Social media tributes continued to pour in this week as news spread of Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s death, remembering the actor and former “Cosby Show” kid as a trailblazer who redefined Black masculinity on screen.
Eddie Griffin, who co-starred with Warner on their 1996 sitcom “Malcolm and Eddie,” posted to his Instagram story: “R.I.P. King” and “My big little brother,” with prayer and heart emojis.
Griffin later sent an expanded statement: “My Heart is heavy today… For what the world lost was a Father a Son a Poet a Musician an Actor a Teacher a Writer a Director a Friend a Warrior that I had the pleasure of going to war with against the Hollywood machine and sometimes with each other because that’s what Brothers do but the Love was and is always there.”
Tracee Ellis Ross shared a carousel of photos from their time on BET’s “Reed Between the Lines,” where they played a married couple. “I love you, Malcolm,” Ross said. “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.”
Angela Bassett, who worked with Warner on “9-1-1,” remembered him warmly. “When I met him, he was a star on the show that was TV royalty, ‘The Cosby Show.’ He warmly embraced me as a working actor who was trying to find my way,” Bassett said. “Even in his youth, Malcolm’s empathy, quiet strength, and his bright light surrounded us all.”
Niecy Nash posted a photo with Warner, 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!”
Wendell Pierce reflected on their 25-year friendship that began during a production of “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” “A man of deep goodness, warmth, talent, and charm,” Pierce said. “He challenged himself in music, art, cinema, spoken word and writing. Forever youthful, he had a huge capacity for joy.”
Courtney B. Vance offered an extended tribute, saying: “When Malcolm was in the room, we all felt his good and kind spirit. He was not just a hard worker. He was a man with integrity and honor. He grew up in this business, serving as a beacon of possibilities for young people.”
Marlee Matlin expressed her sadness 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.”
Ashley Jones, who worked with Warner on “The Resident,” shared memories from their brief time together on set. “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,” Jones said. “You were the real deal. Talked about your wife and daughter, your music, your poetry.”
Fox Entertainment released an official statement: “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.”
Social media tributes continued to pour in this week as news spread of Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s death, remembering the actor and former “Cosby Show” kid as a trailblazer who redefined Black masculinity on screen.
Eddie Griffin, who co-starred with Warner on their 1996 sitcom “Malcolm and Eddie,” posted to his Instagram story: “R.I.P. King” and “My big little brother,” with prayer and heart emojis.
Griffin later sent an expanded statement: “My Heart is heavy today… For what the world lost was a Father a Son a Poet a Musician an Actor a Teacher a Writer a Director a Friend a Warrior that I had the pleasure of going to war with against the Hollywood machine and sometimes with each other because that’s what Brothers do but the Love was and is always there.”
Tracee Ellis Ross shared a carousel of photos from their time on BET’s “Reed Between the Lines,” where they played a married couple. “I love you, Malcolm,” Ross said. “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.”
Angela Bassett, who worked with Warner on “9-1-1,” remembered him warmly. “When I met him, he was a star on the show that was TV royalty, ‘The Cosby Show.’ He warmly embraced me as a working actor who was trying to find my way,” Bassett said. “Even in his youth, Malcolm’s empathy, quiet strength, and his bright light surrounded us all.”
Niecy Nash posted a photo with Warner, 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!”
Wendell Pierce reflected on their 25-year friendship that began during a production of “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” “A man of deep goodness, warmth, talent, and charm,” Pierce said. “He challenged himself in music, art, cinema, spoken word and writing. Forever youthful, he had a huge capacity for joy.”
Courtney B. Vance offered an extended tribute, saying: “When Malcolm was in the room, we all felt his good and kind spirit. He was not just a hard worker. He was a man with integrity and honor. He grew up in this business, serving as a beacon of possibilities for young people.”
Marlee Matlin expressed her sadness 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.”
Ashley Jones, who worked with Warner on “The Resident,” shared memories from their brief time together on set. “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,” Jones said. “You were the real deal. Talked about your wife and daughter, your music, your poetry.”
Fox Entertainment released an official statement: “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.”
Actor Henry Winkler wrote, “This is a real tragedy. I have met Malcolm many times but never had the pleasure of working with him. It was a pleasure to know this talented young man. May he rest in peace.”
Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson said he and his wife Cookie “were both super fans of the hit ‘Cosby Show’ and continued to follow his career on shows like ‘Malcolm and Eddie’ and ‘The Resident.’ Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life, and business. He will truly be missed.”
The tributes consistently emphasized Warner’s role as a positive representation of Black manhood on television. During “The Cosby Show’s” groundbreaking run from 1984 to 1992, Warner portrayed Theo Huxtable, the middle child whose coming-of-age storylines resonated with audiences across racial lines.
Industry veterans praised Warner’s artistic versatility, noting his work as a musician, poet and director. He won a Grammy Award in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance as a featured artist on Robert Glasper’s “Jesus Children.”
Warner died of asphyxia while on a family vacation in Costa Rica. He reportedly was caught in a high current while swimming in the ocean. His body was identified by Costa Rica’s national police on Sunday.
As tributes continue flooding social media platforms, the consensus among Black Hollywood figures remains clear: Warner’s influence extended far beyond his most famous role, cementing his place as an artist who used his platform to uplift and inspire others.The tributes consistently emphasized Warner’s role as a positive representation of Black manhood on television. During “The Cosby Show’s” groundbreaking run from 1984 to 1992, Warner portrayed Theo Huxtable, the middle child whose coming-of-age storylines resonated with audiences across racial lines.
Actor Henry Winkler wrote, “This is a real tragedy. I have met Malcolm many times but never had the pleasure of working with him. It was a pleasure to know this talented young man. May he rest in peace.”
Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson said he and his wife Cookie “were both super fans of the hit ‘Cosby Show’ and continued to follow his career on shows like ‘Malcolm and Eddie’ and ‘The Resident.’ Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life, and business. He will truly be missed.”
Industry veterans praised Warner’s artistic versatility, noting his work as a musician, poet and director. He won a Grammy Award in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance as a featured artist on Robert Glasper’s “Jesus Children.”
Warner died of asphyxia while on a family vacation in Costa Rica. He reportedly was caught in a high current while swimming in the ocean. His body was identified by Costa Rica’s national police on Sunday.
As tributes continue flooding social media platforms, the consensus among Black Hollywood figures remains clear: Warner’s influence extended far beyond his most famous role, cementing his place as an artist who used his platform to uplift and inspire others.
