I believe you’re referring to the tragic passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the beloved actor known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, who died on July 20, 2025, in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica at age 54. Below is a detailed overview of how celebrities have reacted to this heartbreaking event, based on available information from web sources and posts on X as of July 22, 2025.
Celebrities React to Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Death
The sudden loss of Malcolm-Jamal Warner has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with numerous celebrities, co-stars, and fans expressing profound grief and admiration for his talent, warmth, and legacy. Here are some notable reactions:
- Tracee Ellis Ross (Reed Between the Lines co-star): Ross, who played Warner’s wife in the BET sitcom, shared an emotional tribute on 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.”
- Magic Johnson (Basketball legend): Johnson posted on X: “Cookie and I are sad to hear about the passing of our dear friend Malcolm-Jamal Warner. We were both super fans of the hit ‘Cosby Show’ and continued to follow his career on shows like ‘Malcolm and Eddie’ and ‘The Resident.’ Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life and business. He will truly be missed.”
- Jennifer Hudson: The singer and actress reposted PEOPLE’s announcement on Instagram, writing: “Devastated by this news. Truly heartbroken! Rest well, king.” Her tribute highlighted Warner’s impact as a cultural icon.
- Viola Davis: The Oscar-winning actress shared a heartfelt Instagram post: “Theo was OUR son, OUR brother, OUR friend… He was absolutely so familiar, and we rejoiced at how TV got it right!! But… Malcolm got it right… and now… we reveled in your life and are gutted by this loss. We will speak your name — always.”
- Taraji P. Henson: Henson expressed nostalgia and grief on Instagram: “This one hurt. Malcolm, we grew up with you. Thank you for the art, the wisdom, the grace you gave us!!!!! You left the world better than you found it. Rest easy, king!!!! Your legacy lives far beyond the screen.”
- Sherri Shepherd (Sherri sitcom co-star): In a statement to USA TODAY, Shepherd said she was “completely devastated” over Warner’s death, noting his role as her husband on her 2009 sitcom and his appearances on her talk show. “As someone who grew up on TV, Malcolm remained one of the most-grounded people I’ve ever met in our business. To know Malcolm was to know a renaissance man that possessed humor, grace, humility and deep cultural appreciation.”
- Angela Bassett (9-1-1 co-star): Bassett paid tribute on Instagram: “When a special soul like @malcolmjamalwar leaves us far too soon, words fail to adequately describe the unimaginable grief. 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.”
- Wendell Pierce (Accused co-star): Pierce shared a statement with PEOPLE: “I first met Malcolm-Jamal Warner over 25 years ago when we did Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare. A man of deep goodness, warmth, talent, and charm. He challenged himself in music, art, cinema, spoken word and writing… A tragic loss of a man who demonstrated the best in our humanity.”
- Marlee Matlin (AccUsed director): Matlin, who directed Warner in an episode of Accused, wrote on Instagram: “I am so sad to read of the untimely passing of Malcolm Jamal Warner. He was the nicest guy and it was a privilege to have been in same company with him, sharing a directors’ panel… My heart goes out to his family and friends. RIP Malcolm.”
- Beyoncé: The pop superstar updated her website with a statement: “Rest in power Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Thanks for being a big part of our shared television history. You will be missed.”
- Jamie Foxx: Foxx posted on Instagram: “Speechless on this one rest in power, my brother.”
- Vivica A. Fox: She shared on Instagram Stories: “I’m stunned & saddened to hear about the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Thanks for ya gifts, king. #gonetoosoon #restinparadise #restinpeace.”
- Jennifer Love Hewitt (9-1-1 co-star): Hewitt wrote on Instagram Stories: “This hurts my heart. A gentleman, an incredible talent and we were so lucky to have him in the ‘9-1-1’ family. Heartbroken and sending love to his family.”
- Morris Chestnut (The Resident co-star): Chestnut posted on Instagram: “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Working alongside him on ‘The Resident’ was an honor. He brought so much depth, warmth, and wisdom to every scene and every conversation. One of the nicest in the business. Rest easy, brother. Your legacy lives on.”
- Geoffrey Owens (The Cosby Show co-star): Owens told ABC News: “This tragedy has almost left me speechless. Malcolm was a lovely man; a sweet and sensitive soul. I respected him for many reasons, including the fact that he genuinely loved the act of creation. He had the mind of an actor and the heart of a musician. He was generous, too; I did a theater project long ago and asked him to participate; and he was there for me. My heart goes out to his family.”
- Holly Robinson Peete: Peete, whose father worked on The Cosby Show, wrote on Instagram: “I am sending my deepest condolences to his mom, Pamela and his family… We aren’t ready to say goodbye, Malcolm — but you lived with purpose, character, presence, and grace. Rest well, my friend. Your light lives on…”
- Adam Sandler: As reported by TMZ, Sandler mourned Warner’s death, recalling their bond over The Cosby Show and Warner’s influence as a “true friend” and “icon.”
- Bill Cosby (via representative): Cosby, Warner’s Cosby Show co-star, reacted through a statement reported by TMZ, comparing Warner’s tragic drowning to the murder of his own son, Ennis, highlighting the profound personal impact of the loss.
- NAACP: The organization posted on X: “#RestinPower to NAACP Image Award winning actor, Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Your talent and spirit touched many lives, and your legacy will continue to inspire. Thank you for the memories and the impact you made in the world of entertainment.”
- The Martin Luther King Jr. Center: The King Center shared on X: “The King Center mourns the tragic passing of our dear friend, #MalcolmJamalWarner. Malcolm was a brilliant, multi-faceted artist and an inspiring giver. We are grateful for his love for #TheKingCenter and the King legacy. And for the ways he showed his support, including as co-host of our 2023 Beloved Community Awards.”
- Fox Entertainment: The network, home to Warner’s roles in The Resident and Accused, issued a statement: “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.”
Context of Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Death
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, born August 18, 1970, died on July 20, 2025, in an accidental drowning at Playa Cocles in Costa Rica’s Limon province. According to Costa Rican authorities, Warner was swept away by a rip current while swimming during a family vacation. His cause of death was confirmed as asphyxia by submersion. Warner was a celebrated actor, musician, and activist, best known for his Emmy-nominated role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show (1984–1992). His career spanned sitcoms like Malcolm & Eddie, dramas like The Resident, and recent roles in 9-1-1 and Alert: Missing Persons Unit. He was also a passionate advocate for Black mental health and a supporter of The King Center.
Why the Reactions Matter
Warner’s death resonated deeply because of his cultural impact. As Theo Huxtable, he provided a relatable, positive role model for Black youth in the 1980s, a time when such representations were rare. Fans and colleagues alike noted his warmth, humility, and versatility as an actor, musician, and activist. Comments from figures like Cori Murray of Ebony Magazine emphasized Theo’s role as “one of us,” reflecting the everyday Black teenager with warmth and joy. His off-screen persona—free of scandals and marked by generosity—further amplified the sense of loss.
Clarification on Malcolm X
Your query mentioned “Malcolm X,” but the context suggests you meant Malcolm-Jamal Warner, as there are no reports of a 2025 event related to Malcolm X, who was assassinated in 1965. If you were referring to reactions to Malcolm X’s historical death, here’s a brief note: After Malcolm X’s assassination on February 21, 1965, Martin Luther King Jr. expressed sorrow in a telegram to Betty Shabazz, noting Malcolm’s “great ability” and concern for racial justice, despite their differing methods. Elijah Muhammad, leader of the Nation of Islam, distanced himself from the murder but remarked that Malcolm “got just what he preached.” These reactions reflect the polarized views of Malcolm X’s legacy at the time.
How to Engage with Tributes
To explore more celebrity reactions, check platforms like Instagram and X, where stars like Viola Davis, Taraji P. Henson, and Tracee Ellis Ross have posted tributes. For official statements, visit reputable sources like PEOPLE, Deadline, or USA TODAY. To honor Warner’s legacy, consider streaming his work on legal platforms like Peacock (The Cosby Show), Hulu (The Resident), or supporting causes he championed, such as The King Center’s initiatives.
Conclusion
The outpouring of grief from celebrities like Tracee Ellis Ross, Magic Johnson, Viola Davis, and others underscores Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s profound impact as an actor and human being. Described as warm, kind, and a “gentle giant,” Warner’s legacy as Theo Huxtable and beyond continues to inspire. His tragic drowning at 54 has left a void, but his contributions to television, activism, and mentorship live on. If you meant Malcolm X or another figure, please clarify, and I can provide further details.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of July 22, 2025. Always use legal streaming platforms to support artists and their work.