It’s only been 24 hours since Hollywood learned of the loss of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor who rose to fame thanks in large part for his role as Theo, on the popular 80’s sitcom “The Cosby Show.” As more tributes pour in, others are taking the time to look back on his groundbreaking role.
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As you well know by now, “The Cosby Show” was a pivotal show in the landscape of Black television, providing a positive portrayal of a Black family that pushed back against the negative stigmas and stereotypes that were pervasive back then. For Warner specifically, his role as the only son in the fictional Huxtable family provided an early representation for Black boys and men all over the country who saw themselves in this young kid trying to do right and figure out life, family and much more.
Aside from the moments his youth hilariously got him in trouble, Warner’s Theo felt like brother we always wanted, the cool cousin we couldn’t wait to see, and now, a character who will forever be embedded in our collective hearts and memories.
So, it’s in that spirit that we’d thought we’d take a trip down memory lane and look back at some of Warner’s best moments as Theo on the show. Sit back, relax, and prepare to get a good laugh in. Malcolm, you will be missed.
Keep reading to get into the goods!
Theo & the Gordon Gartrelle Shirt
You already know we had to start off strong with Theo and his iconically bad Gordon Gartrelle shirt. Someone really ought to think about making this a real one and selling it, we’re just saying!
Theo as Ray Charles Performing “Night and Day”
One of the best moments of “The Cosby Show” no doubt cam when the whole family performed a musical number. Seeing Theo as Ray Charles is always so good.
Theo as James Brown Performing “I Got the Feeling”
Yet another Huxtable Family Music Moment, anchored largely on the strength of Theo’s James Brown impression. We won’t ever forget this!
Theo Sneaks and Gets His Ear Pierced
There are certain scenes that become etched in your brain forever and Theo trying to hide his ear piercing from his father is one of them!
Theo Hilariously Sings for His Ex-Girlfriend Justine
We’ve only got two words for this scene: “JUSTINE, JUSTINE!”
Theo Gets a Taste of the Real World
One thing about Theo is that he could sometimes be just as ignorant about life as he was cute. But his family never missed a moment to give him a dose of reality like they did in this scene when he thought he wanted to strike out on his own!
Theo Goes On Trial In His Own Home
Though a little older, Theo still had some missteps and lied when he didn’t have to. And in this case, his half-truths got him in hot water with his own mother in a fun, yet serious way.
Theo Graduates From College
Despite his dyslexia diagnosis and challenges in school in past seasons, fans of the show got a full circle moment when we watched Theo graduate from prestigious NYU in the show’s finale episode.
Theo Makes the Case Against Black Excellence
One of Theo’s early issues was always thinking he could get the most from doing the least and that he couldn’t live up to the successful reputations both his parents had. Thankfully, his father hilariously snapped him out of that mindset early on before it got too bad.
Theo & Cockroach Famous Rap About Life
Thank God Theo ended up getting his psychology degree and didn’t pursue rap as a career. Him and his best friend Cockroach were hilariously creative as evidenced by this moment, but this wasn’t the way for them to go!
Theo’s Big TV Moment Gets Ruined by Rudy
Poor Theo, he really thought he was going to make it big on TV thanks to his heroism. But his sister ended up outshining him in the most unexpected way possible. Maybe next time, bro!
Theo Visits the Voodoo Doctor
A Theo in love was a Theo you didn’t want to mess with and his trip to this voodoo doctor in order to get his ex-girlfriend back is just another funny example of that. The lengths men go for love!
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