“Family Matters” star and “DWTS” alum Jaleel White is celebrating his daughter Samaya‘s 16th birthday with adorable throwback pics. In honor of Samaya’s special birthday the actor took to Instagram to post a sweet tribute including photos taken over the years.
White, 48, captioned the carousel of pictures with an emotional message. “Welp … that came fast 🤷🏽♂️😢 a certain one and only daughter of mine turned 16 today 🎂,” he began.
He continued, “I thank your soul daily for choosing me to be your chief provider and protector. For all that you’ve done to raise my consciousness you owe me nothing, Sweetie.”
White and his ex-girlfriend Bridget Hardy welcomed Samaya in 2009, and she is White’s only child. It’s clear she means the world to him, and the pics he posted prove it. White and Samaya are shown together at various points throughout the years on ski trips, at Dodgers games, and celebrating other birthdays.
“My heart is full ♥️ The greatest gift you can bestow upon me from this moment on is staying mindful to become the absolute best version of YOU,” White concluded his caption. “I hope ur smiling from ear to ear all day long, HAPPY SWEET 16, BABYGIRL 🎉”
Jaleel White’s Daughter Motivated His Career Choices
GettyWhile White is perhaps best known for playing Steve Urkel on the ’90s hit sitcom “Family Matters,” he has continued to act since the series wrapped in 1998. Most recently he starred in the “Star Wars” series “Skeleton Crew” as Gunter.
According to White, his strong work ethic is due in part to wanting to set a good example for Samaya. “I think my biggest motivating factor right now is my daughter,” the actor shared with Fox News in 2019.
“You got to provide an example for your kids … 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,” he said.
White’s Childhood Was Much Different Than Samaya’s
White was just 12 years old when “Family Matters” premiered, and he was 21 when the show ended. For that reason, his teen years were very unique and unlike those of his daughter. However, he also points to another big difference between being a teenager in the ’90s and now.
“I always try to tell people that ‘Family Matters’ existed before cell phones,” White explained. “That’s a huge, huge component of life that was different … I don’t really know what I would say to parents these days other than keeping an eye on your child.”
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Jaleel White Shares Rare Throwback Pics in Honor of His Daughter’s Sweet 16