Malcolm-Jamal Warner Remembered by Jennifer Love Hewitt, Niecy Nash, Al Roker & More Following Sudden Death

Actress Ashley Jones, who also worked with Warner on 9-1-1, wrote on Instagram: “Malcolm.

It was only about an 8 day stretch I got to hang and work with you on set. I was a fan, but you were a friend. You were the real deal. Talked about your wife and daughter, your music, your poetry. We talked about my son. Hard life stuff I was going through…It was an honor—- and I pray your family is comforted. Your legacy will live on. Rest easy in God’s hands.”

Actor and director Henry Winkler posted on X: “This is a real tragedy. I have met Malcolm many times, but never had the pleasure of working with him. It was a pleasure to know this talented young man. May he rest in peace.”

Niecy Nash wrote: “My God

we just spoke. You were giving my my flowers for my work in @grotesqueriefx and we talked about how happy we both were in our marriages. Damn friend

You were cornerstone of The Cosby Show. We all loved Theo! Never to be forgotten. You will be missed. Rest Easy.”

Al Roker also paid tribute with a moving Instagram post: “Just heartbroken hearing about the tragic loss of @malcolmjamalwar due to an accidental drowning in Costa Rica. He was such a lovely young man. I’ve known him since his Cosby Show days. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his Mom and his family.”

Yvette Nicole Brown, who played his wife on the show Community, posted a touching tribute on Instagram along with a video of Warner. She wrote, “This loss has devastated me. I don’t have the words right now so I am repurposing these beautiful ones from my dear friend, who I adored. This video is a glimpse of the love he would share just randomly. To have him as a friend was a blessing from God. He was one of one.
I love you @malcolmjamalwar. I always have. I always will. Thank you for being a real one. Until we meet again, friend.”

Singer-songerwriter Maxwell paid tribute to Warner on X with the post: “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.”

Actor Daniel Tamberelli, best known for his work on Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete and Pete and worked with Warner on The Magic School Bus, wrote a moving tribute to the actor on Instagram: “Low end bass brother, fellow actor, great director and totally wonderful human taken way too soon. So much love, sympathy, and empathy heading to his family. Taught me a lot about seeing the different avenues and potential you can have in our industry. Being a kid actor on an adult set can bless you with many opportunities to continue in this industry without having to rely on your childhood face (voice in our case working together). Taking your experiences in front of the camera and parlaying it into an off camera career is hard and I respected the hell out of him and looked up to his path as a versatile entertainer and creative. Rest easy, duder. Go check his music and poetry and keep his family, friends, and crew in your hearts.”

Filmmaker Emmai Alaquiva wrote on Instagram: “This really hurts; I can’t even type anything else.”

On his Instagram account, actor Wendell Pierce wrote: “A man of deep kindness, grace, talent, and charm. Our little brother. He had a huge capacity for joy. R.I.P.” The actor starred with Warner in the Fox crime anthology Accused in the episode “Kendall’s Story.”

Trinidadian supermodel, and musician Nikki Phillip, aka Nikki Tha God wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Rest in power to Malcolm-Jamal Warner (1970–2025), who passed away on July 21, 2025, at age 54 from an accidental drowning. Forever our Theo Huxtable, a symbol of Black excellence, grace, and artistry. Your legacy shines on.” 

Fox Entertainment released a statement on the actor’s passing that read: “Everyone at Fox is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm-Jamal Warner. While his iconic roles – from comedic to dramatic – are unforgettable and timeless, Malcolm will be remembered most for his warmth, kind heart, and the lasting impact he had on his friends, family, and fans everywhere. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones.”