Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Famous Ex Pays Tribute in Loving Post

Regina King is grieving the sudden death of her former partner, Malcolm-Jamal Warner. The “Watchmen” actress shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram just one day after it was confirmed that Warner had died at age 54 while vacationing in Costa Rica.

“Some people leave a lasting imprint, not just for who they were but for the energy they carried,” King wrote alongside a photo of Warner riding a motorcycle. “I’m sending prayers filled with love and understanding to your family and loved ones. Rest easy Malcolm-Jamal Warner.”

In a second post, she shared another photo of Warner with one hand raised in the air while riding, adding the words, “Ride in power.”

From ’80s Co-Stars to a Quiet Love Story

(Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images)

King and Warner’s connection began long before they dated. They first met in the 1980s while starring on separate NBC sitcoms—Warner on “The Cosby Show” and King on “227.”

They reconnected decades later and began dating in 2011. “Malcolm and I have a lot in common,” King told Essence in January 2011. “We’ve both been child actors and were also blessed to be raised by incredible mothers who instilled good values in us. Things are maturing nicely.”

That same year, Warner told BET, “We like to protect what we have because it’s very special and very precious … But I will say that it’s a relationship that makes all the sense in the world.”

The couple parted ways in 2013. At the time, Us Weekly reported that Warner abruptly ended the relationship and asked King and her son, Ian Alexander Jr., to move out. King later denied any drama between them in a tweet, writing, “Me & MalcolmJamalWar are good. Life happens. Forward motion. Godspeed.”

In a 2015 interview with Us Weekly, King reflected on the breakup, saying, “Someone broke up with me on Valentine’s. Yeah. I’m serious.” She shared that he sent her flowers afterward with a note that read, “I still love you.” King said she threw the flowers in the trash and added, “F–k you.”

Warner’s Life Beyond the Spotlight

(Photo by Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Before dating King, Warner was in a relationship with his “Cosby Show” co-star Michelle Thomas, who tragically died in 1998 of cancer at age 30. He was reportedly by her side during her final moments. Warner later dated actress Karen Malina White from 2000 to 2007.

At the time of his passing, Warner was married and had a daughter, though he kept his family life private. “If something happened and we weren’t together romantically, she would still be the person that I would want to raise a child with,” Warner said about his wife on a podcast in May.

Warner died while vacationing in Costa Rica with his family on Sunday. Authorities told The Post that he was pulled from the water by bystanders and taken to shore, where efforts were made to save his life.

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