Hollywood is mourning the death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who is beloved for his portrayal of Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show.”
The actor, who most recently starred in the Fox medical drama “The Resident,” tragically drowned on Sunday near Cocles, a beach in Limon, Costa Rica, Costa Rican National Police told ABC News.
Warner was swept away by a rip current and was found later that afternoon. His official cause of death was asphyxia, police said.
Warner was formally identified by Costa Rica’s national police.
In response to the news, Morris Chestnut, who starred alongside Warner on “The Resident,” shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, posting photos and a video of Warner.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner speaks during the 65th GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on Feb. 5, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
“Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner,” he wrote in the caption. “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.”
Tracee Ellis Ross, who starred with Warner as a married couple in “Reed Between the Lines,” shared a series of photos of the two together on Instagram to mourn his death.
“I love you, Malcolm,” she wrote in the caption. “First I met you as Theo with the rest of the world then you were my first TV husband. My heart is so so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant. You made the world a brighter place. Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.”
The Cosby Show cast members, Tempestt Bledsoe, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Lisa Bonet, Phylicia Rashad, Keshia Knight Pulliam and Bill Cosby.
Frank Carroll/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Ashley Jones, another of Warner’s co-stars from “The Resident,” posted an Instagram photo of them on set as her tribute.
“Malcolm. 💔 It was only about an 8 day stretch I got to hang and work with you on set. I was a big fan, but you were a friend,” she wrote in the caption. “You were the real deal. Talked about your wife and daughter, your music, your poetry. We talked about my son and some hard life stuff I was going through…you were inspiring. Encouraged me to keep directing. Keep challenging myself.”
“It was an honor — and I pray your family is comforted,” she added. “Your legacy will live on. Rest easy in God’s hands. ♥️🕊️.”
Niecy Nash also shared an Instagram photo of herself with Warner, remembering their last conversation.
“My God 💔 we just spoke,” she wrote in the caption. “You were giving me my flowers for my work in @grotesqueriefx and we talked about how happy we both were in our marriages. Damn friend 🥲 You were cornerstone of The Cosby Show. We all loved Theo! Never to be forgotten. You will be missed. Rest Easy 🕊️ @malcolmjamalwar 🙏🏾.”
Danny Tamberelli paid his respects to Warner in an Instagram post, sharing a throwback photo of himself with the actor.
“Low end bass brother, fellow actor, great director and totally wonderful human taken way too soon,” he wrote in his tribute. “So much love, sympathy, and empathy heading to his family. Taught me a lot about seeing the different avenues and potential you can have in our industry. Being a kid actor on an adult set can bless you with many opportunities to continue in this industry without having to rely on your childhood face (voice in our case working together).”
He continued, “Taking your experiences in front of the camera and parlaying it into an off camera career is hard and I respected the hell out of him and looked up to his path as a versatile entertainer and creative. Rest easy, duder. Go check his music and poetry and keep his family, friends, and crew in your hearts.”
Magic Johnson also expressed his grief on X, writing, “Cookie and I are 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,'” he continued. “Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life, and business. He will truly be missed. Cookie and I are praying his family and close friends during this difficult time.”
Loni Love posted a photo of herself with Warner on Instagram, honoring the late actor.
“Malcolm-Jamal Warner was a talented actor, but what truly stood out was his kindness, love for the culture and standing on business,” she wrote in the caption. “He had a gift for making everyone feel seen and loved… I wish we had more time with this incredible person. Rest in peace.”
Actor and musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner poses for a portrait in Los Angeles, Oct. 8, 2015.
Danny Moloshok/Invision/AP
Marlee Matlin also praised Warner in her tribute on X, writing, “I am so sad to read of the untimely passing of Malcolm Jamal Warner.”
She continued, “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. My heart goes out to his family and friends. RIP Malcolm.”