Malcolm-Jamal Warner's Former Co-stars and More Celebs Pay Tribute Following His Sudden Death at 54

The actor was best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on "The Cosby Show," but he also captured audiences in recent years with his performance as Dr. AJ Austin on "The Resident."

Malcolm-Jamal Warner has died at the age of 54, prompting an outpouring of tributes from his "Cosby Show" co-stars, fellow actors from his other projects, and celebrities across Hollywood who are celebrating his life, legacy, and influence.

Warner died on Sunday, July 20, after drowning while swimming during a family vacation on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. He was reportedly caught in a strong current, and despite efforts by beachgoers and first responders, he could not be saved.

Now, actors and celebrities who knew, worked with, or were inspired by Warner are honoring his memory.

Tracee Ellis Ross, who starred alongside Warner in "Reed Between the Lines" on BET, shared a carousel of photos of the two on Instagram.

She also wrote an emotional tribute, "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 remembered him as a talented actor and a dear friend, highlighting his warmth, gentleness, presence, kindness, thoughtfulness, depth, humor, and elegance. The actress concluded, "You made the world a brighter place. Sending so much love to your family. I'm so sorry for this unimaginable loss."

The two shared undeniable on-screen chemistry in the show, something both actors acknowledged during their joint feature on the cover of Upscale Magazine. Ross remarked, "Doing scenes with Malcolm does not feel like acting. It's like it just happens."

Warner echoed the sentiment, "If you're going to be joined at the hip, you want it to be with someone who shares the same vision and shares the same kind of integrity and values. It's probably one of the best non-physical love affairs that I've ever had."

Bill Cosby has also shared heartfelt memories of his on-screen son, remembering Warner as the ultimate professional during their years working together. "He was always a great studier, and I enjoyed working with him very much," Cosby said.

The 88-year-old added, "He was very professional. He always knew his part... He always knew his lines, and he always knew where to go."

The character of Theo Huxtable was loosely inspired by Cosby's real-life son, Ennis, who was tragically killed in 1997. Cosby noted that he and Warner remained close even after "The Cosby Show" ended, maintaining a bond that extended well beyond the screen.

Warner also starred alongside Phylicia Rashad, who played Claire Huxtable, on "The Cosby Show." While she has yet to publicly comment on his passing, fans have flooded her latest Instagram post with heartfelt messages, offering comfort and support.

One fan wrote, "Thinking of you ❤️ my sincere condolences on the loss of Malcolm 🙏🙏💜." Another person pleaded, "We need you more right now than ever — this one hurts ❤️." A third fan commented, "Thinking of you. Praying for you. 💔."

Keshia Knight Pulliam, who played Rudy Huxtable on "The Cosby Show." has also not spoken out about Warner's passing. However, fans have reached out to her through her latest Instagram post to share in the mourning.

One fan wrote, "So sorry to hear about Malcolm Jamal Warner. I know you're hurting. We all are." Another person said, "Girl, Theo is dead in real life. RIP." A third fan added, "I'm praying for you sis!!!! Omg if we are heartbroken, I can only imagine how you feel." Someone else shared, "Just came over to check on you @keshiaknightpulliam 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽."

Other Hollywood stars who crossed paths with Warner in various capacities have also mourned his loss. Jamie Foxx, shaken by the news, wrote on Instagram, "Speechless on this one. Rest in power, my brother."

Businessman and former basketball player Earvin Magic Johnson also shared his condolences, along with his wife Cookie. In a message posted on X, he said they were saddened by the loss of their dear friend Warner, noting they had long been fans of "The Cosby Show" and continued to follow his work on series like "Malcolm & Eddie" and "The Resident."

He 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."

Taraji P. Henson paid tribute to Warner with a heartfelt message accompanied by a collage of photos from his acting career. She wrote, "This one hurt. Malcolm, we grew up with you. Thank you for the art, the wisdom, the grace you gave us!!!!!"

She continued, "You left the world better than you found it. Rest easy, king!!!! Your legacy lives far beyond the screen. 🕊️🖤."

Jennifer Hudson has shared her sorrow over Warner's passing on X, saying she was "devastated by this news" and "truly heartbroken," before adding, "Rest well, king."

Drummer and record producer Questlove has also spoken out, sharing a deeply personal and emotional tribute to Warner. He reflected on how much his portrayal of Theo meant to an entire generation. "If you looked like me coming of age in the 80s, Malcom-as-Theo was a gps/lighthouse of navigating safety to adulthood," he wrote.

The 54-year-old added, "For those of us that didn't have 'examples' or 'safe environments'—I would like to think for anyone of age we used this entire show —and its offspring as life blueprints."

Questlove admitted that Warner's death felt especially difficult, "Losing the Huxtables was a painful divorce I wasn't ready for but I never once thought about the offspring of that show transitioning before I did."

Warner's character, he said, was someone he related to. "Seeing myself in every episode through his shoes: like being bad at football, wanting clothes outside of my budget, hiding things from your parents (ear piercings or weed), living in a 'respectable politics' house of jazz vs 'teen music'... him dealing with dyslexia," Questlove pointed out.

The drummer recalled the first time they met, "Meeting him on 94 was a thrill when I first got in the biz." Warner, he added, was very welcoming, "Mal Jam was the earliest co-signer of the Roots. He attended many a show way before the world got to know us."

Their shared love for music created a bond between them, and Questlove expressed regret that their plans never came to fruition. He divulged, "All that time talking about music extensively and we never got our chance to collaborate as we said we would."

He remembered Warner as someone wise and grounded. "He was an amazing soul who always took the time out to school me and talk about his experiences in life and the business," gushed Questlove. Despite challenges, he said Warner "expressed ZERO cynicism or bitterness in his journey and constantly lived in the present which dictated his future."

Questlove recalled, "He was never the guy stuck in a glory days bubble (but always graciously obliged me when I asked a gajillion questions of 'what was it like back then?!!')."

The drummer closed his tribute with a heartfelt farewell, "I wasn't prepared to say goodbye in this manner but here we are in 2025. Love & Strength to his family and his loved ones and all of the people his life's journey inspired. 'Thank you Mal Jammin On The One!'"

The many tributes pouring in from co-stars, fellow actors, celebrities, and fans paint a clear picture of the impact Malcolm-Jamal Warner had on and off the screen. Whether through heartfelt memories, emotional messages, or shared stories of his professionalism and warmth, it's evident he was deeply loved and respected by those who worked with him, those who watched him, and those who knew him personally.

His legacy as an actor, mentor, and cultural touchstone will continue to live on. He will be deeply missed and always remembered.