Tracee Ellis Ross paid an emotional tribute to her “first TV husband” following the tragic death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
On Monday, news broke that Warner had died in Costa Rica from accidental drowning. The actor, best known for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable in “The Cosby Show,” was remembered by Ross as a talented and soulful presence who left a lasting impact both on and off-screen.
“I love you, Malcolm,” Ross wrote in an Instagram post on Monday. “First I met you as Theo with the rest of the world then you were my first TV husband.”
The two co-starred in the 2011 BET series “Reed Between the Lines,” a family sitcom in which their on-screen chemistry helped anchor the show across two seasons. Beyond their professional collaboration, Ross recalled their connection.
“My heart is so so sad,” she continued. “What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant.”
She went on to say that Warner “made the world a brighter place.”
Ross added, “Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.”
Authorities in Costa Rica reported they discovered the actor’s body on Sunday near the coastal city of Limón, after he was apparently swept away by a strong ocean current. On Monday, People reported a statement from the Judicial Investigation Agency detailing the actor’s last moments.
“The victim appears to have entered the sea and was apparently swept away by a current,” the statement read. “The man was rescued by bystanders and taken to shore, where he received treatment from the Costa Rican Red Cross. However, he was declared lifeless at the scene.”