Co-Stars Call Malcolm-Jamal Warner a 'Light' and 'Blessing from God' as They Reflect on His Legacy
Co-stars of "The Cosby Show," actor and musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner, are paying tribute to him after he died on Sunday in an accidental death during a family vacation in Costa Rica. Warner, 54, died on July 20, after he was dragged further out to sea by a current while swimming at Playa Cocles in the province of Limon, according to Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Department. Despite attempts to rescue Warner, Costa Rica's first responders declared him dead due to a lack of vital signs.
Warner’s Role on "The Cosby Show"
Warner, who grew up a child star, is best known for his role as Theo Huxtable, the third child and only son of Heathcliff Huxtable, played by comedian Bill Cosby on the popular sitcom "The Cosby Show" in the 1980s and 90s. He also received an Emmy nomination in 1986 for best supporting comedy actor for his portrayal of Theo.
Reflections from Co-Stars on Warner’s Death
Per The Christian Post, Warner's former co-stars paid tribute to him following the news of his death.
Bill Cosby Responds to Warner's Death
In a statement to CBS News, Andrew Wyatt, a spokesperson for Cosby, said that Warner's death was "devastating," and it reminded Cosby of the death of his son, Ennis, who was shot and killed in a robbery in 1997.
"It felt the same way," Wyatt noted.
Cosby told CBS News on Monday that Warner was "never afraid to go to his room and study and make sure he followed whatever he had learned in the acting school he went to." He added that he last spoke with Warner about three months ago in a conversation about Warner's accomplishments in the music industry.
Warner previously issued a statement in 2015 when Cosby was accused of drugging and sexually assaulting women. Although he commended Cosby for his invaluable contributions to television, comedy, and the black community, it was "painful" for him to hear the news of the allegations.
"I can't really speak on any of the allegations because obviously, I was not there," Warner told Billboard at the time. "The Bill Cosby I know has been great to me and great for a lot of people. I can't speak on the other stuff."
"Just as it's painful to hear any woman talk about sexual assault, whether true or not, it's just as painful to watch my friend and mentor go through this," he added.
Angela Bassett Remembers Warner as a ‘Beautiful Soul’
Actress Angela Bassett, who has worked in film and television since the 1980s and appeared in two episodes of "The Cosby Show," described Warner as a "beautiful soul, a gifted actor, and a longtime friend" in a post on Instagram on Monday.
The actress previously worked with Warner on other shows, including the series "American Horror Story" and the drama series "9-1-1," and recalled how "he warmly embraced me as a working actor who was trying to find my way."
"Malcolm is what's known as a soulful artist whose deep commitment to his craft left an impression on me that has never faded," she added. "He carried the weight of cultural legacy with grace, and he always made space for others to shine. His light will remain in our hearts always. My prayers are with you and yours. Rest in perfect peace until we meet again."
Courtney B. Vance Described Warner as a ‘Man with Integrity and Honor’
Bassett's husband, Courtney B. Vance, who starred alongside Warner in the 1995 movie "The Tuskegee Airmen," also honored his former co-star.
"It is with such a heavy heart that we bid farewell to a man who was a friend and colleague to so many of us. When Malcolm was in the room, we all felt his good and kind spirit," Vance, a professing Christian, wrote in a Monday Instagram post.
"He was not just a hard worker. He was a man with integrity and honor," the actor said of Warner. "He grew up in this business, serving as a beacon of possibilities for young people to see what it means to have this career and have a real life."
Vance also cited the lyrics to the hymn, "He'll Understand and Say Well Done," as part of his tribute to the late actor, which highlights the words Jesus gives to Christians who faithfully served Him during their time on earth.
"'Oh, when I come to the end of my journey, Weary of life and the battle is won; Carrying the staff and the cross of redemption, He'll understand and say, 'Well done'… If, when this life of labor is ended, And the reward of the race you have run; Oh! The sweet rest that's prepared for the faithful, Will be their blest and last, 'Well done,'" Vance quoted.
"Rest in eternal peace, my good brother," he concluded.
Warner's Legacy
Warner is survived by his wife and daughter, who were reportedly with him at the time of his death.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Desiree Navarro/Contributor
Originally published July 24, 2025.
