  07:27 AM
hi jaleel i love you so much i just wanted to say that i'm so happy it's not true....
Posted by unique becker  on  Sun Jun 11, 2006  at  07:37 AM
im glad it was a rumor
Posted by Cherry  on  Sun Jun 11, 2006  at  09:36 AM
This is for barbarella,
Does it matter that he was " some kid on a tv show" as you put it?. The point is that he is a "REAL LIVE HUMAN BEING " with feelings just like you or anyone else. Most of us don't want to see anything bad happen to anyone because maybe unlike you, we seem to care about other peoples' well- being besides our own or that of our families. It's too sad that unfortunately there are people like you out there in this world. Maybe if more people cared, the world would be a much better place. Who says a person has to be a saint for anyone to show concern about them?. Don't you have people who care about you?. You need to get away from the computer and GO GET A HEART !!!.
Posted by Latoya  on  Sun Jun 11, 2006  at  10:00 AM
I certainly hope it's true!
Posted by halevans79  on  Sun Jun 11, 2006  at  12:00 PM
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
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