Bill Cosby Reacts To Malcolm-Jamal Warner's Death
Warner, who famously started playing Theodore Huxtable on the '80s sitcom The Cosby Show when he was just 14, unexpectedly drowned off the coast of Costa Rica while on vacation with his family. He was reportedly caught by a high current in the water, and according to police, his official cause of death was asphyxia.
As celebrity tributes for Warner pour in, his onscreen dad, Bill Cosby, commented on the heartbreaking news.
Discussing Warner's death during a chat with CBS News correspondent Jericka Duncan, Cosby said of his onscreen son, 'He was never afraid to go to his room and study. He knew his lines and that he was quite comfortable even with the growing pains of being a teenager.'
When asked about the last time that he spoke with Warner, Cosby said it was 'three months ago,' before later noting that he had been in touch with his onscreen wife Phylicia Rashad — who played Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show — about Warner's death. 'We were embracing each other over the phone about a dearly beloved friend,' he said.
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‘The Resident' EPs, Co-Stars Morris Chestnut & Shaunette Renée Wilson Pay Tribute To Malcolm-Jamal Warner: 'He Was Larger Than Life'
Although beloved for his role as Theo Huxtable in the 1980s sitcom The Cosby Show, it was his portrayal of AJ 'The Raptor' Austin in Fox's medical drama The Resident (2018-2023) that allowed fans to reconnect with Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who drowned Sunday, as an adult in a major way. AJ was known for being a man of the people and principles. Through his character, the series brought to the forefront conversations around the complexities of the broken healthcare and immigration systems in the U.S., as well as adoption, through the character's personal experiences. More from Deadline Malcolm-Jamal Warner Remembered By Angela Bassett, Yvette Nicole Brown, Sherri Shepherd & Tracee Ellis Ross: 'His Light Will Remain In Our Hearts Always' Remembering Malcolm-Jamal Warner: A Career In Photos 'The Cosby Show's Geoffrey Owens Laments Death Of Malcolm-Jamal Warner: "This Tragedy Has Almost Left Me Speechless" As someone who covered the show during its six-season run, I can confidently say Warner, who died Sunday in a drowning accident in Costa Rica, shared great qualities with AJ. Not only were they caring and smart, but also intentional, thoughtful, and funny. 'Working with Malcolm was a joy. He was a fabulous actor and a stellar human being. He was larger than life, and brought a deep empathy and humanity to every scene. He was thoughtful, kind, and incredibly hard-working, a devoted family man with a dear wife and child. And if that weren't enough, he made us laugh. Our condolences to all who loved him as we did. His death is a tragic loss and he will be missed,' The Resident's executive producers Amy Holden Jones, Todd Harthan and Andrew Chapman in a group statement to Deadline on Monday. RELATED: Warner played AJ with pride and was always happy to speak to the media about the importance of the character existing in the mainstream, and how much fun it was to go toe-to-toe with Morris Chestnut when the latter joined during the show's third season. The battle of wits between Chestnut's character, the cocky neurosurgeon Barrett Cain, and The Raptor is legendary to fans of the series. When Cain was gravely injured while trying to save a woman who had been in a car accident, AJ was there to support and challenge him. 'Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner,' Chestnut wrote today. 'Working alongside him on The Resident was an honor. He brought so much depth, warmth, and wisdom to every scene and every conversation. One of the nicest in the business. Rest easy, brother. Your legacy lives on.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Morris Chestnut (@morrischestnutofficial) Warner also worked closely with Shaunette Renée Wilson, who played Mina Okafor on The Resident. Mina and AJ were the hot, hot, hot newest couple for a while, as their characters eventually built a relationship on a deeper level. Between AJ and Mina, there was a meeting of the minds, passion, and most importantly friendship and respect. It was through their pairing that the immigration storyline was explored: AJ proposed to Mina, but her visa was due to expire. Exhausted and frustrated from trying to secure a more long-term stay in the U.S., Mina self-deported to her native Nigeria. AJ was planning to join her and set off on a new adventure together, but he stayed behind to care for his ailing mother, who had cancer. Wilson left the series at the end of Season 4. 'Last week I had the impulse to text you for one of our lengthy heart check-ins. I truly wish I had so that one of the last words I had of you were of your wisdom, kindness, and that uncanny ability you had to be both unserious and profound within a single sentence. I'm beyond heartbroken. You were such a dear friend to me,' wrote Wilson via Instagram today. She added, 'My heart goes out to the family and loved ones he leaves behind. I cannot conceive the amount of grief with such a tragedy. Rest in Power, Malcolm. It was a joy to be Mina to your AJ. I will miss you deeply. 💔' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shaunette Renée Wilson (@shauneywood) The series also starred Bruce Greenwood, Manish Dayal, Emily VanCamp, Matt Czuchry and Jane Leeves. Ken Laurence, lead tailor on The Resident, also remembered Warner. 'I had the pleasure of working w/ Malcolm-Jamal Warner, when I was the lead-tailor for 'The Resident'. He wasn't just an actor to me. He represented legacy. A pioneer in Black storytelling. A cultural icon. May his soul rest peacefully and in power for eternity,' he posted via X. Warner was with the show across its six seasons as an actor, and he directed the Season 4 episode titled 'The Accidental Patient.' Following his run on The Resident, he returned to Fox in an episode of Accused, a crime drama anthology with each episode counting as its own story, in 2023. His final TV credit was on another Fox drama, Alert: Missing Persons Unit, in the role of Chief Inspector Bill Houston. '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,' Fox shared in a statement. When I first met Warner, I visited the set in Atlanta ahead of one of The Resident's early seasons. Having grown up watching him on The Cosby Show, I asked whether he ever considered AJ as a grown-up version of Theo, who followed in his father's footsteps and became a doctor. I remember he flashed his trademark smile, and he told me he had never considered that, but he was into it. While Warner may be gone, he's left behind a plethora of work as his legacy, to be enjoyed by future generations. Best of Deadline Everything We Know About 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 2025 Deaths Photo Gallery: Hollywood & Media Obituaries
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For Theo: TV One Airing Two ‘The Cosby Show' Marathons In Honor Of Malcolm-Jamal Warner
TV One is honoring the life and legacy of Malcolm-Jamal Warner with two special marathons of The Cosby Show , a poignant and powerful tribute to the actor's unforgettable portrayal of our collective cousin, Theo Huxtable. Source: Cindy Ord / Getty Following Warner's tragic passing, the network announced it will air episodes centered on his beloved character this Friday, July 25, at 6 PM ET and again on Sunday, July 27, beginning at Noon ET. Warner's warm wit and sincere spirit as Theo helped define a generation of television, earning him a permanent place in the hearts of fans across the globe. TV One's tribute invites viewers to revisit the laughter, lessons, and landmark moments that made his breakout role so meaningful—from awkward adolescent trials to family heart-to-hearts that still resonate today. 'We mourn the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, whose talent left an iconic mark on television and in the hearts of generations,' TV One shared in a statement. 'From his breakout role as Theo Huxtable to his powerful performances throughout the years, his contributions to culture will continue to inspire.' Originally airing from 1984 to 1992, The Cosby Show redefined representation in sitcoms, and Warner's performance as Theo was central to its success—offering an authentic, relatable portrayal of Black boyhood and brotherhood that endures. Through this marathon, TV One hopes to provide a space for viewers to reflect, remember, and celebrate the joy Warner brought to the screen. Fans can continue to catch The Cosby Show weekdays at 7 AM and 6 PM ET on TV One. For more programming updates, visit or follow @tvone on Instagram, @tvonetv on X, and @TVOneOnline on YouTube. The post For Theo: TV One Airing Two 'The Cosby Show' Marathons In Honor Of Malcolm-Jamal Warner appeared first on Bossip. SEE ALSO For Theo: TV One Airing Two 'The Cosby Show' Marathons In Honor Of Malcolm-Jamal Warner was originally published on
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Malcolm-Jamal Warner Death: Police Clarify Daughter Wasn't in Water During Drowning, Timeline of Events
Warner died after drowning in Costa Rica on a family vacation Costa Rican officials are providing new details that clarify the timeline of events that lead to Malcolm-Jamal Warner's death on Monday, July 21. He was 54. In a new statement obtained by PEOPLE on Thursday, July 24, Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) told PEOPLE that Warner's daughter was not in the water with him when he drowned. "Mr. Warner was playing with his daughter at the seashore at one point. He then left her out of the water, and he and a friend of his entered the sea," the statement, translated from Spanish to English, read. "It was at that moment that they were swept away by the current, and the friend managed to get out," the statement continued. "However, Mr. Warner was unable to get out and was pulled out by several people on the beach. He received care from Red Cross officials, but was pronounced dead at the scene." The OIJ previously confirmed to PEOPLE that Warner's cause of death was ruled "asphyxiation by submersion." Warner's body was formally identified by the Costa Rican National Police and will be "removed from the Judicial Morgue by a funeral service company hired and authorized by Mr. Warner's family," the office said. Dr. Mauricio Solano Corella, Medical Director for the Talamanca Health Area, previously confirmed that a 29-year-old man from Nicaragua was at the scene attempting to rescue Warner. The man was "treated, found to be stable and was discharged without complications," Dr. Corella told PEOPLE in a statement. The investigation remains ongoing. Warner is survived by his wife and his daughter. Warner was best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show. His other credits include The Resident, Community, Malcolm & Eddie, Major Cimes and 9-1-1. He also co-hosted the podcast Not All Hood with his friend, Candace Kelley. "His other biggest mission, besides his family, was just being a good person," Kelley told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview published on July 24. "He wanted to be remembered like that; he has said that, he just wants to be remembered as a good person, and by all accounts, he's got that down. He really did. That was really sincere." Read the original article on People
