Bill Cosby Mourns the Loss of The Cosby Show Star MalcolmJamal Warner
Bill Cosby is expressing his deep sorrow following the tragic passing of his former co-star, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played his on-screen son, Theo Huxtable, on the iconic sitcom “The Cosby Show.” Warner’s unexpected death on July 20, 2025, at the age of 54, has left a significant impact on Hollywood and his fans alike. In a heartfelt statement released through his representative, Andrew Wyatt, Cosby, 88, reflected on the painful memories of losing his own son, Ennis, who was murdered in 1997. “This reminds me of the call I got when I was taping The Cosby Show and I got a call saying that my son, Ennis, had been murdered,” he shared. “It’s just devastating.” Cosby and Warner starred together on “The Cosby Show” from 1984 to 1992, where their father-son dynamic was beloved by audiences. Warner’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from friends, colleagues, and fans, many of whom took to social media to share tributes and memories of the talented actor. Warner’s passing occurred while he was vacationing in Costa Rica, where he reportedly drowned at Playa Grande, a beach known for its strong currents. According to the Judicial Investigation Department in Costa Rica, Warner “appeared to have entered the sea and was apparently swept away by a current.” The cause of death has been ruled as asphyxia. Cosby emphasized the positive influence Warner had on young people, recalling his commitment to being a role model. “You never heard anything negative about the child actors from The Cosby Show. No drugs, no alcohol, none of that. Even though I was their TV dad, I never stopped being their father figure,” he remarked. In the days leading up to Warner’s death, he and Cosby had spoken about a performance Warner had recently given in Minneapolis. “He was so ecstatic about how the crowd received him,” Cosby noted. Warner’s diverse talents as an actor, musician, and poet contributed to his legacy, as he continuously sought to inspire and uplift others through his work. The news of Warner’s passing has resonated throughout Hollywood, with many stars sharing their condolences. Tracee Ellis Ross, who starred alongside Warner in various projects, expressed her grief on social media, highlighting the profound impact he had on those around him. Warner had previously praised Cosby as a mentor, particularly during challenging times. In a 2015 interview, he spoke fondly of his experiences with Cosby, stating, “The Bill Cosby I know has been great to me and great for a lot of people.” Despite the controversies surrounding Cosby in recent years, Warner maintained a positive perspective on their relationship, emphasizing the importance of the mentorship he received. As fans and colleagues remember Malcolm-Jamal Warner, his contributions to the entertainment industry and his role as a beloved character on “The Cosby Show” will not be forgotten. His legacy as a talented actor and a positive influence on the next generation of performers will continue to inspire. In the wake of this tragic loss, Hollywood stands united in mourning the passing of a remarkable talent who touched the lives of many. As tributes pour in, it is clear that Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s impact will resonate for years to come.