Malcolm-Jamal Warner Remembered by Tracee Ellis Ross, Magic Johnson, More: “You Made the World a Brighter Place”

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Actors Tracee Ellis Ross, Magic Johnson, and Niecy Nash-Betts are among the notable figures in Hollywood who are grieving following the news of Malcolm-Jamal Warner‘s passing on Monday.

Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, famously recognized for playing Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, tragically passed away due to an unintended drowning off the shores of Costa Rica this past Sunday. He was 54 years old. The Costa Rican National Police confirmed the news to several media outlets, including ABC News.

Tracee Ellis Ross, co-star with Warner on the BET show “Reed Between the Lines,” posted a series of pictures with Warner on her Instagram account.

She expressed her affection for Malcolm by saying, ‘I adore you, Malcolm. Initially, I knew you as Theo to everyone else, but we became TV spouses first.’ She continued, ‘My heart is incredibly heavy. You were an exceptional actor and friend: always warm, considerate, thoughtful, deep, humorous, sophisticated, and brightening the world. This loss is unbearable. My thoughts are with your loved ones during this difficult time.’

Niecy Nash-Betts posted on Instagram as well, expressing their recent conversation with Warner by saying, “We just talked.” (This sentence aims to maintain the original’s meaning while sounding more conversational and friendly.)

She expressed gratitude for the flowers you gave her, acknowledging your appreciation for her work at GrotesqueFX. During our conversation, we both shared our contentment in our respective marriages. She then affectionately commented, “You’re quite a friend.” You were a significant part of The Cosby Show, and everyone adored Theo. Your impact will never fade away. May you find peace. Rest well.

Magic Johnson, who featured in a video on AIDS awareness directed by Warner, penned down on X: “Cookie and I feel saddened to learn about the demise of our cherished friend Malcolm-Jamal Warner. We were ardent admirers of ‘The Cosby Show’ and kept track of his work in shows like Malcolm and Eddie, The Resident, among others. Whenever I crossed paths with Malcolm, we shared engaging and enjoyable chats on topics like basketball, life, and business. He will undoubtedly be missed. At this trying moment, Cookie and I send our prayers to his family and friends.

Notable figures who have paid tribute to Warner include attorney Ben Crump, Atlanta Senator Raphael Warnock, and artist Maxwell.

Read on to see what Hollywood is saying about Warner.

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2025-07-21 23:55