Malcolm-Jamal Warner‘s former co-stars and industry peers have paid tribute to the late “Cosby Show” star after he died in a drowning accident at age 54.
“I love you, Malcolm,” Tracee Ellis Ross wrote on Instagram alongside a carousel of photos of her with Warner on the press tour of the BET sitcom “Reed Between the Lines,” on which they played a married couple. “First I met you as Theo with the rest of the world then you were my first TV husband. My heart is so so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant. You made the world a brighter place. Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.”
Eddie Griffin, who starred alongside Warner on the UPN sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie,” posted a photo of Warner on his Instagram story with the words “R.I.P. King” and “My big little brother,” with prayer and heart emojis.
Niecy Nash also posted a photo with Warner on Instagram, writing, “My God, we just spoke. You were giving my my flowers for my work in [FX’s ‘Grotesquerie’] and we talked about how happy we both were in our marriages. Damn friend. You were cornerstone of The Cosby Show. We all loved Theo! Never to be forgotten. You will be missed. Rest Easy.”
Marlee Matlin wrote on Instagram, “I am so sad to read of the untimely passing of Malcolm Jamal Warner. He was the nicest guy and it was a privilege to have been in the same company with him … My heart goes out to his family and friends.”
A statement from Fox Entertainment read, “Everyone at Fox is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm-Jamal Warner. While his iconic roles — from comedic to dramatic — are unforgettable and timeless, Malcolm will be remembered most for his warmth, kind heart and the lasting impact he had on his friends, family and fans everywhere. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones.” Warner starred on the Fox medical drama series “The Resident” as AJ Austin.
Ashley Jones posted a photo from the set of “The Resident,” writing, “Malcolm. It was only about an 8 day stretch I got to hang and work with you on set. I was a big fan, but you were a friend. You were the real deal. Talked about your wife and daughter, your music, your poetry. We talked about my son and some hard life stuff I was going through… you were inspiring. Encouraged me to keep directing. Keep challenging myself. It was an honor — and I pray your family is comforted. Your legacy will live on. Rest easy in God’s hands.”
Warner, who played Theodore Huxtable on all eight seasons of “The Cosby Show,” died of asphyxia while on a family vacation in Costa Rica. He reportedly was caught in a high current while swimming in the ocean, and he drowned. His body was identified by Costa Rica’s national police on Sunday.
Playing the son of Bill Cosby’s Cliff Huxtable, Warner was a young icon of 1980s television. He went on to have a successful acting career into his adult life, and he also dabbled in the music industry, directing music videos and scoring a Grammy as a featured artist on a Robert Glasper song.
Warner starred on the UPN sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie” opposite Griffin, and he also led the BET sitcom “Reed Between the Lines.” His other roles included AJ Austin on “The Resident,” Sticky on “Sons of Anarchy” and Al Cowlings on “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.” Warner had guest spots on shows like “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Grown-ish” and “Community,” and he played the voice role of the Producer on PBS Kids’ “The Magic School Bus,” which he also executive produced.
Warner is survived by his wife and daughter.
