Cosby Show Icon Malcolm-Jamal Warner dead at 54

Malcolm-Jamal Warner: A Biography

Malcolm-Jamal Warner (August 18, 1970 – July 20, 2025) was an American actor, musician, director, and poet whose multifaceted career left an indelible mark on entertainment and culture. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Warner was named after civil rights leader Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, a nod to his parents’—Pamela Warner and Robert Warner, Jr.—appreciation for Black heritage and artistry. After his parents’ divorce, Warner moved with his mother to Los Angeles at age five, where he began nurturing his passion for performance. By age nine, he was taking acting classes and later attended the Professional Children’s School in New York City, setting the stage for his remarkable career.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm-Jamal_Warner)[](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2025-07-21/malcolm-jamal-warner-dead-cosby-show-drowning)

Warner’s breakthrough came at 13 when he landed the role of Theodore “Theo” Huxtable on NBC’s The Cosby Show (1984–1992), a sitcom that became a cultural phenomenon. Selected by Bill Cosby himself after a nationwide search, Warner portrayed the only son of Cliff and Clair Huxtable, an upper-middle-class Black family in Brooklyn. His performance as the relatable, sometimes mischievous Theo earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1986. The show, celebrated for legitimizing the Black middle class on television, resonated deeply with audiences, with Warner noting in 2023 that it inspired generations to pursue education and build loving families. Despite the later tarnishing of the show’s legacy due to allegations against Cosby, Warner remained proud of its cultural impact, emphasizing its role in challenging stereotypes about Black families.[](https://abcnews.go.com/US/malcolm-jamal-warner-former-cosby-show-star-dead/story?id=123932998)[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/21/entertainment/malcolm-jamal-warner-death)[](https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/21/entertainment/malcolm-jamal-warner-death)

Beyond The Cosby Show, Warner’s career was diverse and prolific. He starred in the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000) alongside Eddie Griffin, showcasing his comedic timing as Malcolm McGee. He later played Dr. Alex Reed in Reed Between the Lines (2011, 2015) with Tracee Ellis Ross and Dr. AJ Austin in the medical drama The Resident (2018–2023). His television credits also include guest roles on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Sons of Anarchy, Suits, American Horror Story, and 9-1-1, among others. Warner’s film roles included Drop Zone (1994) with Wesley Snipes and Fool’s Gold (2008) with Matthew McConaughey. As a director, he helmed episodes of The Cosby Show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Kenan & Kel, and the 1992 AIDS awareness video Time Out: The Truth About HIV, AIDS, and You, featuring Magic Johnson and Arsenio Hall.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm-Jamal_Warner)[](https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/malcolm-jamal-warner-dead-drowning-cosby-show-1236466032/)[](https://deadline.com/2025/07/malcolm-jamal-warner-dead-the-cosby-show-theo-1236463635/)

Warner was also an accomplished musician and poet. A bass player since his mid-20s, he led the jazz-funk band Miles Long, performing at festivals like the Playboy Jazz Festival and releasing albums such as The Miles Long Mixtape (2003), Love & Other Social Issues (2007), and Selfless (2015). In 2015, he won a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance for his spoken-word contribution to a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Jesus Children of America” with Robert Glasper Experiment and Lalah Hathaway. His 2022 album Hiding in Plain View earned a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album. Warner’s podcast Not All Hood, launched in June 2024 with co-hosts Weusi Baraka and Candace Kelley, explored the diverse facets of Black experiences, offering a platform for vulnerability and cultural reflection.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm-Jamal_Warner)[](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/jul/21/malcolm-jamal-warner-dead-cosby-show)[](https://abc7.com/post/malcolm-jamal-warner-best-known-playing-theo-huxtable-cosby-show-dies-54/17228843/)

Warner’s personal life was marked by meaningful relationships and a commitment to privacy. He dated The Cosby Show co-star Michelle Thomas until her death from cancer in 1998, and later had relationships with actresses Karen Malina White and Regina King. He married and had a daughter, born around 2017, though he kept their identities private. Friends and colleagues described him as kind, humble, and deeply supportive, with tributes from figures like Tracee Ellis Ross, Magic Johnson, and Angela Bassett highlighting his warmth and impact.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm-Jamal_Warner)[](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/obituaries/malcolm-jamal-warner-actor-best-known-theo-cosby-show-dies-drowning-ac-rcna220055)

Tragically, Warner died on July 20, 2025, at age 54 in an accidental drowning while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica. Swimming at Playa Cocles in Limón Province, he was caught in a strong ocean current. Despite bystanders’ efforts to rescue him and CPR from the Costa Rican Red Cross, he was declared dead at the scene. Another individual involved in the incident was hospitalized in critical condition. The Costa Rican Judicial Investigation Department confirmed the cause of death as asphyxia by submersion, ruling it accidental. The news prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and peers, with tributes emphasizing Warner’s legacy as a cultural icon and a “beacon” of kindness.[](https://abcnews.go.com/US/malcolm-jamal-warner-former-cosby-show-star-dead/story?id=123932998)[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/21/entertainment/malcolm-jamal-warner-death)[](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/malcolm-jamal-warner-dead-drowning-costa-rica/)

We will pray for his soul and his loved ones left behind, and he will remain an icon for African Americans, whose groundbreaking work on The Cosby Show and beyond helped redefine representations of Black life in media, leaving a legacy of inspiration, artistry, and humanity.

Questions For Tariq Nasheed & the FBA (Foundational Black American)

1. You claim Puerto Ricans had nothing to do with Hip Hop, so explain the many Puerto Ricans who were there during its creation and their evidence. How is this possible?
2. Why bring up all these claims about Blacks creating Hip Hop now after 50 years?
3. Why did you not bring this content up 50 years ago if it is true?
4. Why did it take 50 years to discover all of these "facts?"
5. On what authority can you dismiss the experiences and lives of both Blacks and Puerto Ricans during the 1970s who lived Hip Hop?
6. How can you reconcile your claim that Puerto Ricans have nothing to do with Black people when they are culturally, genetically, and ethically black and part of the African/Black diaspora?
7. On what grounds can you call a Puerto Rican a "colonizer" when Puerto Rico was founded by colonizers?
8. Who is the "creator" of Hip Hop?
9. Where is your evidence that this one Black creator created Hip Hop?
10. Why did you choose to create this film during the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop and never presented it in the 1970s, 80s, or 90s?  

Governor Hochul: Bronx Kids Do Not Know the Word 'Computer'

The recent comments made by Governor Kathy Hochul at a forum have sparked a significant conversation about the condescending attitudes of politicians, in particular, non-Hispanic whites, the digital divide, and its impact on communities, particularly in the Bronx. The governor's remarks, which suggested that black children in the Bronx may not be familiar with the term "computer," have been met with criticism from local politicians and the public.

The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have easy access to computers and the internet, and those who do not. This gap can significantly affect education, job opportunities, and economic growth. Governor Hochul's comments have brought attention to the ongoing issue of unequal access to technology, which is a critical factor in educational and professional development.

However, most of the talk was regarding her comments saying that Black children in the Bronx do not know what the word "computer" means. These comments were condescending and offensive to minorities especially the talented and intelligent young people of the Bronx. The comments reflect how out of touch the governor is and show the "White Gaze" often projected by non-Hispanic whites where they assume things of other racial groups and believe their knowledge or take is what is reality. Never mind that the Bronx High School of Science, BASE, Dodge High School, Alfred E Smith, and other schools that use science, and computers and teach app creation exist in the Bronx or that Astrophysicist Neil Degrasse Tyson graduated from the Bronx High School of Science.  The governor is clearly aloof to the Bronx and its people and history.  

Of course, our beautiful Black children in the Bronx know what a computer is!  I would bet top dollar they know how to use it and phones better than the governor and her staff!  

In response to the backlash, Governor Hochul expressed regret for her words and clarified her commitment to expanding economic opportunities for communities of color. She emphasized the importance of providing access to technology to help children and young adults in the Bronx and other underserved areas pursue high-paying jobs in emerging industries like artificial intelligence.

Local leaders in the Bronx have responded by highlighting the intelligence, resilience, and potential of the children in their community. They have called for more support and resources to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and grow in the digital age.

This incident underscores the need for continued efforts to bridge the digital divide and create equal opportunities for all. It is a reminder that words matter and that leaders must be careful in their communication, especially when discussing sensitive issues related to race and inequality.

Here are some Bronx kids' replies to the governor:

For more detailed coverage on this topic, you can refer to the original articles from various news outlets.

Source:

Mayor Adams gives Gov. Hochul pass on remarks about Bronx Black kids not knowing what 'computer is' (nydailynews.com)

New York governor said Black kids in the Bronx do not know the word ‘computer’ | Kathy Hochul | The Guardian

NY governor regrets saying Black kids in the Bronx don't know what a computer is | AP News

Black History Month

Black History Month and Why It Is Important

Black History Month is a time to celebrate and honor the achievements, and contributions, and recollect the struggles of Black people throughout history. It is also a time to reflect on the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality and to learn from the past to shape a better future. In this blog post, I will explain what Black History Month is, how it started, why it is important, and how you can participate in it.

What is Black History Month?

Black History Month is an annual observance that takes place in February in the United States and Canada, and in October in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany. It is dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the rich and diverse history of people of African descent, who have often been marginalized, oppressed, and erased from mainstream narratives. Black History Month aims to highlight the achievements and contributions of Black people in various fields, such as arts, science, politics, sports, literature, music, and more. It also seeks to educate people about the history of slavery, colonialism, racism, civil rights movements, and other aspects of the Black experience that have shaped the world we live in today.

How did Black History Month start?

Black History Month has its roots in the work of Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian who founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) in 1915. Woodson wanted to promote the study and appreciation of Black history, which he felt was neglected and distorted by mainstream education and media. In 1926, he launched Negro History Week, which was set in February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two prominent figures who fought against slavery. Woodson hoped that by celebrating Black history for one week every year, it would eventually become an integral part of American history.

Negro History Week gradually gained popularity and support from various organizations, schools, churches, and communities across the country. In 1976, as part of the bicentennial celebration of the United States, it was expanded to a month-long observance and renamed as Black History Month. Since then, every U.S. president has issued a proclamation to recognize February as Black History Month. Other countries have also adopted the idea of celebrating Black history in different months. For example, in the UK, Black History Month was first observed in 1987 as part of the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the British Empire.

Why is Black History Month important?

Black History Month is important because it provides an opportunity to celebrate, honor, and learn from the lives and stories of Black people who have made significant contributions to society and culture. It also helps to challenge stereotypes, myths, and prejudices that have been used to justify discrimination and oppression against Black people. By acknowledging and respecting the diversity and complexity of Black history, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and others, and foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

Black History Month is also important because it reminds us that Black history is not only about the past but also about the present and the future. It encourages us to recognize the ongoing challenges and struggles that Black people face today, such as systemic racism, police brutality, mass incarceration, health disparities, economic inequality, and environmental injustice. It also inspires us to support the movements and organizations that are working to create positive change and advance social justice for Black people and other marginalized groups.

How can you participate in Black History Month?

There are many ways that you can participate in Black History Month, whether you are Black or not. Here are some suggestions:

- Read books by Black authors or about Black history and culture. You can find many recommendations online or at your local library or bookstore.

- Watch movies or documentaries that feature Black stories or perspectives. You can also check out online platforms that showcase Black films or filmmakers.

- Listen to music by Black artists or genres that originated from Black culture. You can also explore podcasts or radio shows that focus on Black issues or voices.

- Visit museums or exhibitions that display Black art or artifacts. You can also attend online events or webinars that offer virtual tours or lectures on Black history or culture.

- Support Black-owned businesses or organizations that serve or advocate for Black communities. You can also donate money or time to causes that align with your values or interests. Some examples of Black-owned businesses are: World Wide Technology (a global tech consulting firm), Salamander Resort & Spa (a luxury hotel owned by Sheila C. Johnson), ActOne Group (a workforce management company), Beauty Bakerie (a vegan cosmetics brand), Brown Capital Management (an investment firm), The Lip Bar (a cruelty-free makeup line), Blavity (a media platform for millennials of color), Mented Cosmetics (a nude lipstick brand), McBride Sisters Collection (a wine company), Partake Foods (an allergy-friendly snack brand) and many more.

- Learn more about your own ancestry or heritage. You can use online tools or services that help you trace your family tree or DNA origins.

- Engage in conversations or discussions with your friends, family or colleagues about Black history or current events. You can also join online forums or groups that facilitate dialogue or debate on these topics.

- Educate yourself or others about the issues that affect Black people today. You can use online resources or courses that provide information or analysis on these topics. Some of the issues that you can learn more about are systemic racism, which is the structural and institutional discrimination and oppression of people of color based on their race; police brutality, which is the excessive and often lethal use of force by law enforcement officers against civilians, especially people of color; and racial justice, which is the fair and equal treatment of all people regardless of their race, and the elimination of racial disparities and discrimination in all aspects of society.

- Take action or get involved in campaigns or movements that promote racial justice and equality. You can sign petitions, contact your representatives, attend protests or rallies, or volunteer for organizations that work on these issues. Some of the organizations that you can support are: Black Lives Matter, which is a global movement that campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards Black people; NAACP, which is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization that advocates for political, educational, social and economic equality for people of color; ACLU, which is a nonpartisan organization that defends and preserves the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States; The Bail Project, which is a national nonprofit organization that provides free bail assistance to low-income individuals who are legally presumed innocent, and who are disproportionately impacted by the bail system; and YMCA, which is a community-based organization that provides programs and services that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Black Saints: A History of Faith and Resistance

The history of black saints is a history of faith and resistance. Black saints are those who, despite facing racism, slavery, oppression, and persecution, lived out their Christian vocation with courage, love, and holiness. They are models of discipleship for all Catholics, especially those who share their African heritage and culture.

Some of the earliest black saints were from Africa, where Christianity spread since the first century. St. Simon of Cyrene, who helped Jesus carry the cross, was from present-day Libya. Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, who were martyred for their faith in 203 AD, were from Carthage, Tunisia. St. Augustine, one of the greatest theologians and doctors of the Church, was born in Thagaste, Algeria. His mother, St. Monica, was also a saint and a model of prayer and patience.

In later centuries, black saints emerged from other regions of the world, such as Europe and South America. St. Benedict of Palermo, who was born to African slaves in Sicily, became a Franciscan friar and a miracle worker. St. Martin de Porres, who was of mixed race and faced discrimination in Peru, became a Dominican brother and a healer of the sick and the poor. St. Josephine Bakhita, who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Sudan, became a Canossian sister and an advocate for human dignity.

In the United States, there are currently six African American Catholics who have open causes for sainthood. They are:

- Venerable Pierre Toussaint (1766-1853), was born a slave in Haiti and became a philanthropist and a leader in the black community in New York City.

- Servant of God Mother Mary Lange (1794-1882), was born in Cuba and founded the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first American order for women of color.

- Venerable Henriette DeLille (1813-1862), founded the Sisters of the Holy Family, an order of black women who served the elderly, the sick, and the orphaned in Louisiana.

- Venerable Augustus Tolton (1854-1897), was born a slave in Missouri and became the first African American priest in the United States.

- Servant of God Julia Greeley (d. 1918), who was born a slave in Missouri and became a lay Franciscan and a servant of the poor in Denver.

- Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman (1937-1990), was born in Mississippi and became a Franciscan sister and a teacher, preacher, singer, and activist for racial justice.

These six men and women are examples of how black Catholics have contributed to the Church and society with their faith, service, and resistance. They inspire us to follow Christ in our own time and place, especially when we face challenges or hardships.

Black saints are not only part of our past, but also part of our present and future. They are intercessors for us in heaven and companions for us on earth. They remind us that we are all called to be saints, no matter our race or background. They show us that holiness is possible for everyone.

Black History Month is a time to celebrate and honor the achievements, contributions, and struggles of Black people throughout history. It is also a time to reflect on the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality and to learn from the past to shape a better future. 

I hope this blog post has given you some insight into what Black History Month is, how it started, why it is important, and how you can participate in it. Thank you for reading and happy Black History Month!

What do you think? Post your comments below on Disqus. Be sure to follow the rules so your comment can be posted.

References and links:

- https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/02/black-history-month-what-is-it-and-why-do-we-need-it/

- https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-54522248

- https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/01/31/a-proclamation-on-national-black-history-month-2022/

- https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/culture-news/a34222207/what-is-black-history-month/

- https://www.today.com/life/holidays/when-is-black-history-month-rcna68458

[1] https://aleteia.org/2020/02/01/6-saints-for-black-history-month/

[2] https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/saints-for-black-history-month

[3] https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253759/meet-the-6-american-black-catholics-who-are-on-the-road-to-sainthood

[4] https://www.ncregister.com/features/african-black-catholic-and-canonized

[5] https://bci.archchicago.org/resources/black-catholic-saints

Harry Belafonte Dies at 96

Remembering Harry Belafonte, the Singer, Actor and Activist Who Died at 96

Harry Belafonte, who passed away on April 25, 2023, at his home in Upper West Side, New York, was more than just a singer and actor. He was also a tireless activist who fought for civil rights, social justice, and humanitarian causes around the world.

Belafonte was born in Harlem in 1927, but spent part of his childhood in Jamaica, where he was exposed to the music and culture of the Caribbean. He returned to New York as a teenager and served in the US Navy during World War II. After the war, he pursued a career in acting and singing, taking classes with Marlon Brando and Walter Matthau, and performing in nightclubs with jazz legends like Miles Davis and Charlie Parker.

He made his Broadway debut in 1953 in John Murray Anderson's Almanac, for which he won a Tony Award. He also starred in several films, including Carmen Jones (1954), Island in the Sun (1957) and The World, the Flesh and the Devil (1959). He became one of the first Black performers to achieve mainstream success and popularity, breaking down racial barriers and stereotypes.

But Belafonte was not content with just being an entertainer. He was also a social activist who used his fame and influence to support various causes. He was a close friend and ally of Martin Luther King Jr., whom he helped financially and politically. He organized concerts and rallies for civil rights, such as the 1963 March on Washington. He also supported anti-apartheid movements in South Africa, famine relief efforts in Ethiopia, AIDS awareness campaigns in Africa, and peace initiatives in Latin America.

Belafonte was also a vocal critic of US foreign policy, especially toward Cuba and Venezuela. He befriended Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez and denounced US interventions and sanctions. He also challenged the status quo within the entertainment industry, calling out racism, sexism, and homophobia. He mentored many young artists, such as Sidney Poitier, Usher, and Common, and encouraged them to use their art as a tool for social change.

Belafonte's legacy as an artist and activist is immense and inspiring. He received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Kennedy Center Honors, the National Medal of Arts, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the NAACP Spingarn Medal. He also wrote two autobiographies: My Song (2011) and The Last Word (2017).

Belafonte's death was mourned by many people around the world, including President Joe Biden, who called him "a groundbreaking American who used his talent and voice to help redeem the soul of our nation." His daughter Shari Belafonte wrote an essay for Deadline, expressing her disappointment that her father was not given a special tribute at the 2024 Grammys, along with Tina Turner and Tony Bennett.

She wrote: "I believe the Grammys also missed an opportunity to remind the world that there was another great artist and humanitarian who not only changed music forever but changed lives forever."

Harry Belafonte was indeed a great artist and humanitarian who changed music and lives forever. He will be remembered for his songs, his films, his courage and his compassion. He once said: "I did all that I could." And he did.