Malcolm-Jamal Warner's mother opens up about his death weeks after actor's drowning

USA Today

a day ago

Malcolm-Jamal Warner's mother is speaking out for the first time since "The Cosby Show" star's death at 54.
On Aug. 8, nearly three weeks after Warner accidentally drowned off the coast of Costa Rica, his mom and manager Pamela Warner opened up about the kind of man her son was beyond his TV roles – and the legacy he leaves behind.
"Malcolm was an exceptional husband, father, and son — a man deeply in love with life, his wife, and his daughter. He was not only my son, but also my teacher, coach, confidant, business partner, and best friend," Pamela Warner wrote in a post that was shared on a new Instagram account she launched in her son's memory, the Malcolm-Jamal Warner Living Legacy.
"He was the son that his father was immensely proud of and loved fiercely and unconditionally," she continued. "He was in love with the magic of being an actor, always studying and honing his craft."
Warner also took the opportunity to comfort those mourning her son.
"For those of you who are at a loss, pained by the suddenness of his departure, ache for his presence or just to hear his voice one more time, to see his beatific smile one more time, be comforted that he was at peace and more importantly, he did not suffer," she wrote.
She added, "Malcolm was birthed through water and he transitioned through water. He departed as he arrived, through water. This was his time. His mission on earth had been completed."
Warner encouraged friends and fans alike to "hold close to whatever part of Malcolm's life that touched yours." She wrote, "In keeping it near, you keep his spirit alive nourishing you with the peace, love, joy, and light that embodied Malcolm-Jamal Warner."
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played Theodore "Theo" Huxtable on "The Cosby Show" for eight years, died July 20 from drowning while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica. 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.
What to know about the tragedy: Warner's cause of death confirmed as second man fully recovers
On-screen family members Bill Cosby and Keshia Knight Pulliam, Beyoncé, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Niecy Nash, Jamie Foxx and Magic Johnson were among the celebrities who paid tribute to Malcolm-Jamal Warner after his death.
The actor's representative Jordyn Palos told USA TODAY on Aug. 8 that a tribute event memorializing Malcolm-Jamal Warner will take place sometime between the end of the year and early 2026.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner on the screen: His notable roles, from 'The Cosby Show' to 'The Resident'
Read Pamela Warner's full tribute to son Malcolm-Jamal Warner
"Needless to say our hearts are heavy with the loss of Malcolm. He was a kind, loving man with a huge heart for humanity. He wanted all to be aware of their inner strength and that they could succeed, accomplish and transform.
"This was his latest mission and work, transformation, in order for you to be fully present in your life. Malcolm was an exceptional husband, father, and son — a man deeply in love with life, his wife, and his daughter. He was not only my son, but also my teacher, coach, confidant, business partner, and best friend. He was the son that his father was immensely proud of and loved fiercely and unconditionally.
"He was in love with the magic of being an actor, always studying and honing his craft. Though he began his musical journey a little later in life, at 26, he excelled as a bassist and formed his own band, Miles Long. A poet as well as a musician, he released four albums — two Grammy-nominations and one Grammy award. At eight years old, after his first stage performance, he declared that being on stage was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. It became a self-fulfilling prophesy.
"Malcolm left an indelible mark on the world and on countless hearts. All who met him, however briefly, were better for the encounter.
"As his mother, there is so much that I can say. It would fill volumes. But what I will say, is that I am so very blessed that he chose me to be his mother, to come into the world through the waters of my womb. It is an honor and blessing that will be with me all the days of my life.
"For those of you who are at a loss, pained by the suddenness of his departure, ache for his presence or just to hear his voice one more time, to see his beatific smile one more time, be comforted that he was at peace and more importantly, he did not suffer. Malcolm was birthed through water and he transitioned through water. He departed as he arrived, through water. This was his time. His mission on earth had been completed.
"Hold close to whatever part of Malcolm's life that touched yours. In keeping it near, you keep his spirit alive nourishing you with the peace, love, joy, and light that embodied Malcolm-Jamal Warner."