Netflix's The Resident stars 'heartbroken' as tributes pour in for Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his roles as Theo Huxtable in The Cosby Show and AJ Austin in The Resident, has died at the age of 54. The actor tragically drowned on Sunday near Cocles, a beach in Limon, Costa Rica, as confirmed by Costa Rican National Police.

Following Warner’s sad death, which police say was caused by asphyxia as a result of accidental drowning, his The Resident co-stars have been paying tribute to the beloved actor. The Resident originally ran on Fox between 2018 and 2023, before gaining a new international following on Netflix when it was released on the platform last year.

Several of the show’s biggest stars, who shared many scenes with Warner, have shared heartfelt statements about the late actor. Legendary surgeon AJ Austin first appeared on the show in season 1, joining the main cast in season 2 and staying until the show ended with season 6.

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Emily VanCamp, who played Nic Nevin in the medical drama, took to Instagram to share a black and white picture of them both together.

She captioned the photo: “I’m not sure I have the words to express what a gift it was to know you and to work with you. Your thunderous laugh, the bear hugs, our chats about love, family and life.

“A true family man with so much integrity and an endlessly generous spirit. You walked the walk my friend. Sending all my love to your beautiful family and all of those who knew you and were close to you. Beyond heartbroken.”

Shaunette Renée Wilson, whose character Dr. Mina Okafor had a close relationship with Warner’s character AJ during the show’s run, also took to Instagram to share a still of them both in their medical uniforms.

She wrote: “Last week I had the impulse to text you for one of our lengthy heart check-ins. I truly wish I had so that one of the last words I had of you were of your wisdom, kindness, and that uncanny ability you had to be both unserious and profound within a single sentence.

“I’m beyond heartbroken. You were such a dear friend to me. My heart goes out to the family and loved ones he leaves behind. I cannot conceive the amount of grief with such a tragedy.

“Rest in Power, Malcolm. It was a joy to be Mina to your AJ. I will miss you deeply.”

Meanwhile, Devon Pravesh actor Manish Dayal shared a video of Warner speaking to a crowd about his experience of growing up in the spotlight.

He captioned it with a heartbroken emoji and added: “Bro, I wish I had the words… You always did.”

Barrett Cain actor Morris Chestnut also shared a touching tribute to the late star, including pictures and a video of their scenes together.

He penned: “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Working alongside him on The Resident was an honor.

“He brought so much depth, warmth, and wisdom to every scene and every conversation. One of the nicest in the business. Rest easy, brother. Your legacy lives on.”