“This reminded him of the same call he received when his son died,” Wyatt shared. “It’s devastating.”
Ennis, just 27 at the time, was shot during a robbery attempt on a Los Angeles freeway while changing a flat tire. Warner, by contrast, was pulled out to sea by a rip current while swimming at Playa Cocles in Costa Rica. Officials confirmed he died from asphyxiation due to submersion. According to authorities, bystanders rescued Warner and brought him to shore, but lifesaving efforts failed.
Wyatt said the loss felt deeply personal for Cosby, noting that “Ennis and Malcolm used to play together.” He added that Cosby “found a way to talk about Malcolm even though he was sad,” and that the two had maintained regular contact.
“Malcolm was doing what he loved when he died — he was with his family,” Cosby reportedly said, recalling a recent conversation the two had after Warner performed a concert with the Minnesota Orchestra. “Malcolm was changing humanity.”
Wyatt also confirmed that Cosby and Cosby Show co-star Phylicia Rashad (Clair Huxtable) spent time on the phone reminiscing and consoling each other. “They were embracing each other over the phone about a dearly beloved friend,” Cosby told CBS News’ Jericka Duncan.
“He was never afraid to go to his room and study. He knew his lines. Even with the growing pains of being a teenager, he was prepared,” Cosby added, reflecting on Warner’s early work ethic. Their last conversation, he said, was three months ago.
Warner, who rose to fame as Theo Huxtable on the beloved NBC sitcom from 1984 to 1992, became a cultural icon and household name. At just 14 when he joined the show, Warner earned an Emmy nomination and praise for his portrayal of a relatable, often-struggling teenage son.
In the years since The Cosby Show, Warner maintained a strong presence in television and music, starring in Malcolm & Eddie, Reed Between the Lines, and lending his voice to The Magic School Bus. He also spoke publicly and with nuance about his complicated relationship with Cosby, particularly in light of the legal scandals surrounding the disgraced comedian.
In a 2023 interview with Jemele Hill, Warner addressed how Cosby’s downfall had impacted the cast. “We could have made a killing right now,” he said, referencing reboot success stories like Fuller House and The Conners. But when asked if he felt resentment, Warner replied, “No. Not resentment… That whole situation is so layered.”
“I can’t defend him or his actions at all. But I also can’t throw him under the bus completely,” Warner added. “There are so many shades of gray that most people will never understand.”
Warner had continued to reflect on Cosby’s influence, including in a May 2025 podcast appearance where he praised Cosby’s legendary work ethic. “When you are hot, that’s when you grind,” he said, recalling how Cosby would film during the week and perform stand-up on weekends — all while leading the most-watched show on TV.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner is survived by his wife and young daughter. His death has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, leaving behind not only a grieving family, but a legacy deeply etched into American television history.