Tracee Ellis Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Magic Johnson and more react to death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Warner died Sunday in an accidental drowning at a Costa Rica beach, authorities there said Monday.
Actor Tracee Ellis Ross, who later played Warner's wife in the BET sitcom 'Reed Between the Lines,' wrote that her 'heart is so, so sad.' Magic Johnson said, 'Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life and business.' Jennifer Hudson says she is 'truly heartbroken' and Marlee Matlin called him 'the nicest guy.'
Some reactions from fans and peers:
Tracee Ellis Ross
'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. — via Instagram
Eddie Griffin
Jennifer Hudson
'Devastated by this news. Truly heartbroken! Rest well, king.' — on X
Magic Johnson
'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.' Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life and business. He will truly be missed. — on X
Marlee Matlin
'I am so sad to read of the untimely passing of Malcolm Jamal Warner. He was the nicest guy and it was a privilege to have been in same company with him, sharing a directors' panel along with Howard Gordon and Michael Chiklis. My heart goes out to his family and friends. — on X.
NAACP
" #RestinPower to NAACP Image Award winning actor, Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Your talent and spirit touched many lives, and your legacy will continue to inspire. Thank you for the memories and the impact you made in the world of entertainment. — on X
Fox
'Everyone at Fox is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm-Jamal Warner. While his iconic roles — from comedic to dramatic — are unforgettable and timeless, Malcolm will be remembered most for his warmth, kind heart and the lasting impact he had on his friends, family and fans everywhere. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones.' — in a statement
The Martin Luther King Jr. Center
'Malcolm was a brilliant, multi-faceted artist and an inspiring giver. We are grateful for his love for #TheKingCenter and the King legacy. And for the ways he showed his support, including as co-host of our 2023 Beloved Community Awards... Our thoughts and prayers are with Malcolm's family during this very difficult time.' — on X
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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Malcolm-Jamal Warner's cause of death confirmed, second man fully recovered
Malcolm-Jamal Warner's official cause of death has been confirmed. "The Cosby Show" star died from an accidental drowning, Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Department confirmed to USA TODAY on July 24. A second adult man, who was involved in the same incident as Warner, and reportedly attempted to save him, was transported to a Costa Rican clinic in critical condition on Sunday, July 20, the Costa Rican Red Cross confirmed to USA TODAY on July 22. The man, a 29-year-old native of Nicaragua, made a full recovery and was released from the hospital, People and the Los Angeles Times report. Warner was rescued by bystanders and taken to shore, where he received treatment from the Costa Rican Red Cross, per the agency, but he was declared dead at the scene. He was then transported to the morgue for an autopsy. Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who starred as Theo on 'Cosby Show,' dies in drowning at 54 The beach in Costa Rica where the men were found, is known for strong rip currents and a sometimes dangerous surf, The New York Times reported. On the day of the drowning, it was also unprotected by lifeguards. In addition to eight seasons on the hit NBC sitcom as Theo, son of Bill Cosby's Cliff Huxtable and Phylicia Rashad's Clair Huxtable, Warner was also known for his role as Malcolm McGee in the 1990s UPN sitcom "Malcolm & Eddie" and as Dr. AJ Austin on the Fox medical drama "The Resident" from 2018 to 2023. In the 2010s, Warner had notable recurring roles on the NBC comedy "Community," playing the ex of Yvette Nicole Brown's Shirley Bennett. He also portrayed the character Sticky, the vice president of motorcycle club The Grim Bastards, on FX's "Sons of Anarchy." Malcolm-Jamal Warner's notable shows and movies, from 'The Cosby Show' to 'The Resident' News of his death prompted an outpouring of love from former co-stars, with Cosby himself calling him "a great studier," and fellow "9-1-1" star Jennifer Love Hewitt, calling him "a gentleman" and "incredible talent." Tracee Ellis Ross also reflected on working with Warner on the BET sitcom "Reed Between the Lines," writing: "My heart is so so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant." Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, Bryan Alexander This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Malcolm-Jamal Warner's death confirmed as drowning in Costa Rica
Los Angeles Times
10 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
This week, we remember a few icons and visit our happy place with ‘Happy Gilmore 2'
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USA Today
10 hours ago
- USA Today
'80s icons like Hulk Hogan are dying. Why it's affecting us so much
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