The cast ofThe Cosby Showis paying tribute to the late Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played Theo Huxtable in the ’80s sitcom.TheCosby Showstar and Grammy-winning musician diedon August 06, 2025, at age 54. According toPeople, the cause of death was confirmed as accidental asphyxiation by submersion, which the star suffered while swimming on a family vacation to Costa Rica.
Since news of Warner’s death surfaced, other celebrities have taken to social media to honor him. Most notably, his formerco-stars fromThe Cosby Showare sharing memories and recalling the actor’s virtues. Despite Bill Cosby’s conviction in 2018 (which was later overturned in 2021), the rest of the show’s cast clearly remain fond of each other.
What The Cast Of The Cosby Show Has Said About Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Death
His Former Co-Stars Recalled His Supportive Nature & Talent
Following Warner’s death, Raven Symoné, who played Olivia onThe Cosby Show, took toInstagramto share a Reel with a black background featuring the words “I love you” and a dove Emoji. In the Instagram Reel’s audio, she says:
“Words cannot describe the pain and sadness and surprise I feel with the recent loss of MJW. He was the big brother. He was a beacon. He was one of the most multifaceted, talented men. So gentle.
“My heart and soul and hugs and kisses go out to his daughter and his wife and his mother. He gave the best advice. He gave the best hugs. And his smile will always be a huge, bright f***ing white smile in my head forever. I love you and I know you’re watching over all of us now. Bye, Malcolm.”
Karen Malina White, who portrayed Charmaine onThe Cosby Showand spinoffA Different World, also shared an uplifting recollection of Warner onInstagram. She thanked him for their relationship, and she offered condolences to his surviving family members:
What a profound Karmic Relationship my friend. Thank you. Until we meet again. Love you Always in All Ways. My deepest condolences to Pam Warner, his wife and daughter.”
Elvin Tibideaux actor Geoffrey Owens gave a statement toDeadlineregarding Warner’s death, echoing the sentiments about Warner’s supportive presence:
“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. 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.”
And Gary LeRoi Gray, who appeared in the sitcom’s final season as Nelson Tibideaux, also wrote anInstagrampost, in which he recalled how much he looked up to Warner as a kid, calling him “mythical” and"the real deal." Read the entirety of Gray’s post below:
Gray isn’t the only one who played Nelson to speak out about Warner, either. Twins Chris and Clayton Griggs, who brought the younger version of the character to life, also paid tribute to their former co-star onInstagram:
“Still trying to process that you’re gone in the physical! Brother Malcolm-Jamal Warner was so much more than a legend to us he was family. A true friend, a mentor, and a constant source of inspiration.
We give thanks for the wonderful conversations, time and the love you showed us. Seeing you wear our brand tee while sharing poetry that moves us so profoundly it’s a reminder of just how incredible you are. Thank you for being you! Rest easy, King. Your words, your work, and your spirit live on.”
Other Celebrities Are Also Paying Tribute To Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Tributes for Warner are pouring in from celebrities not associated withThe Cosby Showas well, including Beyoncé.Beyoncé’s websitenow features an image of Warner, along with text reading, “Rest in power, Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Thanks for being a big part of our shared television history. You will be missed.”
Warner’s co-stars fromReed Between the Linesshared their thoughts too, including Tracee Ellis Ross, who portrayed Warner’s on-screen wife in the series. Ellis Ross wrote onInstagram:
“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. Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.”
Other stars who have posted in honor of Warner include Sherri Shepherd, Angela Bassett, and Yvette Nicole Brown. It’s clearThe Cosby Showalum meant a lot to many different people. He’ll certainly be missed.
