Phylicia Rashad Honors Malcolm-Jamal Warner with Emotional Emmy Tribute
The 2025 Emmy Awards paused for a heartfelt moment on Sunday night as Phylicia Rashad delivered a moving tribute to her longtime co-star and “TV son,” Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
Rashad, who played the beloved Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, introduced the in memoriam segment and used the moment to honor Warner, who tragically died in July at just 54.
The actor, best known as Theo Huxtable, passed away following an accidental drowning while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica.
“He was a beloved teenager in an iconic television series who the world watched grow into manhood,” Rashad said to the audience. She reminded viewers that Warner’s impact stretched far beyond his role, noting, “Even though they may no longer be here with us, their lasting impressions will continue to live on through story, knowing that they touched our lives.”
Warner starred on The Cosby Show throughout its eight-season run, capturing hearts as the only son in the Huxtable family. He later reprised his role as Theo during the first two seasons of the spin-off A Different World. His charm and humor made him one of the most recognizable TV teens of the 1980s, and he remained admired by fans decades later.
In the wake of his passing, Warner’s widow, Tenisha Warner, shared an emotional Instagram post on September 12 — the day before their wedding anniversary. “I can still hear my husband’s laugh, still feel the way he made room for every part of me — every tear, every dream,” she wrote, thanking fans for their love during such a painful time.
Tenisha also announced that she and their daughter are launching River & Ember and the Warner Family Foundation to carry on his legacy. The foundation will focus on nurturing children’s creativity and supporting young artists, a mission inspired by Malcolm’s own passion for storytelling.
From Rashad’s tearful words at the Emmys to Tenisha’s powerful tribute, it’s clear Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s light continues to shine. His influence lives on — not only through the unforgettable character of Theo Huxtable but also through the love and inspiration he left behind.
