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Superstar tributes are pouring in following the devastating information of Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s passing. The actor—who made historical past as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Present—reportedly drowned off the coast of Costa Rica whereas on trip on Sunday, July 20. He was 54.
Warner wasn’t only a TV icon—he was household to a technology of Black viewers. Whether or not you crushed on Theo’s teenage allure or found Warner later by way of his different TV and movie roles, you felt his presence.
The information has despatched shockwaves by way of the tradition. Black Hollywood is in shock – and collective mourning. Social media has lit up with pictures, clips, and touching phrases from celebrities and followers alike.
Celebrities Mourn Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Niecy Nash shared her heartbreak on Instagram:
“My God 💔 we simply spoke. You had been giving me my flowers for my work in @grotesqueriefx and we talked about how blissful we each had been in our marriages. Rattling good friend 🥲 You had been a cornerstone of The Cosby Present. All of us beloved Theo! By no means to be forgotten. You may be missed. Relaxation Simple 🕊️ @malcolmjamalwar 🙏🏾”
Tracee Ellis Ross remembered him not solely as a cultural icon, however as a colleague and good friend from their days on Reed Between the Traces:
“I really like you, Malcolm. First I met you as Theo with the remainder of the world then you had been my first TV husband. My coronary heart is so so unhappy. What an actor and good friend you had been: heat, mild, current, sort, considerate, deep, humorous, elegant. You made the world a brighter place.”
Tracee additionally posted a nostalgic picture carousel, together with their Upscale journal cowl, capturing their simple on-screen chemistry.
Jennifer Hudson wrote merely and powerfully:
“Devastated by this information. Actually heartbroken! Relaxation nicely, king.”
Beyoncé honored Warner on her web site with a strong message:
“Relaxation in energy Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Thanks for being a massive a part of our shared tv historical past. You may be missed.”
Beyoncé up to date her web site with a tribute to Malcolm-Jamal Warner who handed away immediately. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/8b0mt48tqr
— Beyoncé Information (@BeyonceHiveNews) July 21, 2025
And in a shifting tribute, Viola Davis summed up what so many are feeling:
“Theo was OUR son, OUR brother, OUR good friend… He was completely so acquainted, and we rejoiced at how TV received it proper!! However… Malcolm received it proper… and now… we reveled in your life and are gutted by this loss. We’ll converse your title — at all times. 💔🕊🙏🏿”
Malcolm-Jamal Warner By way of The Years: Photos
For therefore many people, Warner wasn’t simply “Theo”—he was the massive brother we wished, the category clown who was additionally clever, the reminder that Black boys may very well be layered and lovable on TV. He gave 80s infants a glimpse of themselves. And he did it with allure, wit, and a mesmerizing smile.

Supply: Cheryl Chenet / Getty
He matured alongside us, taking over new roles that saved him linked to the tradition—from sitcoms to dramas to poetic spoken-word performances. Even when he wasn’t on display, he was behind the scenes making strikes.
In honor of the late actor, we’ve curated a gallery that captures his essence—from the early Cosby Present years to his current pink carpet moments. Scroll by way of to recollect the swag, the smile, and the star energy that made Malcolm-Jamal Warner unforgettable.
Remembering Malcolm-Jamal Warner: Heartfelt Superstar Tributes & A Look Again By way of The Years
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1. Malcolm Jamal Warner On Set In 2025
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Malcolm-Jamal Warner continued performing exposing new audiences to his allure and abilities on digicam. Right here is pictured on set of Fox’s “Alert: Lacking Individuals Unit” Season 3 taped in 2025.
2. Malcolm Jamal Warner At The sixty fifth GRAMMY Awards
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Malcolm-Jamal Warner was considered one of a number of Black Hollywood celebs gracing the sixty fifth GRAMMY Awards pink carpet. He introduced a relaxed but tailor-made look to the glitz and glam affair.
3. Malcolm Jamal-Warner on the 2019 Fox Upfronts
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Malcolm Jamal-Warner attended the 2019 Fox Upfront in New York Metropolis wanting debonair. He was there with different TV stars to speak to media and followers, additional displaying his continued influence on tv.
4. Malcolm Jamal-Warner & Tracee Ellis Ross on the BBC America BAFTA Los Angeles TV Tea Celebration
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Tracee Ellis Ross remembered Malcolm-Jamal Warner fondly on social media. Her touching tribute talked about their time a TV husband and spouse collectively and the friendship they shared. Right here they’re all smiles on the BBC America BAFTA Los Angeles TV Tea Celebration in 2017.
5. Malcolm-Jamal Warner & Erykah Badu on the 2015 Soul Prepare Music Awards
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Erykah Badu poses with Malcolm-Jamal Warner on the 2015 Soul Prepare Music Awards. Erykah served as a bunch for that 12 months. Malcolm-Jamal, is that velvet? We find it irresistible!
6. Malcolm-Jamaal Warner on the profit studying Of “110 Tales”
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Malcolm-Jamal Warner was identified for his contributions to youthful generations, communities, and causes. He takes a second to smile for cameras whereas collaborating within the profit studying of “110 Tales” on February 22, 2010 in Westwood, California.
7. Malcolm-Jamal Warner on the 2006 Emmy Awards – TV Information after get together
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Malcolm-Jamal Warner was a daily to Hollywood A-list occasions, particularly these centered round tv and the massive display. Right here he arrived on the 58th Primetime Emmy Awards TV Information after get together in a black jacket and pink button-down. However get into his locs. True followers keep in mind his loc period – fondly.
8. Malcolm-Jamal Warner on the “The Basketball Diaries” Los Angeles Premiere in 1995
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Malcolm-Jamal Warner attends the Mann Pageant Theater in Los Angeles, California, on April 19, 1995. See his boyish allure, his relaxed type, and his gorgeous smile.
9. Malcolm-Jamal Warner attends “The Distinguished Gentleman” premiere in 1992
Supply:Getty
Malcolm-Jamal Warner was the epitome of relaxed hip hop type again within the day. See his layered take a look at the Distinguished Gentleman premiere in 1992 in NYC.
10. Malcolm-Jamal Warner performs with Blair Underwood in Chicago in 1988
Supply:Getty
Malcolm-Jamal Warner beloved to carry out. From music to spoken phrase to performing and extra, he did all of it. In March 1988, Malcolm-Jamal Warner did a joint theatre efficiency with fellow actor Blair Underwood in Chicago.