Malcolm-Jamal Warner is being remembered for his talent, hard work and friendship by former co-stars and colleagues. As Hollywood mourns the late actor, who died after an accidental drowning in Costa Rica on July 20, 2025, several faces from The Cosby Show shared tributes about Malcolm-Jamal. Read them below.
Bill Cosby
In a statement to ABC News, Bill Cosby called Malcolm-Jamal a “great studier,” and he “enjoyed working with him very much” on The Cosby Show.
“He always knew his part,” Bill told the outlet. “He always knew his lines, and he always knew where to go.”
Vanessa Estelle Williams
The Cosby Show alum Vanessa Estelle Williams wrote via Instagram, “My scene partner, my friend, the son, the husband, the father…the legacy, that is @malcolmjamalwar I’m gutted like so very many! Rest in Strength Good Brother!”
Tracee Ellis Ross
Tracee Ellis Ross paid tribute to her former co-star by writing via Instagram, “I love you, Malcolm. First I met you as Theo with the rest of the world then you were my first TV husband. My heart is so so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant. You made the world a brighter place. Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.”
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Cuba Gooding Jr., who worked with Malcolm-Jamal on The Tuskegee Airmen, told People in a statement, “Malcolm was not only a gifted actor who I was honored to have co-stared in the film Tuskegee Airmen with as well as have him play ‘Al COWLINGS’ to my ‘OJ’ for RYAN MURPHY, but more importantly, he was a dear friend and neighbor to me when I was just starting a family all those many years ago. I will miss his larger-than-life laugh, which was indicative of the explosive energy he exuded to everyone around him. Gone too soon. Love you, brother.”
Angela Bassett
In a statement to People, Angela Bassett paid tribute to the late actor, who appeared on her TV series, 9-1-1.
“When a special soul like Malcolm leaves us far too soon, words fail to adequately describe the unimaginable grief,” the actress said. “Malcolm was more than a gifted actor; he was a longtime friend. When I met him, he was a star on the show that was TV royalty, The Cosby Show. He warmly embraced me as a working actor who was trying to find my way. Even in his youth, Malcolm’s empathy, quiet strength, and his bright light surrounded us all. Then to have the opportunity to work with him again last year on 9-1-1 was a memorable full circle moment for us both.”
Angela continued, “In this life, Malcolm is what’s known as a soulful artist whose deep commitment to his craft left an impression on me that has never faded,” she continued. “He carried the weight of cultural legacy with grace, and he always made space for others to shine. His light will remain in our hearts always. My prayers are with you and yours. Rest in perfect peace until we meet again.”
