Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the multi-talented artist who rose to fame on The Cosby Show as Theo Huxtable, and more recently, starred in The Resident, a GRAMMY-winner, spoken word poet and podcaster who advocated for Black mental health, has passed away.
The Associated Press confirmed the sad news, citing Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department who said the 54-year-old accidentally drowned during a family holiday.
Since the news broke, the internet has been flooded with kind memories of the late star:
Malcolm’s Read Between the Lines co-star Tracee Ellis Ross posted photos from set and captioned it, “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.”
Oscar-winner Viola Davis said she was “speechless” after hearing the news. “Theo was OUR son, OUR brother, OUR friend. He was absolutely so familiar, and we rejoiced at how TV got it right! But Malcolm got it right, and now we reveled in your life and are gutted by this loss. Blessings and prayers to your family and loved ones. We will speak your name – always.”
Actor and friend David Bianchi who was mentored by Malcolm, said he was “one of the most upright men I’ve ever met in Hollywood. His dignity, principals and honour for humanity and art rival the greats. The world is a lesser place today.”
Hollywood star and Oscar-winner Angela Bassett who worked with Malcolm on both The Cosby Show, and later in 911 said he was a “special soul” who left the world too soon. She added, “Malcolm was more than a gifted actor, he was a longtime friend When I met him, he was a star on the show that was TV royalty, The Cosby Show. He warmyl embraced me as a working actor who was trying to find my way. Even in his youth, Malcom’s empathy, quiet strength, and his bright light surrounded us all. Then to have the opportunity to work with him again last year on ‘911’ was a memorable full circle moment for us both.”
Fellow star and Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer reminded the world, “Malcolm-Jamal wasn’t just Theo Huxtable to millions: he was a beacon of light, a multi-talented artist and a loving father and husband. He was also a Grammy-winning musician, a poet, an activist, a director and a friend to so many.”
Debbie Allen thanked Malcolm for his “joy, creativity and hope” and Magic Johnson posted on X that he was a “super fan” of his: “Every time I ran into Malcolm, we wold have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life and business. He will truly be missed.”
(Feature Image Credit: Malcolm-Jamal Warner photo by Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock.com)
