Farewell to Malcolm-Jamal Warner

“From Theo Huxtable to podcast host, his impact was always real.”

Eyes on Hollywood is deeply saddened to say goodbye to a television icon, cultural voice, and multi-talented artist: Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who passed away at age 54 on July 20, 2025, during a family vacation in Costa Rica.

Warner first won our hearts as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, becoming a defining presence on television through the 1980s and ‘90s. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination at just 16 years old, and his charm, humor, and depth helped shape a generation’s understanding of what Black excellence looked like on screen.

But Malcolm-Jamal never settled for being just one thing. He became a director, a musician, a poet, and most recently, a powerful voice in the podcasting world. His jazz band, Miles Long, earned a Grammy in 2015, and his spoken word album earned him further recognition in 2022. Through music, poetry, and acting, he pushed creative boundaries with purpose.

In 2024, Warner launched Not All Hood, a podcast that explored Black identity, mental health, and culture. His final episode, released just weeks before his passing, was a heartfelt reflection on resilience and redefining success. It now feels like a farewell letter to the world raw, vulnerable, and unforgettable.

Throughout his career, Warner chose projects that uplifted, educated, and empowered. From Reed Between the Lines to The Resident and Sons of Anarchy, he took roles that challenged expectations. Off screen, he was a quiet mentor, advocate, and voice for representation.

His tragic passing has left fans and peers in shock. Tributes have poured in from Tracee Ellis Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Questlove, and many more who knew and loved the man behind the roles.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner was more than an actor he was a force. A storyteller. A bridge between eras.

From all of us at Eyes on Hollywood: Thank you, Malcolm. Your voice will echo for generations. ?