All About Jaleel White's Daughter Samaya White

Mar. 15, 2025

Jaleel White and his daughter Samaya White.Photo:Jaleel White Instagram

Jaleel White Instagram

Jaleel Whiteshares a very close bond with his daughter Samaya.

TheFamily Mattersactor welcomed his only child with ex-girlfriend Bridget Hardy in August 2009. Since then, the father-daughter duo have shared plenty of fun moments together, includingbeach daysand avisit to the setofAmerican Ninja Warrior(Samaya’s favorite show).

Ever since Samaya’s birth, White has taken his role as a girl dad very seriously. In a2020 birthday tributeto his daughter, the actor admitted he “cried uncontrollably” when she was born. “I thank your spirit for choosing me to be your Dad,” he added.

A few months later, he shared more about hisparenting philosophyon Instagram, encouraging other parents to “talk to your kids” and “invite them to speak about what’s on their hearts.” White added, “#GirlDads teach your daughters yelling isn’t necessary to make your point ever. It’s okay to be accountable. Not enough fathers teach their daughters the power of owning up to mistakes and apologizing sincerely.”

From her first movie premiere to her love of sports, here’s everything to know about Jaleel White’s 15-year-old daughter Samaya.

She was born in 2009

Jaleel White and his daughter Samaya White.Jaleel White Instagram

White and Hardy welcomed their daughter Samaya on Aug. 15, 2009.

The former couple split when Samaya was 11 months old and ultimately agreed to a joint custody arrangement after a lengthy custody battle.

She motivates her dad to keep acting

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Though White is most known for his role as Steve Urkel on the ‘90s sitcomFamily Matters, the actor has taken on a variety of other roles over the years. In an interview withFox Newsin September 2019, White shared that he has continued to act because he wants to set a good example for his daughter.

“You get different motivating factors in your life, period. I think my biggest motivating factor right now is my daughter,” he said. “You got to provide an example for your kids. They watch you more than they listen to you.”

White added, “So, she sees me go to work, she sees me continuing to act, continue to endeavor, staying up late nights, writing, taking pitch meetings, traveling for my job. And those are the things that are going to instill a work ethic in her. So, I got to be her inspiration right now. And that’s one of the things that keeps me steadfast.”

She attended her first movie premiere in 2019

Jaleel White, Samaya White and Shannon Decker at the premiere of Sony Pictures' ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ in 2019.Steve Granitz/WireImage

Steve Granitz/WireImage

Samaya attended her first movie premiere in December 2019 when she walked the red carpet forJumanji: The Next Levelwith her dad. White shared a series of photos from the premiere onInstagram, including shots of Samaya with cast membersDanny Devitoand Ser’Darius Blain.

She and her dad like to travel together

Samaya has a very close relationship with her dad, and the pair love to travel together. Over the years, they’vevisited Universal Orlando Resortand gone onski tripswith friends.

In August 2021, the father-daughter duo took anend-of-summer vacation to Miami. White shared a video of their trip on Instagram, in which he said they rode in a slingshot car and went bowling.

She graduated from elementary school in 2021

She likes to prank her dad

“So I decide to bring ice cream home as a surprise 🍨 I look down and see Ms. Seventh Grade has gotten herself a colorful array of video vixen acrylic nails 💅🏽 and we TALKED ABOUT THIS and how it was NOT allowed,” he explained. “I’m super chill about it. No yelling at all. I see her & my gal glancing at each other… these foolz have taped FAKE Acrylic nails to her fingernails just to see what I would do.”

She plays multiple sports

Jaleel White and his daughter Samaya White with DJ D Sharp at a Golden State Warriors game.Jaleel White Instagram

Samaya and White have bonded over their mutual love of sports. While she and her dad often attend sports events together, includingLos Angeles DodgersandGolden State Warriors games, the teenager also plays a variety of sports. According to White’s Instagram, Samaya has played volleyball, softball, soccer and basketball.

Whiteshared his excitement about his daughter enjoying sportsin a post about the pair visiting theKobe Bryantmural in Los Angeles in January 2021.

“Always thought I wanted a son until she arrived. She loves the game just the same if not more,” he wrote in the caption. “Friday nights have just been different during CoViD measures. Going on a Westside L.A. tour to see all the Kobe murals and grabbin’ some ice cream afterwards feels like an event during these times.”

She went to The Weeknd concert for her 13th birthday

For Samaya’s 13th birthday in 2022, White took her to seeThe Weekndperform at Sofi Stadium in L.A. He shared avideofrom the concert on Instagram, which showed Samaya singing along to the singer’s hit track “Can’t Feel My Face” with a friend.

“One of the best parts of being a Dad is keeping those promises,” he shared. “All she really wanted for her 13th birthday this year was to see @theweeknd live in concert #yourwishisgranted 🧞‍♂️.”

source: people.com