In 1986, Malcolm-Jamal Warner earned an Emmy nomination for supporting actor in a comedy for his role in 'The Cosby Show'. Photo: AP
For Black youth and teens growing up in the mid-1980s, The Cosby Show offered something rarely seen on television up until that time: a sitcom that placed characters who looked like them in a positive light.
And Malcolm-Jamal Warner's Theo Huxtable was the character Generation X most related to. Fans took quickly to social media on Monday as news of Warner's accidental drowning in Costa Rica spread.
"It's like losing one of us," said Harriet Cammock, a 58-year-old Detroit author and speaker. "This is the thing with television. When you're watching people every week on television, you think you know them and you're related to them."
Warner was swimming Sunday afternoon at Playa Cocles in Costa Rica's Limon province when a current pulled him deeper into the Caribbean, according to that country's Judicial Investigation Department. First responders found him without vital signs.
Cori Murray, executive vice president of content at Ebony Magazine, was saddened upon hearing about Warner's death. She said his Theo character mirrored the everyday Black teenager, which was rare to see on TV at the time.
While so many portrayals of young Black teenagers leaned negative, The Cosby Show, especially Theo, showed warmth, joy and relatability.
"He wasn't just a character. We saw ourselves in him," Murray said. "You know how Kendrick Lamar has the song Not Like Us? Well, Theo was one of us. He was like us."
Murray, who met Warner a few times, recalled his character off-screen matched the warmth he exuded on television. She called him respectful and pleasant and said he had a "megawatt smile" that lit up the room.
"His energy stayed with you," Murray said. "You don't have a bad memory when it comes to Theo or Malcolm-Jamal Warner. As much as we loved the character, we also watched Malcolm grow up in real life. No scandals. No mess. Just a talented young man who matured into an upstanding, handsome adult."
Members of Bill Cosby's television family, the Huxtables (from left) Sabrina Le Beauf, Tempest Bledsoe, Cosby, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Phylicia Rashad, Raven Symone and Malcolm-Jamal Warner, gather in NBC's Today show studio for an interview with co-host Katie Couric, Thursday, May 2, 2002, in New York. Photo: AP
The Cosby Show was groundbreaking and a ratings giant, drawing in viewers across racial, cultural and economic backgrounds. The show ran for 197 episodes from 1984 to 1992. In 1986, Warner earned an Emmy nomination for supporting actor in a comedy.
Lynn Reasonover, 62, of Oak Lawn, Illinois, began receiving messages Monday afternoon about Warner's death. Her initial thoughts were "Nope, didn't happen."
"Then, I kept seeing the news flashes and friends started sending texts," Reasonover said. "So, it's sinking in. Makes you realise how much some celebrities help shape our memories. His work had such a huge impact. I'm feeling a personal loss because we grew up with him. It's like losing a part of our childhood."
Rasheda Williams, 46, of Detroit was about the same age as Rudy, the youngest character on The Cosby Show and Theo's little sister. Williams said she and others are mourning Warner's passing because of what they saw in the character he played.
"He's like the ideal cousin you wish you had," Williams said. "Hearing the news has really affected some of us. It was unexpected. He wasn't sick. That makes it even more tragic."
"He wasn't just an actor," she said. "He was also an activist, a positive role model, not just for young Black men, but for young Black women as well."
Celebrities and fans have also taken to social media to pay tribute to Warner.
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
Tracee Ellis Ross and Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Photo: Tracee Ellis Ross/Instagram
Eddie Griffin
“My Heart is heavy right now... Rest easy my Brother for you have Won in Life and now you’ve won forever eternal bliss.” — via Instagram
Questlove
“He was an amazing soul who always took the time out to school me and talk about his experiences in life and the business. We always traded music and playlists with each other and despite all that he went through in life he expressed ZERO cynicism or bitterness in his journey and constantly lived in the present which dictated his future —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?!!’).” — via Instagram
Jennifer Hudson
“Devastated by this news. Truly heartbroken! Rest well, king.” — on X
Taraji P. Henson
“This one hurt. Malcolm, we grew up with you. Thank you for the art, the wisdom, the grace you gave us!!!!! You left the world better than you found it. Rest easy, king!!!! Your legacy lives far beyond the screen.” — via Instagram
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.
Jamie Foxx
“Speechless on this one rest in power, my brother.” — via Instagram
Vivica A. Fox
“I’m stunned & saddened to hear about the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Thanks for ya gifts, king. #gonetoosoon #restinparadise #restinpeace.” — via Instagram
Jennifer Love Hewitt
“This hurts my heart. A gentleman, an incredible talent and we were so lucky to have him in the ‘9-1-1’ family. Heartbroken and sending love to his family.” — via Instagram – AP
