Phylicia Rashad Leads Emotional Emmy Tribute to Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Phylicia Rashad, who became one of America’s most beloved mothers on “The Cosby Show,” paid tribute to her late “son” Malcolm-Jamal Warner during the Emmys.
During the broadcast Sunday, Rashad introduced the memoriam segment during the ceremony and paid tribute to her co-star.
“He was a beloved teenager in an iconic television series who the world watched grow into manhood,” she said.
Rashad connected Warner’s passing to the larger community of artists lost this year, reflecting, “Like all our friends and colleagues who transitioned this past year, Malcolm-Jamal Warner remains in our hearts.”
She then spoke about why Emmy Night holds space for reflection.
“Tonight, as is tradition at the Emmys, we remember them not just for their immense talent, but also for the way they made us believe in something bigger, the best that is within us.”
In her words, Rashad transformed grief into celebration, reminding viewers that even in absence, Warner’s imprint lingers.
“Even though they may no longer be here with us, we can all smile, knowing their impact will remain, knowing that their lasting impressions will continue to live on through story, knowing that they touched our lives,” she said.
For Rashad, his light and the light of all those remembered “remains in the very fabric of our industry.”
BET.com reported that Warner was with his eight-year-old daughter when he tragically drowned at a beach in Costa Rica.
Witnesses said surfers noticed Warner struggling in the water as he tried to reach the shore with his child. One surfer was able to place his daughter on a board and bring her to safety, while a volunteer lifeguard pulled Warner and another bystander from the powerful riptides.
Authorities shared that Warner was given CPR for nearly 45 minutes before being pronounced dead.
In the hours following the news, speculation online suggested Warner had been swimming alone, but reports confirmed his daughter was present at the time of the incident.
The official cause of Warner’s death is "asphyxiation by submersion" and is considered accidental.
