Phylicia Rashad honored Malcolm-Jamal Warner with a touching tribute at the 2025 Emmy Awards months after his tragic death.
Phylicia Rashad opened the “In Memoriam” segment at Sunday night’s Emmy Awards with a heartfelt tribute to her late Malcolm-Jamal Warner, her longtime on-screen son from “The Cosby Show,” who died in July at age 54.
“He was a beloved teenager in an iconic television series who the world watched grow into manhood,” Rashad said during the solemn moment. “And like all our friends and colleagues who transitioned this past year, Malcolm-Jamal Warner remains in our hearts.”
The tribute came just months after Warner’s sudden death from an accidental drowning while vacationing in Costa Rica.
The actor, best known for playing Theo Huxtable across all eight seasons of “The Cosby Show,” earned an Emmy nomination in 1986 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Rashad, who portrayed Clair Huxtable, stood center stage as photos of departed television figures played behind her.
She continued, “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.”
Warner’s legacy extended far beyond his breakout role. After “The Cosby Show” ended in 1992, he built a steady career with roles in series like “9-1-1” and “The Resident,” while also working behind the camera and pursuing music.
Since Warner’s passing, tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world.
Beyoncé honored him on her website, writing, “Thank you for being a big part of our shared television history. You will be missed.”
Viola Davis shared a message on Instagram, saying, “Theo was OUR son, OUR brother, OUR friend.”
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