Daytime Mourns: ‘This Just Doesn’t Seem Real’
We were all stunned and heartbroken to learn of the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Whether we watched him grow up on The Cosby Show, or saw him come into his own as an adult, starring in everything from Malcolm and Eddie to The Resident, we’re all mourning his shocking death at just 54. And it’s not just his fans who are grieving, but his co-stars and peers, including those in daytime. Warner worked with so many talented people over the years, and his own talent inspired countless others.
Days of Our Lives’ Jackée Harry (Paulina) knew him since he was younger, and shared on Instagram, “A kind kid who turned into a thoughtful, loving grown man. We’ll miss you deeply, Malcolm. Thank you for all of the laughs, hugs and joy you shared. This just doesn’t seem real.”
The Young and the Restless’ Sean Dominic (Nate) shared how Warner inspired him, writing on his own Instagram, “Thank you, brother, for your contribution to the arts. I grew up watching The Cosby Show. Part of the reason I was drawn to acting.” As Dominic added, “This tragedy resets your understanding of here today, not promised tomorrow.”
Thank you brother for your contribution to the arts. I grew up watching the Cosby show. Part of the reason I was drawn to acting. My condolences to your family and friends. This tragedy resets your understanding of here today, not promised tomorrow. RIP @malcolmjamalwar pic.twitter.com/rj18o6cv0h
— Sean Dominic (@Seanjuan55) July 21, 2025
Beyond the Gates’ Trisha Mann Grant (Leslie) will never forget the mark Warner left on the world. “Rest In Peace to a very kind, talented and warm soul,” she shared, along with a photo of the two of them from years ago. “I am sending love and prayers to his family and friends. Malcolm will truly be missed, and I thank God for the time we had him. He definitely made an indelible mark in his young 54 years of life.”
General Hospital’s Parry Shen (ex-Brad) shared a clip from The Cosby Show that had him rolling with laughter — and that he can still quote verbatim four decades later. Like Dominic, Warner inspired Shen, who wrote that, “These shows and actors from the ’80s were my first acting lessons in my living room, watching and learning comedic timing — and he was fantastic. It was great seeing him grow beyond Theo Huxtable, and most recently watched him as the firm parole officer with a heart in Sneaky Pete. Just always solid in comedy or drama. Thank you for the wonderful memories. Thoughts to his family and loved ones.”
And even in this time of mourning, we can pretty much guarantee the clip Shen shared below will still get a much-needed laugh.
Young & Restless alum Darius McCrary (ex-Malcolm) shared a photo of a young warner with Michelle Thomas, who acted on The Cosby Show, McCrary’s own Family Matters and finally, in 1998, Young & Restless as a love interest of Malcolm’s before the passed away of cancer.
He wrote, “Two of God’s absolute best, my brother and sister are now watching over everyone they love. Love you both more than words. Everyone, please send your love and prayers to moms, Penwah (Thomas) and the family.” As crushing as the losses have been, as McCrary said, they’re together once again. “See you on the other side.”
Beyond the Gates’ Jibre Hordges (Jacob), took to his Instagram stories to share a clip of him and Warner together. Hordges shares that they worked on two projects together and Warner was “a stand-up guy, for sure. Rest in heaven, man.”
Our thoughts are with everyone mourning Warner right now. Those who knew him, those who loved him and those whose lives he touched, even if they never met.
