Malcolm-Jamal Warner dies in accidental drowning: Tracee Ellis Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Magic Johnson and others mourn actor's tragic demise
And Malcolm-Jamal Warner's Theo Huxtable was the character Generation X most related to. Fans took quickly to social media on Monday as news of Warner's accidental drowning in Costa Rica spread.
Accidental Drowning
Warner died Sunday in an accidental drowning, authorities there said Monday. The actor was swimming Sunday afternoon at Playa Cocles in Costa Rica's Limon province when a current pulled him deeper into the Caribbean, according to that country's Judicial Investigation Department.
First responders found him without vital signs.
Cori Murray, executive vice president of content at Ebony Magazine, was saddened upon hearing about Warner's death. She said his Theo character mirrored the everyday Black teenager, which was rare to see on TV at the time.
'He was rescued by people on the beach,' the department's initial report said, but first responders from Costa Rica's Red Cross found him without vital signs and he was taken to the morgue.
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Fans React To Warner's Death
'It's like losing one of us,' said Harriet Cammock, a 58-year-old Detroit author and speaker. 'This is the thing with television. When you're watching people every week on television, you think you know them and you're related to them.'
While so many portrayals of young Black teenagers leaned negative, 'The Cosby Show,' especially Theo, showed warmth, joy and relatability.
'He wasn't just a character. We saw ourselves in him,' Murray said. 'You know how
Kendrick Lamar
has the song 'Not Like Us'? Well, Theo was one of us.
He was like us.'
Murray, who met Warner a few times, recalled his character off-screen matched the warmth he exuded on television. She called him respectful and pleasant and said he had a 'megawatt smile' that lit up the room.
'His energy stayed with you,' Murray said. 'You don't have a bad memory when it comes to Theo or Malcolm-Jamal Warner. As much as we loved the character, we also watched Malcolm grow up in real life. No scandals.
No mess. Just a talented young man who matured into an upstanding, handsome adult.'
Actor
Tracee Ellis Ross
, who later played Warner's wife in the BET sitcom "Reed Between the Lines," wrote that her "heart is so, so sad." Magic Johnson said, "Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life and business."
Jennifer Hudson
says she is "truly heartbroken" and Marlee Matlin called him "the nicest guy."
Some reactions from fans and peers
Tracee Ellis Ross "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. - via Instagram
Eddie Griffin "My Heart is heavy right now... Rest easy my Brother for you have Won in Life and now you've won forever eternal bliss." - via Instagram
Jennifer Hudson "Devastated by this news. Truly heartbroken! Rest well, king." - on X
Magic Johnson "Cookie and I are sad to hear about the passing of our dear friend Malcolm-Jamal Warner. We were both super fans of the hit 'Cosby Show' and continued to follow his career on shows like 'Malcolm and Eddie' and 'The Resident.' Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life and business. He will truly be missed. - on X
Marlee Matlin "I am so sad to read of the untimely passing of
Malcolm Jamal Warner
. He was the nicest guy and it was a privilege to have been in same company with him, sharing a directors' panel along with Howard Gordon and
Michael Chiklis
.
My heart goes out to his family and friends. - on X.
NAACP " #RestinPower to NAACP Image Award winning actor, Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Your talent and spirit touched many lives, and your legacy will continue to inspire. Thank you for the memories and the impact you made in the world of entertainment. - on X
Fox "Everyone at Fox is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm-Jamal Warner. While his iconic roles - from comedic to dramatic - are unforgettable and timeless, Malcolm will be remembered most for his warmth, kind heart and the lasting impact he had on his friends, family and fans everywhere. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones." - in a statement
The Martin Luther King Jr. Center "Malcolm was a brilliant, multi-faceted artist and an inspiring giver. We are grateful for his love for #TheKingCenter and the King legacy. And for the ways he showed his support, including as co-host of our 2023 Beloved Community Awards... Our thoughts and prayers are with Malcolm's family during this very difficult time." - on X
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