It's been less than two months since Malcolm-Jamal Warner died of accidental drowning during a family vacation in Costa Rica, and the entertainment industry continues to mourn his tragic and untimely passing. During the Emmy Awards this Sunday (September 14), Phylicia Rashad shared some heartfelt words about his legacy to open the “In Memoriam” segment of the awards show.
“He was a beloved teenager in an iconic television series who the world watched grow into manhood,” she said of the late actor, who played her son on The Cosby Show for years. “And like all our friends and colleagues who transitioned this past year, Malcolm-Jamal Warner remains in our hearts.”
“We remember them not just for their immense talent but also for the way they made us believe in something bigger, the best that is within us," she added as photos of other late television stars flashed across the screen.
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Malcolm-Jamal Warner Death
Rashad isn't the only one of Warner's former on-screen family members who have paid tribute to him since his unexpected death either. As news of the tragedy made its rounds online, Raven-Symoné also broke her silence in an emotional message on Instagram.
“Words cannot express the pain and sadness and surprise that I feel with the recent loss of MJW,” she said at the time. “He was the big brother, he was a beacon. He was one of the most multifaceted, talented men—so gentle. And my heart and soul and hugs and kisses go out to his daughter and his wife and his mother.”
“He gave the best advice. He gave the best hugs,” she continued. “And his smile will always be a huge bright f***ing white smile in my head forever. I love you, and I know you’re watching over all of us now. Bye, Malcolm.”
Bill Cosby also commented on his death in July, commending Warner for his professionalism and noting how he "enjoyed working with him very much."
