Did Jaleel White (Steve Urkel of 'Family Matters') commit suicide? His real name is Jaleel White. Steve Urkel from "Family Matters" is not dead at all. Noble studied drama at the University of Miami and later continued at Miami-Dade Community College. Family Matters Actress Dies Biography JoMarie Payton Noble has enjoyed performing since elementary school. While at Carol City High School in Miami, she won her first starring role as Mama in the high-school production of "A Raisin in the Sun." Actor Barry Jenner, known for his recurring roles on “Family Matters,” “Knots Landing” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” died on Monday in Los Angeles. He was 75. David Mikkelson Claim: Jaleel White (Steve Urkel of television’s Family Matters ) committed suicide. An actress who died was Judy Garnald from Wizards of Oz, Rosetta LeNoire and Michelle Thomas from Family Matters. Asked in Famous People Is jaleel white really dead ? Family Matters - novel - was created in 2002.