In a devastating turn of events, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, cherished for his iconic roles as Theo Huxtable in The Cosby Show and AJ Austin in The Resident, has tragically passed away at the age of 54. Warner drowned near Cocles beach in Limon, Costa Rica, as confirmed by the Costa Rican National Police.
The cause of death has been cited as asphyxia due to accidental drowning, leaving fans and colleagues in shock. The cast of The Resident has come together to honor the beloved actor in the wake of this tragedy. The series, which ran on Fox from 2018 to 2023, has gained renewed popularity on Netflix, introducing Warner’s memorable performance to a new audience.
Many cast members have shared heartfelt tributes, reflecting on their memories with Warner. His portrayal of legendary surgeon AJ Austin first graced screens in the show’s inaugural season, and he became a staple of the cast by season 2, remaining until the series finale.
Emily VanCamp, who portrayed Nic Nevin, expressed her sorrow on Instagram, posting a touching black-and-white photo of the pair. She wrot”I’m not sure I have the words to express what a gift it was to know you and to work with you. Your thunderous laugh, the bear hugs, our chats about love, family and life. A true family man with so much integrity and an endlessly generous spirit. You walked the walk my friend. Sending all my love to your beautiful family and all of those who knew you and were close to you. Beyond heartbroken.”
Shaunette Renée Wilson, who played Dr. Mina Okafor and shared a deep connection with Warner’s character, also paid tribute on Instagram. She reminisced, sharing a still of them in their scrubs. “Last week I had the impulse to text you for one of our lengthy heart check-ins. I truly wish I had so that one of the last words I had of you were of your wisdom and kindness,” she wrote. “Rest in Power, Malcolm. It was a joy to be Mina to your AJ. I will miss you deeply.”
Manish Dayal, known for his role as Devon Pravesh, shared a poignant video of Warner discussing his experiences in the spotlight. His caption echoed the sentiments of many, statin”Bro, I wish I had the words… You always did.”
Morris Chestnut, who played Barrett Cain, also took to social media to honor his friend. He shared a moving post featuring clips and photos from their time together, writin”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. Rest easy, brother. Your legacy lives on.”
As the world mourns Malcolm-Jamal Warner, his impact on friends, family, and fans resonates deeply, a reminder of the joy and laughter he brought during his time with us. His legacy in television, particularly in groundbreaking series like The Cosby Show and The Resident, will not be forgotten.