Angela Bassett, Tracee Ellis Ross, And Cosby Show Stars Pay Tribute After Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dies At 54

Yesterday left many stunned as news broke about the tragic passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner from The Cosby Show, following a drowning accident. In the wake of this unfortunate event, numerous fans have shared heartfelt testimonies on his remarkable talents and the impact his work had on them. Now, celebrities such as Angela Bassett are pouring out their tributes in memory of the late actor. Let’s delve deeper into this touching story.

In my opinion, while there’s been a heated discussion about whether the reputation of “The Cosby Show” has been damaged following Bill Cosby’s conviction, my performance on that show has consistently been appreciated. The love for me is growing stronger by the day, with celebrities showering their praises on my skills and character. A perfect example is Halle Berry’s Instagram post, which you can check out below: [Link to the post]

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Until just before his passing, Warner remained active in acting roles, even teaming up with Bassett for the series 9-1-1 (available to stream with a Hulu membership). Bassett shared her feelings of profound sorrow, having lost not just a colleague, but a cherished friend.

Tracee Ellis Ross also posted on Instagram, sharing her grief and love for Warner, with their relationship going back to Reed Between The Lines. Her post reads:

From first knowing you as Theo, then later as my TV spouse, I’ve grown to deeply love you, Malcolm. You were not only an exceptional actor but also a wonderful friend – warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant. Your presence truly brightened the world. My heart is filled with sorrow for your family during this difficult time. I can’t even imagine the loss you are experiencing.

Regardless of the turmoil surrounding Bill Cosby in recent times, he still found time to express condolences upon Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s passing. During a chat with 6abc, Cosby opened up about his emotions and expressed his thoughts.

You might count on Malcolm frequently visiting the shelter for rehearsals and building his character, preparing himself to perform. When the unexpected news arrived, it took us all aback. Naturally, my mind immediately turned towards his mother, a tireless worker who always showed such kindness towards him. She was simply amazing with him.

Indeed, it wasn’t just him who shone brightly on The Cosby Show, as other cast members also paid tribute to their deceased colleague. Geoffrey Owens, in turn, shared his sentiments about the loss with Deadline, stating:

This almost unspeakable event has left me nearly lost for words. Malcolm was an exceptional individual – kind-hearted and compassionate. His love for creation impressed me greatly, as did his unique blend of thespian spirit and musical emotion. He was not just generous with his talent, but also with his time. Years ago, when I needed help for a theater project, he readily joined me. My sympathies are extended to his family during this difficult time.

As The Cosby Show cast members created their own close-knit family, those paying tribute are likewise recognizing the pain of his biological family during this difficult time. Moreover, numerous generations of fans are also grieving.

Sherri Shepherd too shared her thoughts on the demise of Malcolm-Jamal Warner. In her statement, she reflected on their friendship and professional bond, expressing:

“I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Our friendship went beyond the set, and our working relationship was built on mutual respect and admiration. I am grateful for the memories we made together, and my thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”

“Sherri Shepherd expressed her sorrow over the death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who she considered both a friend and a valued collaborator. Recalling their friendship and shared experiences, she said: ‘I am heartbroken to learn about the loss of my dear friend Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Our bond transcended our professional life, and I’ll always appreciate the camaraderie and respect we had for each other on set.’ She offered her condolences to his family during this trying period.

I’m absolutely heartbroken by the death of my friend Malcolm-Jamal Warner. On screen, he brought both laughter and depth as my husband in my sitcom, and he also graced my talk show ‘Sherri,’ most recently in April to promote his series ‘Alert: Missing Persons Unit.’ As a fellow TV kid, I can say that Malcolm was one of the most down-to-earth people I’ve encountered in our industry. He was truly a renaissance man, with a great sense of humor, grace, modesty, and deep cultural sensitivity. Simply put, he was an amazing guy! His loss to the Hollywood community is profound. He took great pride in being a ‘girl dad’ and adored his daughter immensely. My thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who loved him during this difficult time.

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It is often challenging for former child actors in maturity, yet Shepherd asserts that Warner was grounded and kind-hearted. Considering his character and skills, it’s evident that the departed actor will be deeply missed.

Further details regarding Warner’s passing continue to emerge, and here at TopMob, we wish to join in the tributes and extend our heartfelt sympathies to those closest to him.

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2025-07-22 17:16