Celebrities are mourning the tragic loss of actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
According to reports that emerged on Monday (July 21), the former Cosby Show star passed away from asphyxia due to an accidental drowning while on a family vacation in Costa Rica. The 54-year-old was swimming at a beach near Limon when the incident occurred. His body was identified on Sunday (July 20).
The beloved actor, musician, and poet leaves behind a wife and daughter.
The heartbreaking news sparked reactions from stars and public figures alike, including singer Maxwell, comedian and TV host Loni Love, civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, actor J. August Richards, and Bernice King, the youngest daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Malcolm-Jamal was a talented actor and an even better person. He made you feel valued and loved,” Loni Love shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I wish we had more time with this wonderful soul. Rest in peace.”
J. August Richards reflected on his very first acting gig in a heartfelt Instagram reel, revealing it was on The Cosby Show when he was just 14. While he described the set as a “very scary environment,” he praised Malcolm-Jamal Warner for being “so wonderful” to him and even shared words of encouragement Warner gave him years later.
Tracee Ellis Ross also shared her sorrow, posting a touching tribute to her former co-star. “I love you, Malcolm. 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. Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.”
Questlove of The Roots shared an emotional message highlighting the impact Malcolm-Jamal Warner had on representation. “If you looked like me coming of age in the 80s, Malcolm-as-Theo was a gps/lighthouse of navigating safety to adulthood,” he wrote.
Disgraced TV icon Bill Cosby also responded to the news through a statement shared with Complex via his representative, saying he is “devastated and it’s a sad day.”
Meanwhile, legendary comedian Adam Sandler reflected on Warner’s passing during an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the Happy Gilmore 2 premiere, shortly after the news broke. “Malcolm was a true great person,” Sandler said. “A hilarious, smart kid and he meant a lot to America.”
