Bill Cosby is deep in mourning over the tragic loss of his onscreen son, Malcolm-Jamal Warner. News broke that the former "The Cosby Show" star, who famously portrayed Theo Huxtable on the beloved NBC comedy, had passed away at the age of 54 due to an accidental drowning. The heart-wrenching news hit Cosby hard, as his representative, Andrew Wyatt, confirmed to E! News that the 88-year-old actor was devastated by the loss, comparing it to the pain he endured when his own son, Ennis Cosby, was murdered in 1997 during a failed robbery attempt.
Wyatt further noted that Cosby fondly remembered the bond between his late son and Warner, recalling their childhood days spent playing together and describing them as an incredible duo. Through his representative, Cosby also expressed his belief that Warner left a lasting legacy through his life and work, continuing to make a positive impact on the world just as he did as a member of the Huxtable family on "The Cosby Show."
Cosby, who had served nearly three years in prison for convictions of aggravated indecent assault before they were overturned by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 2021 due to violations of his due process rights, spoke highly of Warner's work ethic during their time together on the set. "Malcolm was always dependable, always going to the shelter to learn his lines and perfect his character," Cosby said in a July 21 interview with New York's 6ABC. "When I heard the news, it was shocking."
The "Fat Albert" actor added, "My thoughts immediately went to his mother, who worked so hard and was wonderful with him."
Warner had been vacationing in Costa Rica at the time of his passing, where he tragically drowned while swimming in the ocean on July 20. Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Agency confirmed the details of the incident in a translated statement to E! News, explaining that Warner appeared to have been swept away by a current and despite being rescued and receiving treatment from the Costa Rican Red Cross, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Costa Rican National Police later confirmed to ABC News that asphyxia, caused by drowning and resulting in deprivation of oxygen, was the cause of Warner's death.
Following the news of his passing, numerous stars paid tribute to Warner, celebrating his life and legacy. His "Reed Between the Lines" costar Tracee Ellis Ross shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing, "I love you, Malcolm. First, I met you as Theo with the rest of the world, and then you became my first TV husband. My heart is shattered."
She continued, "You were an incredible actor and friend: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, and elegant. You brightened the world around you. Sending so much love to your family. I'm so sorry for this unimaginable loss."
