Phylicia Rashad paid a heartfelt tribute to her former on-screen son, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who passed away in July.
Zuko Komisa

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At the recent Emmy Awards, television legend Phylicia Rashad paid a heartfelt tribute to her former on-screen son, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who passed away in July 2025.
Rashad, beloved by millions for her role as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, opened the ceremony’s annual “In Memoriam” segment with a moving dedication to the actor she once worked alongside.
Warner, best known to audiences as the spirited Theo Huxtable, tragically died at the age of 54 from an accidental drowning off the coast of Costa Rica. Rashad’s words served as a powerful reminder of his enduring legacy.
“He was a beloved teenager in an iconic television series who the world watched grow into manhood,” she said.
“And like all our friends 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,” Rashad continued.
WATCH THE TRIBUTE HERE:
🕊️ Phylicia Rashad celebrates the life, legacy, and career of Malcolm-Jamal Warner at the #Emmys
— Def Pen (@DefPen) September 15, 2025
"Like all of our friends and colleagues who transitioned this past year, Malcolm-Jamal Warner remains in our hearts."pic.twitter.com/OpKPX3dJ51
She went on to speak of all the luminaries lost from the world of television, reflecting on their collective impact.
The tribute comes after a wave of grief from fans and former colleagues who have shared their condolences and memories since Warner’s death.
The actor’s career extended beyond his iconic role on The Cosby Show, with notable appearances on recent shows like 9-1-1 and The Resident.
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