Friends recall strong faith of late actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner
“The Cosby Show” was must-watch TV for many people in the 1980s. Costar Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who died this week at age 54, is being remembered as a man of faith.
“He posted on social media about trusting in Christ and emphasized the importance of treating others well, rooted in Christ’s teachings,” “Beliefnet” reported. “Warner once said he believed that good works without Christ are meaningless’ and that God is love, not a dictator.’”
Warner, who played teen Theo Huxtable on the popular series, died in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica Sunday while vacationing with family, according to CBN News. Emergency responders arrived at Playa Cocles in Limón Province after reports of a water-related incident, but Warner could not be revived. He was 54 years old.
Born August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Warner was raised by his mother, Pamela, who managed his early career. Named after Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, Warner began acting at a young age and rose to national prominence as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” which ran from 1984 to 1992 and became a cultural touchstone for its positive portrayal of a Black American family.
In 1986, Warner earned an Emmy nomination as best supporting actor in a comedy. His career spanned acting, directing, music, and poetry; he was an Emmy-nominated actor and a Grammy-winning poet, lauded for his versatility and creativity. He also starred in shows such as “Malcolm & Eddie” and “The Resident,” and more recently appeared alongside Angela Bassett on Fox’s hit drama “9-1-1.”
“He’s like the ideal cousin you wish you had,” fan Rasheda Williams of Detroit told The Guardian. “Hearing the news has really affected some of us. It was unexpected. He wasn’t sick. That makes it even more tragic.”
In one of his last interviews Warner was asked about his legacy. “I will be able to leave this earth knowing — and people knowing — that I was a good person,” he said.
Tributes from costars and other celebrities are pouring in for the beloved actor. Eddie Griffin, who starred alongside Warner on the UPN sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie,” posted a photo of Warner on his Instagram story with the words “R.I.P. King” and “My big little brother,” with prayer and heart emojis. “Speechless on this one, rest in power my brother,” Jamie Foxx wrote on Instagram.
Angela Bassett, who worked with Warner on “9-1-1,” remembered him in a statement: “When I met him, he was a star on the show that was TV royalty, ‘The Cosby Show.’ He warmly embraced me as a working actor who was trying to find my way. Even in his youth, Malcolm’s empathy, quiet strength and his bright light surrounded us all. Then to have the opportunity to work with him again last year on ‘9-1-1 was a memorable full circle moment for us both.”
Other tributes poured in from actors and colleagues. Morris Chestnut posted photos and a video of Warner, calling him “larger than life.” Actress Marlee Matlin reflected, “He was the nicest guy and it was a privilege to have been in the same company with him,” and Warner’s ex-partner Regina King wrote on Instagram, “Some people leave a lasting imprint, not just for who they were but for the energy they carried… Rest easy Malcolm-Jamal Warner.”
Warner married in 2017 and is survived by a wife and daughter, whose identities he chose to keep private.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
