Beyoncé Pays Tribute to Malcolm-Jamal Warner Following His Death

Beyoncé paid tribute to Malcolm-Jamal Warner on her personal website. The homepage of Beyonce.com displayed a black-and-white childhood photo of Warner, accompanied by a short dedication. The website's message, written in all capital letters, read, "Rest in power, Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Thanks for being a big part of our shared television history. You will be missed."

Warner, aged 54, tragically drowned in Costa Rica on Sunday. Local authorities reported that he was swept out to sea. According to a source, he was vacationing with his wife and young daughter, and the incident appeared to be accidental. His wife was working to bring his body back to the United States for a funeral.

The Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department stated that Warner was swimming at Playa Cocles before being pulled out by a current. Bystanders rescued him from the water, but first responders found him unresponsive. The Costa Rican Red Cross also reported that a second man was hospitalized in critical condition following the incident.

Warner was best known for his role in NBC's "The Cosby Show," where he played Theo Huxtable from 1984 to 1992. The show played a significant role in challenging stereotypes and increasing media visibility for Black Americans. He later starred in popular television series such as "Malcolm & Eddie" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." He also directed episodes of "Kenan & Kel" and "All That."

The news of Warner's death prompted an outpouring of grief from Hollywood and other prominent Black celebrities. Tracee Ellis Ross, who starred with Warner in the BET sitcom "Reed Between the Lines," shared her sorrow on Instagram. Holly Robinson Peete, whose father worked on "The Cosby Show," also posted a tribute. Geoffrey Owens, who played Elvin Tibideaux on "The Cosby Show," expressed his shock and sadness.

Beyoncé has previously used her website to honor the deaths of prominent Black Americans. In 2023, she paid tribute to O'Shae Sibley, who was killed in Brooklyn, New York.