Phylicia Rashad Honors Malcolm-Jamal Warner with Heartfelt Tribute at 2025 Emmys. A powerful silence fell over the audience as Phylicia Rashad took the stage at the 2025 Emmy Awards on September 14. With warmth and grace, she paid tribute to her on-screen son, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, during the ceremony’s in memoriam segment. “He was a beloved teenager in an iconic television series who the world watched grow into manhood,” Rashad said. “Like all our friends and colleagues who transitioned this year, Malcolm-Jamal Warner remains in our hearts.”
Rashad’s moving words were followed by a musical tribute from Lainey Wilson and Vince Gill, who performed “Go Rest High on That Mountain.” The performance accompanied a montage of stars lost this year, including Ozzy Osbourne, Maggie Smith, and David Lynch.
Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, tragically passed away in July 2025 at age 54 after drowning off the coast of Costa Rica. His death shocked fans and colleagues alike. Over the years, Warner had built a respected career with roles in Malcolm & Eddie, Reed Between the Lines, and The Resident.
In earlier interviews, Warner spoke about how The Cosby Show changed lives, inspiring generations to pursue education and family values. He nearly missed the role of Theo but landed it after being the last actor seen in casting—a role that would define his legacy.
Tributes poured in following his passing. Tracee Ellis Ross, his co-star in Reed Between the Lines, shared memories on Instagram, calling him her “first TV husband” and remembering his warmth, depth, and kindness. Bill Cosby also spoke publicly, praising Warner’s professionalism and talent.
Other stars such as Jamie Foxx, Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Hudson, and Questlove expressed heartbreak over the loss, describing Warner as a guiding light, mentor, and cultural icon. Questlove, in particular, shared a personal message about how Warner’s portrayal of Theo shaped his own coming-of-age journey.
Though Warner’s life ended far too soon, his legacy as an actor, artist, and role model lives on. As Rashad noted, his memory remains alive in the stories he told and the hearts he touched.
