Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner drowns in Costa Rica
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NBC News
3 hours ago
- NBC News
'Acapulco' fourth and final season has a message about Mexico, star Eugenio Derbez says
In the Apple TV+ show 'Acapulco,' Máximo Gallardo was first introduced to viewers as the symbol of the American dream — a young, working-class hotel worker in Mexico who ultimately becomes a multimillionaire with a big mansion in Malibu, California. But Eugenio Derbez — star and executive producer of the bilingual hit series — wants viewers to remember Máximo in the show's fourth and final season as a dreamer who also represents the moxie and creativity of hardworking Mexicans. 'I want 'Acapulco' to be remembered as a vibrant, bilingual series that celebrated Mexican culture with warmth, humor, and authenticity,' Derbez said via email in an interview with NBC News. 'For American audiences, I hope it reshapes perceptions: that Mexico is more than headlines — it's rich in identity, beauty, resilience, and heart.' 'He's not modeled after one real figure,' Derbez said about Máximo, adding that his character's ambition and business instincts resonate with many self-made entrepreneurs in Mexico — people who work tirelessly to build something lasting.' Viewers first met Máximo in season one as he started to tell the story of himself as a young, energetic pool boy at the glamorous resort of Las Colinas in Acapulco, Mexico. (The young Máximo is played by Enrique Arrizón). Now in season four, Máximo is poised to reopen the hotel as its new owner, and restore the legacy that made Acapulco an international destination for the rich and famous. Hollywood legends Rita Hayworth, Errol Flynn and Orson Welles first made Acapulco popular for Americans in the 1940s. Elvis Presley and even the Flintstones expanded that Riviera fame in the 1960s. It wasn't just Americans who put Acapulco on the map — but Mexican icons such as comedic genius Cantinflas and Grammy-winning pop singer Luis Miguel also made the city a household name for Spanish speakers all over the world. Off screen, Máximo can mirror the tenacity and ambition of Derbez, who established himself as a one-man-show — writing, producing, directing and acting — in multiple series for Mexican television before moving to Hollywood. In the U.S., Derbez transitioned successfully to the big screen, starring in 2011 with Adam Sandler, Katie Holmes and Al Pacino in the comedy 'Jack and Jill.' In 2012, he was featured with Eva Mendes, Matthew Modine and Patricia Arquette in 'Girl in Progress.' But his big break happened in 2013 with 'Instructions Not Included,' in which Derbez demonstrated some of that Máximo moxie: The comedy about a Mexican playboy forced to raise his small daughter that he wrote, produced, directed and starred in became the highest Spanish-language box office hit of all time—grossing over $100 million worldwide. Since then, Derbez has had other successes with 'How to Be a Latin Lover' and 'Overboard.' And in 2021, he played a music teacher in 'CODA,' which won the Oscar for best picture. In 2023, Derbez challenged viewers with another heartfelt story about Mexico. He produced and starred in the Spanish-language comedy-drama movie 'Radical.' The film was inspired by a 12-year-old Mexican girl who was featured on the cover of Wired magazine in 2013 as 'The Next Steve Jobs.' Now, with 'Acapulco' kicking off its last season Wednesday, Derbez is looking for other ways to tell authentic dreamer stories. 'Going forward, I'd love to explore more stories from Mexico—and even stories from other Latin American countries that deserve global representation,' he said. Derbez is proud of 'Acapulco' because it represents Mexican culture 'without stereotypes.' And while Hollywood has made progress telling diverse stories, he calls on the industry for more work to be done. 'I think we need to go beyond token gestures. Putting a Latino actor in a supporting role doesn't automatically make a project inclusive,' he said. 'True inclusion begins when we tell stories about Latinos — stories that are authentic, layered, and compelling. Stories that don't just resonate with Latino audiences, but with the entire world.' And this, Derbez says, is what viewers can see in 'Acapulco.' 'It's not a show for Latinos—it's a show where Latinos are at the center, but the themes — love, ambition, family, failure — are universal,' he said. 'We just happen to be speaking Spanglish and wearing guayaberas.'
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Jamie Foxx and Beyonce lead Hollywood in grieving The Cosby Show star Malcolm-Jamal Warner's shock death
Hollywood is mourning the devastating loss of The Cosby Show star Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who tragically passed away at age 54 after drowning while on a family vacation in Costa Rica. According to Costa Rican authorities, Warner drowned off the coast near Cocles Beach on Sunday, July 20. His official cause of death has been confirmed as asphyxia. Best known for his role as Theodore Huxtable, the only son of Bill Cosby 's character, Heathcliff Huxtable, Warner became a beloved household name during his time on the beloved NBC sitcom, which ran from 1984 to 1992. His legacy as a cultural icon was cemented not only through his Emmy-nominated performance, but also through decades of work across television, music, and film. News of his sudden death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, prompting a wave of tributes from colleagues, costars, and fellow performers who remembered him not just as a gifted actor, but as a generous spirit and trusted friend. Jamie Foxx and Beyoncé were among the first stars to honor Warner, sharing a brief but powerful message on Instagram. 'Speechless on this one rest in power, my brother,' he captioned his tribute. Beyonce posted a statement to her website that read, 'Rest in Power, Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Thanks for being a big part of our shared television history. You will be missed.' Kevin Hart, clearly shaken, reacted to the news in a comment under People's Instagram post. 'WTF…. Wow. This is heartbreaking,' the comedian wrote. RIP king…. Woooow.' Meanwhile, Kate Hudson reflected on spending time with him while shooting a film in Australia. 'He was the kindest and sweetest,' she wrote on her Instagram Story. 'My heart is heavy and sending such love to @malcolmjamalwar family.' In reaction to the tragedy, Kerry Washington wrote that she was 'deeply saddened by this loss.' Tracee Ellis Ross paid homage to her first TV husband with a very thoughtful post. 'My heart is so so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant,' she wrote. 'You made the world a brighter place. Sending so much love to your family. I'm so sorry for this unimaginable loss.' Comedian and actor Eddie Griffin, who costarred with Warner on the sitcom Malcolm & Eddie, posted a moving tribute to his Instagram Story alongside a photo of his longtime friend. He captioned the shot, 'My Big little Brother.' Taraji P. Henson posted multiple photos of the late star, along with a heartfelt caption. 'This one hurt. Malcolm, we grew up with you. Thank you for the art, the wisdom, the grace you gave us!!!!! You left the world better than you found it. Rest easy, king!!!! Your legacy lives far beyond the screen,' the actress wrote. Marlee Matlin, who directed an episode of Accused in which Warner guest-starred, also paid tribute on Instagram. Sharing a photo from a 2023 panel they appeared on together, she wrote: '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 the same company with him, sharing a directors' panel along with @HowardmGordon and Michael Chiklis. My heart goes out to his family and friends. RIP Malcolm.' Morris Chestnut also paid tribute to his former The Resident costar. 'Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner. 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,' the actor wrote on Instagram. Holly Robinson admitted that she was 'struggling to process' his death. 'Malcolm was so deeply loved, respected, and a true icon of television. We first met in the '80s on the set of The Cosby Show, when my dad was a writer/producer and remained friends throughout the years. He was always gracious, kind, funny and gave the absolute best hugs. I am sending my deepest condolences to his mom, Pamela and his family,' she wrote on Instagram. She concluded: 'We aren't ready to say goodbye, Malcolm —but you lived with purpose, character, presence, and grace. Rest well, my friend. Your light lives on.' While reflecting on her friend's death, Niecy Nash revealed they had 'just spoke.' 'You were giving my my flowers for my work in @grotesqueriefx and we talked about how happy we both were in our marriages. Damn friend [crying emoji] You were cornerstone of The Cosby Show. We all loved Theo! Never to be forgotten. You will be missed. Rest Easy,' she captioned her Instagram post. Mike Colter fondly recalled running into Warner 'about a year ago.' 'Wow. I ran into this prince of man about a year ago. We had previously connected during the covid lockdown down and exchanged kind words. I was fascinated by his depth and concern for his fellow man. His compassion for his people. His musical gifts and expressions in spoken word,' he wrote. 'Yes of course I had watched him as I grew up on the Cosby Show but he had grown into so much more as an artist and a man. A father.' He concluded: 'I took this photo as his mother sat across from us. I complimented her on what a great job she had done with her son in this industry. He turn out so well. My heart goes out to her. I never heard a harsh word spoken about him. His legacy will live on. I'm so sorry for this loss to his family and friends. i'm in shock to be honest.' Other stars took to social media to express their shock and grief, including Ricki Lake, Jennie Garth, Patti LaBelle and Mario Lopez, who shared broken heart emojis. Daily Mail has reached out to Warner's representatives for comment, but they have not yet responded. While the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, experts note that some beaches in Costa Rica can pose serious risks depending on conditions. Though many areas are safe for swimming, others are known for powerful currents and rip tides that demand caution. According to WedMD, Asphyxia 'happens when your body doesn't get enough oxygen to keep you from passing.' Breathing impairment, due to water inhalation, can cause the condition, which can result in unconsciousness or death. Although it is unknown what caused him to drown, the waters in Costa Rica can be dangerous, depending on the specific beach and conditions. While many beaches offer safe swimming, some have strong currents and rip tides that require caution. The actor, best known for his role as Theodore Huxtable on the beloved NBC sitcom, appeared in all eight seasons from 1984 to 1992. At the time, Warner was just a teenager, but his performance earned widespread acclaim, including a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 1986 Primetime Emmy Awards. Warner is survived by his wife and young daughter, born in 2017. While he occasionally shared glimpses of his family life on social media, he chose to keep their identities private, opting not to publicly reveal their names. His character, Theo, was based on Bill Cosby's real-life son, Ennis Cosby, and was portrayed with depth and sensitivity. In the show, Theo is diagnosed with dyslexia after struggling academically during his freshman year at New York University—an arc that resonated with many viewers. Beyond The Cosby Show, Warner carved out a successful and diverse career in both comedy and drama. He starred as Malcolm McGee in the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000) opposite Eddie Griffin, and later headlined BET's Reed Between the Lines from 2011 to 2015 as Dr. Alex Reed. The actor was in Costa Rica with his family where he drowned while swimming off the coast of Costa Rica on Sunday, local authorities told ABC News His television credits also included recurring roles and guest appearances on shows like Sons of Anarchy, Jeremiah, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Community. Warner also voiced the Producer character on the educational children's series The Magic School Bus. Prior to his breakout role, Warner, who was born in New Jersey, he attended a performing arts school in New York City. Cosby personally selected Warner to play his son. In 2023, Warner insisted he and the rest of the cast of The Cosby Show 'still very proud of' their hit series. 'We share a unique experience that keeps us lovingly bonded no matter how much time goes between seeing or hearing from each other,' he told People. 'Regardless of how some people may feel about the show now, I'm still proud of the legacy and having been a part of such an iconic show that had such a profound impact on — first and foremost, Black culture — but also American culture,' Warner explained, nodding to the rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment claims against his former onscreen dad.
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Malcolm-Jamal Warner's Oscar-winning ex breaks silence after second victim's gutwrenching role in drowning is confirmed
'REST EASY' Malcolm-Jamal Warner's Oscar-winning ex breaks silence after second victim's gutwrenching role in drowning is confirmed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE ex partner of Cosby Show star Malcolm-Jamal Warner has broken her silence following the actor's drowning death in Costa Rica. More gutwrenching details continue to emerge following the tragedy that unfolded on Sunday. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Cosby Show star Malcolm-Jamal Warner died in a drowning accident in Costa Rica on Sunday Credit: AP 2 Oscar-winner Regina King paid tribute to her ex Credit: Getty Warner, 54, was swept out by a current while on vacation with his family. A second man was rushed to the hospital in a critical condition. It's since emerged that the man was among those trying to save Warner, as reported by People. Tributes continue to be paid to Warner after he was identified as the victim of the drowning. The star's ex Regina King, an Oscar winner, shared a throwback snap of the star on a motorbike. "Some people leave a lasting imprint, not just for who they were but for the energy they carried," she wrote on Instagram. "Rest easy Malcolm-Jamal Warner." King and Warner first met during his time on the Cosby Show. Warner played Theo Huxtable - the son of Bill Cosby's character Cliff - in the popular 1980s sitcom. King and Warner dated between 2011 and 2013. Rumors swirled that their breakup was acrimonious but King strongly denied the claims. "Please don't believe everything you read," King posted on X in March of that year. She said she and Warner were "good." "Life happens. Forward motion. Godspeed." More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos. Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun
