Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Passing Raises Emotional Response from Admirers of Black US Culture

In the mid-1980s, The Cosby Show was revolutionary in providing a positive TV depiction of Black youth with the character Theo Huxtable, portrayed by Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who resonated with viewers. Warner’s accidental drowning in Costa Rica caused a significant response on social media, as many felt a personal connection to both Warner and his character on the show. Harriet Cammock, along with several other individuals, reflects on the impact that Warner’s portrayal of Theo had, providing a rare positive image of Black teenagers on television. They celebrate Warner’s integrity and off-screen conduct which matched his on-screen warmth and positivity. The Cosby Show’s legacy is seen as groundbreaking, helping to shift perceptions of Black families and individuals, with Warner’s legacy as Theo Huxtable being a lasting, positive influence on the Black community.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/jul/21/malcolm-jamal-warner-death-cosby-show