The news of Malcolm-Jamal Warner‘s death is still sending shockwaves in and outside of Hollywood. While fans have taken over timelines to express their sadness and shock, folks in the industry are also taking the time out to share fond memories, kind words, and well wishes.
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As we previously told you, “The Cosby Show” 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. As the news of his death began to circulate, more than a handful of famous faces began speaking out.
Singer Maxwell took the time out to share kind words on Warner’s passing, writing in a post to X/Twitter: “i remember meeting u and not believing that ‘theo’ himself was aware of me. the black representation of our greatest variation. this is devastating my prayers and well wishes to your loved ones. rest in peace malcolm.”
“Snowfall” actor Amin Joseph wrote on X/Twitter: “Learned the power of quiet grind from you— A true pro, Charisma and talent beyond this world. A pure, good spirit. Still chasing your light. Rest easy, Malcolm-Jamal Warner.”
Earvin “Magic” Johnson also hopped online to reflect on his time with Warner, saying in a post to X/Twitter: “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.”
Johnson 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.”
Posting a picture of Warner when he appeared on “The Real” years back, former cohost Loni Love wrote in a post: “Malcolm-Jamal was a talented actor and an even better person. He made you feel valued and loved. I wish we had more time with this wonderful soul. Rest in peace.”
Over on Instagram, Nia Long wrote: “Dear God please take care of his family. This is heartbreaking.”
Added Kelly Rowland: “My God.”
Fellow actress Issa Rae perhaps had the most accurate reaction out of everyone: “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.”
In a separate post on Instagram, Tracee Ellis Ross shared sweet words about Warner, with whom she starred alongside of in the short-lived BET sitcom, “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,” Ross said. “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.”
Emmy-winning actor Niecy Nash-Betts also reflected on her friendship with Warner, penning in a post to Instagram: “We just spoke. You were giving my 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.”
Comedian Eddie Griffin, who co-starred with Warner on their 1996 sitcom “Malcolm and Eddie” said in a post to his Instagram story on Monday: “My heart is heavy right now…Rest easy my brother for you have won in life and now you’ve won forever eternal bliss.”
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