Remembering Malcolm-Jamal Warner: A look at memorable Theo moments from 'The Cosby Show'
Warner reportedly drowned after being caught by a high current in the water while swimming near Cocles, a beach in Limon, Costa Rica, on July 20.
The Emmy-nominated actor's death shocked the world and resulted in a wave of tributes from the Hollywood industry. Bill Cosby, who notably played his TV dad Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable, said: "I enjoyed working with him very much."
Warner was also known for his roles in the 1990s UPN sitcom "Malcolm & Eddie" and as Dr. AJ Austin on the Fox medical drama "The Resident."
However, his portrayal as Theo on the 1980s trailblazing sitcom "The Cosby Show," hailed for shattering stereotypes about Black families, has stuck with people even decades later.
"You were (the) cornerstone of 'The Cosby Show.' We all loved Theo! Never to be forgotten," actress Niecy Nash wrote.
Here are some memorable moments fans of the show have come to know and love over the years featuring Theo on "The Cosby Show."
More: Bill Cosby speaks out on his 'Cosby Show' costar Malcolm-Jamal Warner's death
'A Shirt Story': Season 1, Episode 5
In this episode, Theo, 14, is eager to wear a designer Gordon Gatrelle yellow shirt worth $95 for an upcoming date. His father, Cliff, orders him to take it back to the store and purchase a different one for $30.
His sister, Denise, offers to sew him a replica for the reduced price, but it didn't turn out like he hoped.
"Is this my shirt? Is this the shirt I paid $30 for? Is this the shirt they're supposed to think is a Gordon Gatrelle?" he yelled when he saw the results.
This episode aired in 1984, but the image of Theo wearing the Gordon Gatrelle shirt has become a staple in pop culture. It's often used on social media in the form of memes or GIFs to react to a funny or embarrassing situation. Actor Anthony Mackie even paid homage to the classic episode several months ago when he appeared on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" on Halloween. Mackie walked out in the shirt and stated he had to go "old school". Fallon then asks "Is this a real Gordon Gatrelle?" to which Mackie replies, "This is an authentic Gordon Gatrelle!"
@AnthonyMackie wore Denise's Gordon Gartrelle shirt on The Tonight Show and it made the hearts of Elder Millennials soar. We didn't want the $95 version, we wanted this one. The one Theo paid $30 for. STILL want it. 😥RIP Malcolm-Jamal Warnerhttps://t.co/ymxS9Bd9az pic.twitter.com/DqoRjyjA0l
'Theo and the Joint': Season 1, Episode 17
Theo's parents, Clair and Cliff, confronted him after finding a joint in his geography textbook after he left the house. Theo told them it didn't belong to him, stating, "I don't do drugs and never have."
They believed Theo, but the situation left him rattled. He later approached his classmate Tony Braxton, who used the drugs and admitted to putting the joint in his book when the teacher walked into the class. Theo asked him to come clean to his parents, which Braxton admits to Cliff at the end of the episode, highlighting peer pressure.
'Theo's Economic Lesson': Season 1, Episode 1
In the series pilot, Theo is in hot water after getting several Ds on his report card. Theo expresses to his father, Cliff, that he wants to work like a "regular person" instead of pursuing higher education.
In the iconic scene, Cliff uses Monopoly money to give Theo a lesson on the financial pressures he would face as an adult. At the end of his pep talk, Cliff pushes him to try in school.
'Theo's Gift': Season 6, Episode 5
Theo is frustrated because he got a C on his mythology exam and later learns that he has dyslexia, a learning disability, after taking a diagnostic test.
Theo says the learning counselor will ask his professors to accommodate him during class and set him up with a special instructor to help him with notetaking.
This episode brought awareness about dyslexia, which can lead to difficulties with reading and writing, to the forefront.
'Theo and Cockroach': Season 2, Episode 15
Theo and his friend Cockroach (played by actor Carl Anthony Payne II) have a test on Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and decide to read a condensed version instead of the assignment.
Theo is confident he has at least passed the test, but his mother, Clair, forces him to read the text anyway in an episode that brought the importance of education to the forefront with classic humor.
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.
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