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Celeb 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 era of Black viewers. Whether or not you crushed on Theo’s teenage attraction or found Warner later by means of his different TV and movie roles, you felt his presence.
The information has despatched shockwaves by means of the tradition. Black Hollywood is in shock – and collective mourning. Social media has lit up with images, 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 have been giving me my flowers for my work in @grotesqueriefx and we talked about how comfortable we each have been in our marriages. Rattling pal 🥲 You have been a cornerstone of The Cosby Present. All of us cherished 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 pal from their days on Reed Between the Strains:
“I like you, Malcolm. First I met you as Theo with the remainder of the world then you have been my first TV husband. My coronary heart is so so unhappy. What an actor and pal you have been: heat, mild, current, variety, considerate, deep, humorous, elegant. You made the world a brighter place.”
Tracee additionally posted a nostalgic photograph carousel, together with their Upscale journal cowl, capturing their simple on-screen chemistry.
Jennifer Hudson wrote merely and powerfully:
“Devastated by this information. Really heartbroken! Relaxation properly, king.”
Beyoncé honored Warner on her web site with a robust message:
“Relaxation in energy Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Thanks for being a huge 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 at the moment. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/8b0mt48tqr
— Beyoncé Information (@BeyonceHiveNews) July 21, 2025
And in a transferring tribute, Viola Davis summed up what so many are feeling:
“Theo was OUR son, OUR brother, OUR pal… 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 are going to converse your identify — at all times. 💔🕊🙏🏿”
Malcolm-Jamal Warner By The Years: Photos
For therefore many people, Warner wasn’t simply “Theo”—he was the large brother we needed, the category clown who was additionally smart, the reminder that Black boys might be layered and lovable on TV. He gave 80s infants a glimpse of themselves. And he did it with attraction, wit, and a mesmerizing smile.
Supply: Cheryl Chenet / Getty
He matured alongside us, taking over new roles that stored him related 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 crimson carpet moments. Scroll by means of to recollect the swag, the smile, and the star energy that made Malcolm-Jamal Warner unforgettable.
Remembering Malcolm-Jamal Warner: Heartfelt Celeb Tributes & A Look Again By The Years
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1. Malcolm Jamal Warner On Set In 2025

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Malcolm-Jamal Warner continued appearing exposing new audiences to his attraction and expertise 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 certainly one of a number of Black Hollywood celebs gracing the sixty fifth GRAMMY Awards crimson 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 trying debonair. He was there with different TV stars to speak to media and followers, additional exhibiting 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 Practice Music Awards

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Erykah Badu poses with Malcolm-Jamal Warner on the 2015 Soul Practice Music Awards. Erykah served as a number for that 12 months. Malcolm-Jamal, is that velvet? We adore it!
6. Malcolm-Jamaal Warner on the profit studying Of “110 Tales”

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Malcolm-Jamal Warner was recognized 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 occasion

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Malcolm-Jamal Warner was an everyday to Hollywood A-list occasions, particularly these centered round tv and the large display. Right here he arrived on the 58th Primetime Emmy Awards TV Information after occasion 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 Competition Theater in Los Angeles, California, on April 19, 1995. See his boyish attraction, his relaxed model, and his beautiful smile.
9. Malcolm-Jamal Warner attends “The Distinguished Gentleman” premiere in 1992

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Malcolm-Jamal Warner was the epitome of relaxed hip hop model 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

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Malcolm-Jamal Warner cherished to carry out. From music to spoken phrase to appearing 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.