*On Monday, July 20th, it was reported that Malcolm-Jamal Warner, actor, musician, and cultural big brother, has died following an accident in Costa Rica, which resulted in his death by drowning.
The condolences and cries of disbelief form a dome of activity over Warner’s memory. For those who met him, Warner was regarded as a celebrity in name only.
Born on August 18, 1970 in Jersey City, New Jersey, Malcolm-Jamal Warner was 54 years old at the time of his death.
Although I have interviewed him multiple times, most notably during his time on the sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie,” which aired for 89 episodes until the year 2000 and co-starred comedian Eddie Griffin, I only met him away from the flashbulbs and velvet ropes on one occasion.
Remembering
In Los Angeles, it is not uncommon to run into someone that you may believe is a star or has attained a level of celebrity status. But each time he gave off a welcoming and accommodating vibe. This was most notable when I met him at a venue in Santa Monica shortly after he formed his jazz fusion band Miles Long.
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Warner’s dreads were a relatively new thing, as was his aptitude as a musician and spoken word artist. Afterwards, Warner stood amid a throng of concert goers for nearly an hour before he and his group began to exit. Also having locks at the time, I complimented him on his new aesthetic.
I even offered to help the band load up, an offer that he politely but appreciatively declined. In person, he was exactly as he appeared on television, like a cool-ass brother. We chatted for about 15 minutes. I knew the approximate time because I kept giving him an out.
“I hope I’m not taking up too much of your time, man.” To which he replied, “It’s not a bother, brother. You came out to support me and I appreciate that.”
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It don’t get no realer from a Hollywood perspective.
We watched Malcolm-Jamal Warner grow from an awkward boy to a young adult on “The Cosby Show” and saw him further expand as an actor and musician.
Yes, those were what gave him the limelight, but he seemed to be undaunted by it, and we appreciated his realness.
It is unfortunate that we often appreciate people the most when they’re no longer here. But his past works have had a positive, uplifting influence on the culture.
Rest well, brother.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Beloved Star of ‘The Cosby Show,’ Dies at 54
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