Bill Cosby Shares Emotional Words After Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Death

The world is mourning the sudden death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor who played Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show.” Warner died at 54 while swimming in Costa Rica, according to ABC News.

He was caught in a strong ocean current near Cocles beach and could not be saved, despite help from people on the beach and emergency responders. Local police confirmed that Warner died from asphyxia. His body was later identified by Costa Rican authorities.

Bill Cosby, who worked with Warner for eight years on their hit TV show, spoke to ABC News about the loss. Cosby described Warner as a hardworking and dedicated actor. “He was always a great studier, and I enjoyed working with him very much,” Cosby said.

He shared that Warner felt like family to him, not just during the show but even after. Cosby explained that Warner kept in touch over the years. “Malcolm calls here regularly,” he said. Cosby compared their relationship to the one he had with his grandfather, saying he always acted as a mentor to Warner.

Cosby also said Warner took his work seriously and always knew what to do on set. “He was very professional. He always knew his part… He always knew his lines, and he always knew where to go,” Cosby said, remembering the times they spent together filming the show.

Warner’s acting career didn’t stop after “The Cosby Show.” He acted in many TV shows like “Sons of Anarchy,” “The Resident,” and “Accused.” He also appeared in dramas such as “Ten Days in the Valley” and played A.C. Cowlings in “The People v. O.J. Simpson.”

Besides acting, Warner won a Grammy Award in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance. He worked on a podcast about Black identity and life in America not long before he passed away.

Warner was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1970. His name came from civil rights leader Malcolm X and jazz musician Ahmad Jamal. He became famous as Theo Huxtable, a role that earned him an Emmy nomination and helped launch his long career in Hollywood.

Throughout his life, Warner acted in shows like “Suits,” “Dexter,” “Community,” and “The Michael J. Fox Show.” He also directed episodes of famous shows like “The Cosby Show” and “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” In 2011, he starred alongside Tracee Ellis Ross in “Reed Between the Lines” and directed a video raising awareness about HIV and AIDS that featured Magic Johnson and Arsenio Hall.

Since Warner’s passing, many stars have shared tributes. Tracee Ellis Ross said he “made the world a brighter place.” Jamie Foxx wrote he was “speechless” and added, “Rest in power, my brother.”

Warner’s death is a big loss, not just for those who worked with him but for fans around the world who grew up watching him on TV.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!