Malcolm-Jamal Warner‘s former co-stars and trade friends have paid tribute to the late “Cosby Present” star after he died in a drowning accident at age 54.

“I really like you, Malcolm,” Tracee Ellis Ross wrote on Instagram alongside a carousel of pictures of her with Warner on the press tour of the BET sitcom “Reed Between the Traces,” on which they performed a married couple. “First I met you as Theo with the remainder of the world then you definately have been my first TV husband. My coronary heart is so so unhappy. What an actor and pal you have been: heat, mild, current, form, considerate, deep, humorous, elegant. You made the world a brighter place. Sending a lot like to your loved ones. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.”

Eddie Griffin, who starred alongside Warner on the UPN sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie,” posted a photograph of Warner on his Instagram story with the phrases “R.I.P. King” and “My massive little brother,” with prayer and coronary heart emojis.

Niecy Nash additionally posted a photograph with Warner on Instagram, writing, “My God, we simply spoke. You have been giving my my flowers for my work in [FX’s ‘Grotesquerie’] and we talked about how glad we each have been in our marriages. Rattling pal. You have been cornerstone of The Cosby Present. All of us beloved Theo! By no means to be forgotten. You can be missed. Relaxation Simple.”

Marlee Matlin wrote on Instagram, “I’m so unhappy to learn of the premature passing of Malcolm Jamal Warner. He was the nicest man and it was a privilege to have been in the identical firm with him … My coronary heart goes out to his household and buddies.”

An announcement from Fox Leisure learn, “Everybody at Fox is heartbroken by the tragic lack of our pal and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Whereas his iconic roles — from comedic to dramatic — are unforgettable and timeless, Malcolm might be remembered most for his heat, form coronary heart and the lasting impression he had on his buddies, household and followers all over the place. Our ideas and deepest condolences are along with his household and family members.” Warner starred on the Fox medical drama collection “The Resident” as AJ Austin.

Ashley Jones posted a photograph from the set of “The Resident,” writing, “Malcolm. It was solely about an 8 day stretch I received to hold and work with you on set. I used to be a giant fan, however you have been a pal. You have been the actual deal. Talked about your spouse and daughter, your music, your poetry. We talked about my son and a few arduous life stuff I used to be going via… you have been inspiring. Inspired me to maintain directing. Hold difficult myself. It was an honor — and I pray your loved ones is comforted. Your legacy will stay on. Relaxation straightforward in God’s arms.”

Warner, who performed Theodore Huxtable on all eight seasons of “The Cosby Present,” died of asphyxia whereas on a household trip in Costa Rica. He reportedly was caught in a excessive present whereas swimming within the ocean, and he drowned. His physique was recognized by Costa Rica’s nationwide police on Sunday.

Taking part in the son of Invoice Cosby’s Cliff Huxtable, Warner was a younger icon of Eighties tv. He went on to have a profitable performing profession into his grownup life, and he additionally dabbled within the music trade, directing music movies and scoring a Grammy as a featured artist on a Robert Glasper music.

Warner starred on the UPN sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie” reverse Griffin, and he additionally led the BET sitcom “Reed Between the Traces.” His different roles included AJ Austin on “The Resident,” Sticky on “Sons of Anarchy” and Al Cowlings on “The Individuals v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.” Warner had visitor spots on exhibits like “The Contemporary Prince of Bel-Air,” “Grown-ish” and “Group,” and he performed the voice function of the Producer on PBS Children’ “The Magic Faculty Bus,” which he additionally government produced.

Warner is survived by his spouse and daughter.