What Happened to Michael Sparkman's Death?
Michael Sparkman, the husband of comedian and television host Sheryl Underwood, died by suicide in 1990 after battling clinical depression. His death remained a deeply personal and often unspoken tragedy for Underwood for many years, though she later became an advocate for mental health awareness. Most recently, his death was referenced during Netflix's 'The Roast of Kevin Hart' in May 2026, bringing renewed public attention to the tragic event.
Quick Answer
Sheryl Underwood's husband, Michael Sparkman, died by suicide in August 1990, three years into their marriage. He had suffered from clinical depression and had a prior overdose attempt. Underwood initially struggled to acknowledge the cause of death publicly but later opened up about his mental health struggles and the profound impact of his loss. As of May 2026, his death was a topic of discussion during 'The Roast of Kevin Hart' on Netflix, where comedians made jokes referencing the tragedy, which Underwood reportedly took in stride.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline10 events
Marriage to Michael Sparkman
Sheryl Underwood married chef Michael Sparkman after dating for seven years.
Sparkman's Battle with Depression
During their three-year marriage, Michael Sparkman struggled significantly with clinical depression, including a prior overdose attempt.
Michael Sparkman's Death by Suicide
Michael Sparkman died by suicide, a tragic event that profoundly impacted Sheryl Underwood.
Initial Silence and Grief
For many years, Sheryl Underwood found it difficult to publicly acknowledge her husband's death as a suicide, grappling with the emotional trauma privately.
First Public Revelation
Underwood first revealed that her husband had died by suicide, marking an initial step in her public acknowledgment of the tragedy.
Opening Up to People Magazine
Sheryl Underwood shared more detailed and painful memories of her husband's death with People magazine, including their last conversation.
Discussion on 'The Talk' Regarding Kate Spade
Underwood became emotional on 'The Talk' while discussing Kate Spade's suicide, drawing parallels to her husband's death and advocating for mental health awareness.
Tribute to Suicide Victims on 'The Talk'
Sheryl Underwood paid tribute to designer Kate Spade and chef Anthony Bourdain, both of whom died by suicide, on her daytime talk show, further discussing the impact of such losses.
Referenced at 'The Roast of Kevin Hart'
Michael Sparkman's death became a topic of jokes by comedians Shane Gillis and Tony Hinchcliffe during Netflix's live 'The Roast of Kevin Hart,' bringing renewed public attention to the tragedy.
Public Reaction and Underwood's Response
Following the roast, public discussion ensued regarding the jokes. Sheryl Underwood was observed laughing during the segment and later, during her own set, responded to the jokes, appearing to take them in stride.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Michael Sparkman, a chef, married Sheryl Underwood in 1987 after they had dated for seven years. Their marriage, however, was marked by Sparkman's severe battle with clinical depression. According to Underwood, he experienced deteriorating mental health issues, including an earlier overdose attempt before his death. In August 1990, three years after their wedding, Michael Sparkman died by suicide.
For many years following his death, Sheryl Underwood found it difficult to openly discuss the circumstances, particularly acknowledging it as a suicide. The emotional trauma and the pain of his loss were immense, and she initially refused to recognize the cause of death publicly. However, over time, Underwood began to speak more candidly about the tragedy. In 2011, she first revealed that her husband had died by suicide, and in 2016, she shared more intimate details with People magazine, recalling their last conversation. She described making him a German chocolate cake that morning and telling him, 'Drop the bills in the mailbox, and I'll see you when you get home,' a moment that became 'the most painful thing in the world because he is not coming back.'
Underwood continued to use her platform, particularly on 'The Talk,' to raise awareness about mental health, grief, and healing. In 2018, she became visibly emotional while discussing the suicide of designer Kate Spade, drawing parallels to her own experience and emphasizing the unknown complexities of clinical depression and financial stress that can contribute to such tragedies. She also spoke about the lasting pain for surviving family members and the impact of suicide notes.
The most recent development occurred in May 2026, when Michael Sparkman's death became a controversial topic during Netflix's 'The Roast of Kevin Hart.' Comedians Shane Gillis and Tony Hinchcliffe made jokes referencing his suicide, sparking public debate about the appropriateness of the humor. Despite some public outcry, Underwood was seen laughing during the roast and later, during her own set, she responded to the jokes, indicating she took them in stride. This event highlighted the enduring public interest in her personal tragedy and her continued resilience in addressing it.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Michael Sparkman's Death made different choices?