“The Cosby Show” leading man and comedian Bill Cosby is speaking out following the shocking death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner on Monday. Warner famously played Cosby’s son “Theo” on the beloved family sitcom and reportedly stayed in touch with the veteran actor over the years.
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As we previously told you, the beloved actor passed away on Monday at age 54. The actor was on a family trip to Costa Rica and died in an accidental drowning while swimming, according to People Magazine. Notable names such as Angela Bassett, Tracee Ellis Ross, Omar Epps, Wendell Pierce, Earvin “Magic” Johsnon, Niecy Nash-Betts and more have all payed tribute to the multi-talented star on social media.
Now, one of Warner’s most famous co-stars is finally sharing what’s on his heart. Speaking in a new interview with ABC News on Monday, Cosby reflected on Warner’s professionalism and had nothing but positive things to say about the “Malcolm & Eddie” actor.
“He was always a great studier, and I enjoyed working with him very much,” Cosby said. “He always knew his part. … He always knew his lines, and he always knew where to go.”
Later, during a phone interview with Philadelphia’s WDAS 105.3 radio station, Cosby further reflected on his admiration for Warner with host Frankie Darcell. During his brief call, the once-beloved TV dad praised “The Resident” star’s creative abilities and likened hearing the news of Warner’s passing to the day he learned of his real-life son Ennis’ passing in 1997.
“I don’t know about the swimming, I don’t know what came and got him. But I do know that he is an honest person and that media, I hope, will show the respect for him, period,” Cosby said.
A representative for Cosby also told The New York Post that he and his other costar Phylicia Rashad–who played Warner’s TV mom “Claire” on The Cosby Show” reminisced about their time with him over the phone after learning of his death.
Additionally, in a separate statement to Deadline, fellow “Cosby Show” actor Geoffrey Owens–who famously played “Elvin,” husband to Theo’s big sister Sondra–shared fond words and memories about Warner late on Monday.
“This tragedy has almost left me speechless. Malcolm was a lovely man; a sweet and sensitive soul. I respected him for many reasons, including the fact that he genuinely loved the act of creation,” Owens said. “He had the mind of an actor and the heart of a musician. He was generous, too. I did a theater project long ago and asked him to participate; and he was there for me. My heart goes out to his family.”
Warner leaves behind a wife and one daughter.
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