As Theo Huxtable, Malcolm-Jamal Warner solidified his spot in our hearts, minds, and the culture forever. While millions mourn the shocking death of The Cosby Show actor, fans fondly remember all that this multitalented star gave the world in more than 40 years.
Source: Alberto Rodriguez / Getty
From forever funny moments like the infamous Gordon Gartrell shirt to giving a voice to silent struggles like dyslexia, Warner delivered a vibrant, complex, and heart-warming portrayal of Black boyhood. In 1986, the performance earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
For multiple generations, Theo wasn’t just a beloved character — he was family. And Warner’s tragic passing in a drowning accident hits like he’s still the big brother many of us knew and loved since childhood.
Beyoncé updated her website with a memorial at the top: “Rest in power Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Thanks for being a big part of our shared television history. You will be missed.”
Devestated reactions continue pouring in from celebrities and public figures like, Bill Cosby, who compared the news to learning of his son’s murder.
Maxwell recalled being star-struck when he met Warner.
“i remember meeting u and not believing that ‘theo’ himself was aware of me. the black representation of our greatest variation. this is devastating my prayers and well wishes to your loved ones. rest in peace malcolm,” the soulful singer wrote.
Magic Johnson recalled going from a super fan of Warner’s to sharing deep conversations together.
“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.
Cookie and I are praying his family and close friends during this difficult time,” he wrote.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump remembered his award-winning spoken word.
“Malcolm-Jamal Warner, beloved for his role as Theo on The Cosby Show, has died at age 54. From Emmy-nominated actor to Grammy-nominated poet, he gave us decades of art, truth, and talent. His voice, on screen and in verse, will be deeply missed. Rest in power,” the attorney.
While the 54-year-old will always live on as Theo, that was just the breakthrough role in a career that spanned more than 40 years.
Read more about Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s contributions to the culture outside of Theo Huxtable after the flip.
