The death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner at just 54 was mourned by fans and admirers of the actor, who played the only son of Bill Cosby’s Cliff Huxtable on the landmark series “The Cosby Show” from 1984 to 1992 and also starred on the UPN sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie” with Eddie Griffin.

Warner died Sunday in an accidental drowning at a Costa Rica beach, authorities there said Monday.

The actors who starred with Warner on the legendary “Cosby Show,” that changed the narrative on how Black families are portrayed on TV, have been largely quiet, although the show’s former star, actor Bill Cosby, did tell one network that he and actress Phylicia Rashad had been reminiscing about Warner.

Some reactions from fans and peers:

Angela Bassett

“When a special soul like @malcolmjamalwar leaves us far too soon, words fail to adequately describe the unimaginable grief,” Bassett, who starred with Warner on “9-1-1,” wrote on Instagram. “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.”

“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,” she continued. “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.”

Morris Chestnut

“Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner,” Chestnut, Warner’s co-star on “The Resident,” wrote on Instagram. “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.”

Bill Cosby

The actor told CBS News’ Jericka Duncan, “He was never afraid to go to his room and study. He knew his lines and that he was quite comfortable even with the growing pains of being a teenager.”

“Malcolm was always embracing relationships with everybody he worked with,” Cosby, who played Warner’s father on ‘The Cosby Show,’ told NBC News.

Tracee Ellis Ross

“I love you, Malcolm. First I met you as Theo with the rest of the world then you were my first TV husband. My heart is so, so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant. You made the world a brighter place. Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss. — via Instagram

Fox

“Everyone at Fox is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm-Jamal Warner. While his iconic roles — from comedic to dramatic — are unforgettable and timeless, Malcolm will be remembered most for his warmth, kind heart and the lasting impact he had on his friends, family and fans everywhere. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones.” — in a statement

Vivica A. Fox

“I’m stunned & saddened to hear about the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Thanks for ya gifts, king. #gonetoosoon #restinparadise #restinpeace.” — via Instagram

Jamie Foxx

“Speechless on this one rest in power, my brother.” — via Instagram

Eddie Griffin

“My Heart is heavy right now… Rest easy my Brother for you have Won in Life and now you’ve won forever eternal bliss.” — via Instagram

Taraji P. Henson

“This one hurt. Malcolm, we grew up with you. Thank you for the art, the wisdom, the grace you gave us!!!!! You left the world better than you found it. Rest easy, king!!!! Your legacy lives far beyond the screen.” — via Instagram

Jennifer Hudson

“Devastated by this news. Truly heartbroken! Rest well, king.” — on X

Magic Johnson

“Cookie and I are sad to hear about the passing of our dear friend Malcolm-Jamal Warner. We were both super fans of the hit ‘Cosby Show’ and continued to follow his career on shows like ‘Malcolm and Eddie’ and ‘The Resident.’ Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life and business. He will truly be missed. — on X

Jennifer Love Hewitt

“This hurts my heart. A gentleman, an incredible talent and we were so lucky to have him in the ‘9-1-1’ family. Heartbroken and sending love to his family.” — via Instagram

Marlee Matlin

“I am so sad to read of the untimely passing of Malcolm Jamal Warner. He was the nicest guy and it was a privilege to have been in same company with him, sharing a directors’ panel along with Howard Gordon and Michael Chiklis. My heart goes out to his family and friends. — on X.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Center

“Malcolm was a brilliant, multi-faceted artist and an inspiring giver. We are grateful for his love for #TheKingCenter and the King legacy. And for the ways he showed his support, including as co-host of our 2023 Beloved Community Awards… Our thoughts and prayers are with Malcolm’s family during this very difficult time.” — on X

NAACP

″ #RestinPower to NAACP Image Award winning actor, Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Your talent and spirit touched many lives, and your legacy will continue to inspire. Thank you for the memories and the impact you made in the world of entertainment. — on X

Niecy Nash

“My God 💔 we just spoke,” Nash wrote on Instagram. “You were giving me my flowers for my work in @grotesqueriefx and we talked about how happy we both were in our marriages. Damn friend 🥲 You were cornerstone of The Cosby Show. We all loved Theo! Never to be forgotten. You will be missed. Rest Easy 🕊️ @malcolmjamalwar 🙏🏾.”

Geoffrey Owens

“This tragedy has almost left me speechless. Malcolm was a lovely man; a sweet and sensitive soul. I respected him for many reasons, including the fact that he genuinely loved the act of creation,” Owens, who starred with Warner on ‘The Cosby Show’ as Warner’s brother-in-law, said in a statement with ABC News. “He had the mind of an actor and the heart of a musician. He was generous, too; I did a theater project long ago and asked him to participate; and he was there for me. My heart goes out to his family,” he added.

Questlove

“He was an amazing soul who always took the time out to school me and talk about his experiences in life and the business. We always traded music and playlists with each other and despite all that he went through in life he expressed ZERO cynicism or bitterness in his journey and constantly lived in the present which dictated his future —he was never the guy stuck in a glory days bubble (but always graciously obliged me when I asked a gajillion questions of ‘what was it like back then?!!’).” — via Instagram