Malcolm-Jamal Warner dies: Bill Cosby, Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, more pay tribute
Hollywood is paying tribute to Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
The actor, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on "The Cosby Show," died at 54 after drowning off the coast of Costa Rica on Sunday, July 20, according to ABC News and People. Warner's reps have declined to comment to Paste BN.
Bill Cosby, who played Warner's on-screen father, opened up to ABC News about the actor's death. "He was always a great studier, and I enjoyed working with him very much," Cosby said. "He was very professional. He always knew his part... He always knew his lines, and he always knew where to go."
Cosby also added that "Malcolm calls her regularly," describing their close relationship.
Warner's recent work included a role on "9-1-1" in 2024. Jennifer Love Hewitt, who also stars on the drama series, paid tribute in an Instagram story, writing that she "cannot believe" the news.
"This hurts my heart," the actress said. "A gentleman, an incredible talent and we were so lucky to have him in the '9-1-1' family. Heartbroken and sending love to his family."
Warner, who was born on August 18, 1970, grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey, with his mother, Pamela, who eventually became his acting manager. He was named after civil rights leader Malcolm X and jazz musician Ahmad Jamal.
At an early age, Warner found he was interested in acting, which launched his career as a child performer and set him on the path to attend The Professional Children's School in New York.
Outside of "The Cosby Show," Warner's other notable roles included Malcolm McGee on "Malcolm & Eddie" and Dr. AJ Austin on "The Resident."
Here's how other stars are honoring Warner's entertainment legacy.
Niecy Nash, Jamie Foxx, more mourn 'unimaginable loss' of Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Niecy Nash similarly expressed shock on Instagram, noting that she "just spoke" with Warner. She recalled that the two had a conversation about "how happy we both were in our marriages."
The "Grotesquerie" star added, "Damn friend 🥲 You were (the) cornerstone of 'The Cosby Show.' We all loved Theo! Never to be forgotten. You will be missed. Rest Easy."
Tracee Ellis Ross reflected on working with Warner on the BET sitcom "Reed Between the Lines" and wrote, "My heart is so so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant."
Ross continued, "You made the world a brighter place. Sending so much love to your family. I'm so sorry for this unimaginable loss."
Jamie Foxx wrote that he is "speechless on this one," but added, "Rest in power, my brother." Vivica A. Fox also said in an Instagram story that she was "stunned and saddened," and Jennifer Hudson said she was "devastated" and "truly heartbroken."
Record producer Questlove shared a lengthy tribute on Instagram, remembering Warner, the "amazing soul who always took the time out to school me and talk about his experiences in life and the business."
"If you looked like me coming of age in the 80s, Malcom-as-Theo was a gps/lighthouse of navigating safety to adulthood," he began his tribute. "For those of us that didnt have 'examples' or 'safe environments'—I would like to think for anyone of age we used this entire show —and its offspring as life blueprints."
Questlove added that he and Warner "always traded music and playlists with each other and despite all that he went through in life he expressed ZERO cynicism or bitterness in his journey and constantly lived in the present which dictated his future——he was never the guy stuck in a glory days bubble."
"I wasn’t prepared to say goodbye in this manner but here we are in 2025," he concluded.
Beyoncé and Sherri Shepherd remember 'renaissance man' Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Pop music superstar Beyoncé paid tribute to Warner shortly after news of his tragic death.
The "Cowboy Carter" songstress updated her website in honor of Warner, writing in a statement, "Rest in power Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Thanks for being a big part of our shared television history. You will be missed."
Actress and TV personality Sherri Shepherd, who costarred with Warner on her 2009 eponymous sitcom, said in a statement to Paste BN that she is "completely devastated" over Warner's death.
"He brought much laughter and gravitas playing my husband on my self-titled sitcom," Shepherd said. "As someone who grew up on TV, Malcolm remained one of the most grounded people I've ever met in our business. To know Malcolm was to know a renaissance man that possessed humor, grace, humility and deep cultural appreciation.
"He was just a good guy! His passing is a true loss to the Hollywood community. He was a proud girl dad and loved his daughter so much. To his family, friends and all who loved him — my heart is with you."
Viola Davis, Taraji P. Henson share nostalgic tributes for Malcolm-Jamal Warner
In an emotional tribute on Instagram, Viola Davis said that news of Warner's death left her "speechless." The Oscar-winning actress continued: "Theo was OUR son, OUR brother, OUR friend… He was absolutely so familiar, and we rejoiced at how TV got it right!! But… Malcolm got it right… and now… we reveled in your life and are gutted by this loss. ... We will speak your name — always. 💔🕊🙏🏿"
For Taraji P. Henson, Warner's death left her feeling nostalgic about the TV icon's legacy. "This one hurt. Malcolm, we grew up with you," she wrote on Instagram.
"Thank you for the art, the wisdom, the grace you gave us!!!!!" Henson added. "You left the world better than you found it. Rest easy, king!!!! Your legacy lives far beyond the screen. 🕊️🖤"
Holly Robinson Peete, whose father worked as a writer and producer on "The Cosby Show," wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post that Warner was "deeply loved, respected, and a true icon of television."
"He was always gracious, kind, funny and gave the absolute best hugs," Peete continued. "I am sending my deepest condolences to his mom, Pamela and his family… 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…😢😢😢😢😢"
In a statement on X, the NAACP honored Warner, who in 2012 won an NAACP Image Award for best actor in a comedy series for his role on "Reed Between the Lines."
"Your talent and spirit touched many lives, and your legacy will continue to inspire," the organization said. "Thank you for the memories and the impact you made in the world of entertainment."
Magic Johnson took to X to pen a message on behalf of him and his wife, Cookie, writing that they were "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," Johnson concluded. "He will truly be missed."
"CODA" actress Marlee Matlin wrote on X that she was "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," Matlin wrote. "My heart goes out to his family and friends. RIP Malcolm."
(This story was updated to add new information.)
Contributing: Edward Segarra, Pamela Avila, Paste BN; Caché McClay, Paste BN Network