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.
"Jaleel was an uncommonly good man, an exceptional role model and a
great comedic actor," said William Bickley, who created the series,
and
Thomas L. Miller, one of the executive producers, in a joint
statement.
"We feel privileged to have known him and worked with him. He'll be
missed and remembered every day by his many, many friends," they said.
Actress Kellie Williams -- Laura Winslow on the series -- described
White as a consummate professional actor. "Everyone adored him," she
said.
"We have all lost a dear, dear brother," said Reginald VelJohnson, who
played Carl Winslow.
White, an only child, is survived by "cousins, aunts, uncles, and
wonderful friends," Bickley said.
