Malcolm-Jamal Warner: Inspirational Actor, HBCU Advocate Passes At 54

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the The Cosby Show dies while vacationing with his family.

Feb 5, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Malcolm-Jamal Warner presents awards during the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023.. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY | Robert Hanashiro, Robert Hanashiro / USA TODAY NETWORK

Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner has reportedly died as a result of an accidental drowning during a family vacation in Costa Rica, according to TMZ. Many fans and admirers, like myself, are devastated by a young inspirational talent lost, who was beloved by so many. Warner was 54.

Warner charismatically embodied the essence of Theo, the lone son of the five children featured in The Cosby Show, a groundbreaking sitcom that not only entertained but also challenged racial stereotypes. Alongside Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad, he was part of a show that redefined the portrayal of African American families on television. He was young, black excellence.

In one of his final interviews, Warner spoke to Emerge Magazine CEO Tiffany Boyle on her podcast:

Though he never played an HBCU student, Warner was an advocate of the black college experience. He played Theo in two classic episodes of A Different World, a show that was part of the Black College Renaissance, a period in the late 1980s and early 1990s when HBCUs experienced a surge in popularity and cultural influence.  

Malcolm-Jamal Warner presents awards. Xxx Grammys2023 14565424 Dcb Jpg E Ent Usa Ca | Robert Hanashiro / USA TODAY NETWORK

Cosby's Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable character often sported Morehouse College, Howard, and the mythical Hillman College paraphernalia on the No. 1-watched Cosby Show.

After eight seasons of playing Theo Huxtable, Warner showcased his versatility by starring for four seasons opposite Eddie Griffin in the sitcom "Malcolm & Eddie." He further demonstrated his talent by acting in and directing several television shows, such as A Different World, Grownish, Suits, Sons of Anarchy, and The Resident. Warner also had roles in The Tuskegee Airmen and other films, proving his multifaceted career in the entertainment industry.

He won a Grammy Award for "Best Traditional R&B Performance" for "Jesus Children" with the Robert Glasper Experiment featuring Lalah Hathaway.

In 1988, Warner wrote "Theo and Me: Growing up Okay" with co-author Daniel Paisner, showcasing his literary talents and adding another dimension to his diverse career.

Awards and Nominations (per Wikipedia)

Grammy Awards

2015: Won, "Best Traditional R&B Performance" – "Jesus Children" (with Robert Glasper Experiment featuring Lalah Hathaway)

2022: Nominated, "Best Spoken Word Poetry Album" - Hiding In Plain View

MD Theatre Guide Readers' Choice Awards

2013: Winner 1st Place, "Best Performance by Lead Actor in a Play" -Doctor John Prentice in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner at Arena Stage

BET Comedy Awards

• 2005: Nominated, "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series" — Listen Up

Emmy Awards

• 1986: Nominated, "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series" — The Cosby Show

Image Awards

• 1996: Nominated, "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series" — Touched by an Angel
• 2001: Nominated, "Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series" — Malcolm & Eddie
• 2012: Won, "Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series" – Reed Between the Lines

TV Land Awards

• 2006: Nominated, "Favorite Singing Siblings" — The Cosby Show (shared w/co-stars)

Young Artist Award

• 1985: Won, Best Young Supporting Actor in a Television Comedy Series – The Cosby Show
• 1988: Nominated, Best Young Male Superstar in Television – The Cosby Show
• 1989: Won, Best Young Actor/Actress Ensemble in a Television Comedy, Drama Series or Special – The Cosby Show (shared w/co-stars)
• 1990: Won, "Best Young Actor Supporting Role in a Television Series" — The Cosby Show

HBCU Legends will have additional news on this developing story.

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