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A loss as heartbreaking and momentous as Malcolm-Jamal Warner is incredibly difficult to put into words. But in wake of the tragic news that the talented actor died at age 54, Warner’s longtime friend and co-star Angela Bassett shared a touching tribute to him on Instagram.
“When a special soul like @malcolmjamalwar leaves us far too soon, words fail to adequately describe the unimaginable grief,” Bassett wrote alongside photos of the two from American Horror Story: Freak Show and 9-1-1.
“Malcolm was more than a gifted actor; he was a longtime friend. When I met him, he was a star on the show that was TV royalty, The Cosby Show. He warmly embraced me as a working actor who was trying to find my way. Even in his youth, Malcolm’s empathy, quiet strength, and his bright light surrounded us all. Then to have the opportunity to work with him again last year on @911onabc was a memorable full circle moment for us both,” Bassett continued. “In this life, Malcolm is what’s known as a soulful artist whose deep commitment to his craft left an impression on me that has never faded. He carried the weight of cultural legacy with grace, and he always made space for others to shine. His light will remain in our hearts always. My prayers are with you and yours. Rest in perfect peace until we meet again.”
In a May 2024 interview with Decider, while speaking about his four-episode guest arc as Amir Casey on 9-1-1, Warner also took the time to shout out his long-running friendship with Bassett.
“It’s cool, because this is actually my fourth time working with Angela. She did Cosby. We did an episode of Tour of Duty together like in ‘85 or ‘86. And then American Horror Story. So each time I get to have more camera time [with her], which is always great,” Warner explained.
During the interview, Warner also opened up about the close connection he formed with 9-1-1 co-star Peter Krause, revealed he was a huge Six Feet Under fan, and expressed interest in returning to the series down the line if the story ever called for it.
While Krause isn’t currently on social media, during a May 2024 interview with Decider he returned the praise for Warner, saying, “He’s fantastic — one of the most generous actors with whom I’ve ever had the pleasure of working. He also did a great job with that character. That was not an easy role to play… He’s a pretty great guy. He’s funny. We did have to shut down our comedy and laughter once in a while to be able to do our scenes, but off-camera we got along very well and I’d love to work with him on something else.”
With more than 80 credits in his incredible acting career, Warner will be terribly missed. You can read Decider’s full 9-1-1 interview with Warner here, along with his love for his co-stars of The Resident.
9-1-1 and The Resident are now streaming on Hulu.
