Bill Cosby Reacts to Malcolm-Jamal Warner's Drowning, Says Tragic Death Reminds Him of Late Son's Murder: Rep

Published: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 12:21 am

Bill Cosby Reacts to the Death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Bill Cosby has expressed his grief over the recent death of actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played his son on the popular television series. Warner, aged 54, died on Sunday, July 20, from drowning while on a family vacation.

A spokesperson for Cosby stated that Warner's death brought back painful memories of the death of Cosby's son, Ennis William Cosby, who was murdered in 1997. The spokesperson noted that Cosby found the events "devastating."

Cosby spoke with CBS News and shared that he and Phylicia Rashad, who played his onscreen wife, were "embracing each other over the phone" following the news of Warner's death. Cosby also recalled his last conversation with Warner, which took place three months prior, discussing Warner's recent concert.

Warner, known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the show, had previously spoken about the impact of Cosby's legal troubles on the show's legacy. Cosby was sentenced to prison in 2018 for sexual assault charges, though his conviction was later overturned. Warner acknowledged the show's impact on Black and American culture. He also discussed the financial implications of the allegations against Cosby, noting that a reboot could have been lucrative. Warner stated he could not defend Cosby's actions but also couldn't "throw him under the bus completely."

BNN's Perspective:

The passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner is a tragedy, and it is understandable that Bill Cosby, who shared a close professional relationship with Warner, would be deeply affected. While the circumstances surrounding Cosby's own legal issues are undeniable, it is important to acknowledge the loss of life and the impact this has on those who knew and loved Warner.

Keywords: Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Bill Cosby, death, drowning, Ennis William Cosby, The Cosby Show, Phylicia Rashad, Theo Huxtable, sexual assault, legacy, concert

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