Black Hollywood is grieving the lack of Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Yesterday, the web collectively gasped on the information of the “The Cosby Present” actor’s loss of life after a drowning accident in Costa Rica.
Forsaking a spouse, daughter, and a litany of household and mates, Warner additionally leaves a legacy that spans generations of tv viewers who grew up watching the actor on hit reveals like “The Resident,” “Reed Between The Traces,” “Malcolm & Eddie,” and extra. However past his affect as an actor, director, poet and musician, Warner hopes for his legacy to transcend the glitz and glam of Hollywood.
“I keep in mind my mom mentioned to me one time that, ‘Mr. [Bill] Cosby gave you immortality,’ so I do know on one lane, there’s a legacy there. However as a result of I’ve had this full life after that present, there’s one other lane of legacy that I get to go away,” Warner informed Melyssa Ford on the “Scorching & Bothered Podcast. “There’s a part of me that I will go away this earth realizing — and folks realizing — that I used to be particular person. I’m particular person as a result of my dad’s particular person. It’s doable to stroll by way of this world and, with all the darkness on the planet, it’s doable to take care of your soul and be particular person.”
And because the Black group continues to grieve what feels just like the lack of a cousin or household pal, the continued tributes from Warner’s mates and former co-stars affirm that he was in truth particular person.
Tracee Ellis Ross
“I really like you, Malcolm. First I met you as Theo with the remainder of the world then you definately have been my first TV husband. My coronary heart is so, so unhappy. What an actor and pal you have been: heat, light, current, form, considerate, deep, humorous, elegant. You made the world a brighter place. Sending a lot like to your loved ones. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss. — through Instagram
Eddie Griffin
“My Coronary heart is heavy proper now… Relaxation simple my Brother for you will have Gained in Life and now you’ve received perpetually everlasting bliss.” — through Instagram
Questlove
“He was an incredible soul who at all times took the outing to high school me and discuss his experiences in life and the enterprise. We at all times traded music and playlists with one another and regardless of all that he went by way of in life he expressed ZERO cynicism or bitterness in his journey and continually lived within the current which dictated his future —he was by no means the man caught in a glory days bubble (however at all times graciously obliged me once I requested a gajillion questions of ‘what was it like again then?!!’).” — through Instagram
Sherri Shepherd
“As somebody who grew up on TV, Malcolm remained one of many most-grounded folks I’ve ever met in our enterprise. To know Malcolm was to know a Renaissance man that possessed humor, grace, humility and deep cultural appreciation. He was only a good man! His passing is a real loss to the Hollywood group. He was a proud lady dad and beloved his daughter a lot. To his household, mates and all who beloved him—my coronary heart is with you.” — in a press release, per AP Information.
Jennifer Hudson
“Devastated by this information. Actually heartbroken! Relaxation nicely, king.” — on X
Jason Alexander
“Malcolm was somebody you instantly trusted and wished to know higher. Our working time collectively was temporary, however I used to be deeply touched by his coronary heart and his lovely spirit. I’m gutted by his passing and want his household and family members my deepest sympathy. That is simply tragic.” — in a press release
Taraji P. Henson
“This one damage. Malcolm, we grew up with you. Thanks for the artwork, the knowledge, the grace you gave us!!!!! You left the world higher than you discovered it. Relaxation simple, king!!!! Your legacy lives far past the display screen.” — through Instagram
Magic Johnson
“Cookie and I are unhappy to listen to in regards to the passing of our expensive pal Malcolm-Jamal Warner. We have been each tremendous followers of the hit ‘Cosby Present’ and continued to observe his profession on reveals like ‘Malcolm and Eddie’ and ‘The Resident.’ Each time I bumped into Malcolm, we might have deep and enjoyable conversations about basketball, life and enterprise. He’ll really be missed. — on X
Jamie Foxx
“Speechless on this one relaxation in energy, my brother.” — through Instagram
NAACP
″ #RestinPower to NAACP Picture Award successful actor, Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Your expertise and spirit touched many lives, and your legacy will proceed to encourage. Thanks for the reminiscences and the affect you made on the planet of leisure. — on X
The Martin Luther King Jr. Middle
“Malcolm was a superb, multi-faceted artist and an inspiring giver. We’re grateful for his love for #TheKingCenter and the King legacy. And for the methods he confirmed his help, together with as co-host of our 2023 Beloved Group Awards… Our ideas and prayers are with Malcolm’s household throughout this very tough time.” — on X
Debbie Allen
Malcolm, you’re so beloved. Gone too quickly 🥲. Thanks for the enjoyment, creativity and hope you introduced the World. We’ll perpetually communicate your identify. – on Instagram
Angela Bassett
“When a particular soul like @malcolmjamalwar leaves us far too quickly, phrases fail to adequately describe the unimaginable grief. Malcolm was greater than a gifted actor; he was a longtime pal. Once I met him, he was a star on the present that was TV royalty, The Cosby Present. He warmly embraced me as a working actor who was looking for my means. Even in his youth, Malcolm’s empathy, quiet energy, and his vibrant mild surrounded us all. Then to have the chance to work with him once more final 12 months on @911onabc was a memorable full circle second for us each. On this life, Malcolm is what’s generally known as a soulful artist whose deep dedication to his craft left an impression on me that has by no means light. He carried the load of cultural legacy with grace, and he at all times made house for others to shine. His mild will stay in our hearts at all times. My prayers are with you and yours. Relaxation in excellent peace till we meet once more.” – On Instagram
Beyoncé through Parkwood
“Relaxation in Energy, Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Thanks for being an enormous a part of our shared tv historical past. You can be missed.” – on Instagram Tales.
Tisha Campbell Martin
“I’ve been avoiding choosing up my telephone and social media all day. I simply didn’t need to consider it. I didn’t need your face to be the plastered and posted as a result of then it will be REAL To his household and mates, my coronary heart breaks for you. I simply didn’t need to consider it. This one hurts. RIP MAL JAM. We really misplaced one of many good ones. UGH!!!!!! Fly excessive” – on Instagram
Karen Malina White
“What a profound Karmic Relationship my pal. Thanks. 🙇🏽♀️ till we meet once more ❤️ Love you At all times in All Methods 😉 My deepest condolences to Pam Warner, his spouse and daughter.” – On Instagram
Naomi Campbell
“With a heavy coronary heart, I say goodbye to Malcolm-Jamal Warner. On the present, I performed a university pal, and off the display screen, we have been all a part of an establishment that formed a era. The Cosby Present was a cultural cornerstone, and rising up with Theo his character felt like rising up with a pal. My deepest condolences to his household, his family members, and to all of us who noticed part of ourselves in him,Theo has now left us, and we honor his reminiscence. Might he relaxation within the highest peace.” – On Instagram
