Source: Michael Buckner / Getty
Celebrity tributes are pouring in following the devastating news of Malcolm-Jamal Warner‘s passing. The actor—who made history as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show—reportedly drowned off the coast of Costa Rica while on vacation on Sunday, July 20. He was 54.
Warner wasn’t just a TV icon—he was family to a generation of Black viewers. Whether you crushed on Theo’s teenage charm or discovered Warner later through his other TV and film roles, you felt his presence.
The news has sent shockwaves through the culture. Black Hollywood is in shock – and collective mourning. Social media has lit up with photos, clips, and touching words from celebrities and fans alike.
RELATED CONTENT: Rest In Power — Beloved ‘Cosby Show’ Star And TV Icon Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dead At 54
Celebrities Mourn Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Niecy Nash shared her heartbreak on Instagram:
“My God ð we just spoke. 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 𥲠You were a cornerstone of The Cosby Show. We all loved Theo! Never to be forgotten. You will be missed. Rest Easy ðï¸ @malcolmjamalwar ðð¾”
Tracee Ellis Ross remembered him not only as a cultural icon, but as a colleague and friend from their days on Reed Between the Lines:
“I love you, Malcolm. 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.”
Tracee also posted a nostalgic photo carousel, including their Upscale magazine cover, capturing their undeniable on-screen chemistry.
Jennifer Hudson wrote simply and powerfully:
“Devastated by this news. Truly heartbroken! Rest well, king.”
Beyoncé honored Warner on her website with a powerful message:
“Rest in power Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Thanks for being a big part of our shared television history. You will be missed.”
Beyoncé updated her website with a tribute to Malcolm-Jamal Warner who passed away today. ð¤ pic.twitter.com/8b0mt48tqr
— Beyoncé News (@BeyonceHiveNews) July 21, 2025
And in a moving tribute, Viola Davis summed up what so many are feeling:
“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. ðððð¿”
Malcolm-Jamal Warner Through The Years: Pictures
For so many of us, Warner wasn’t just “Theo”—he was the big brother we wanted, the class clown who was also wise, the reminder that Black boys could be layered and lovable on TV. He gave 80s babies a glimpse of themselves. And he did it with charm, wit, and a mesmerizing smile.
Source: Cheryl Chenet / Getty
He matured alongside us, taking on new roles that kept him connected to the culture—from sitcoms to dramas to poetic spoken-word performances. Even when he wasn’t on screen, he was behind the scenes making moves.
In honor of the late actor, we’ve curated a gallery that captures his essence—from the early Cosby Show years to his recent red carpet moments.
Click next to remember the swag, the smile, and the star power that made Malcolm-Jamal Warner unforgettable.
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