Bill Cosby has released a statement on the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
Cosby’s representative, Andrew Wyatt, told TMZ that when he found out about Warner’s death, “it reminded him of being in the studio filming “The Cosby Show” in January 1997, when he got a call informing him that his son Ennis Cosby was shot dead in a failed robbery attempt.”
“Wyatt says news of Malcolm-Jamal’s death hit him the same way as Ennis’ murder … the two used to play together when they were younger and “were amazing together,” the outlet writes. “Bill, we’re told, feels Malcolm-Jamal made a lasting impact with his life and career that will continue to change the world … and he says every young man growing up in the projects back in the day wanted to be like Warner and to have a family like the Huxtables.”
Cosby recalled his memories with Warner, specifically recalling how their last conversation was about a concert in Minneapolis. He also remembered when Warner “visited the Cosby family property in Massachusetts and made Bill’s relatives laugh harder than ever.”
On Monday, multiple outlets reported that Warner, who played Theo Huxtable on âThe Cosby Show,â has tragically passed away due to an accidental drowning. ABC News further reported that Warner drowned off the coast of Costa Rica on Sunday, with his cause of death being determined as asphyxia. ABC stated, âThe actor died near Cocles, a beach in Limon, Costa Rica, according to police. Police said he was caught by a high current in the water and was discovered Sunday afternoon. Warner was formally identified by Costa Ricaâs national police.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner Spoke About âThe Cosby Show’s’ Legacy During a 2023 Interview
Paras Griffin/Getty Images for SCAD aTVfest 2020During a 2023 interview with PEOPLE, Warner opened up about “The Cosby Show,” specifically talking about the perception of it after a lot of controversy. In 2018, Cosby was sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug and sexual assault charges, which cast a negative light on the show. Those charges were overturned in 2021 and Cosby was released.
âRegardless of how some people may feel about the show now, Iâm still proud of the legacy and having been a part of such an iconic show that had such a profound impact on â first and foremost, Black culture â but also American culture,â Warned explained, adding that it âbroadened the perspective of how the world viewed Black people.”
Viola Davis Posts Touching Tribute For Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis posted a heartfelt tribute for Warner on Instagram.
“I actually am speechless!!!!! No words! Theo was OUR son, OUR brother, OUR friend… He was absolutely so familiar, and we rejoiced at how TV got it right!! But… Malcolm got it right… and now… we reveled in your life and are gutted by this loss. Blessings and prayers to your family and loved ones… We will speak your nameâalways. ðððð¿,” she wrote. “Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role on âTHE COSBY SHOW,â has passed away at the age of 54. May He Rest in Peace. ð”ï¸
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