Eddie Griffin Responds to Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s ‘Sudden Passing’: “My Heart Is Heavy”

In a shocking turn of events, the entertainment world is mourning the loss of beloved actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who tragically passed away at the age of 54 while on vacation in Costa Rica. According to initial reports from TMZ, Warner drowned on Sunday, leaving fans and colleagues alike in disbelief over the untimely demise of the star known for his role on “The Cosby Show” and later on “Malcolm & Eddie.”

Eddie Griffin, Warner’s co-star on the sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie,” took to Instagram shortly after the news broke to express his sorrow. Griffin reshared a post announcing Warner’s passing and captioned it, “My big little brother,” accompanied by prayer hands and heart emojis. He later posted another heartfelt message stating, “My heart is heavy right now. Rest easy, my brother, for you have won in life, and now you’ve won forever. Internal bliss.”

What makes Griffin’s tribute particularly poignant is the history between the two actors. Despite their on-screen camaraderie as best friends, Warner had previously revealed that he and Griffin did not get along well behind the scenes. In an interview with Sway in the Morning, Warner shared, “When I look back at this show, one of the dope things is me and Eddie really did not get along in real life.” He attributed their conflicts to “different schools of life,” noting that while they respected each other professionally, they were not best friends off-screen.

Warner’s struggles with the transition from the more wholesome themes of “The Cosby Show” to the portrayals on “Malcolm & Eddie” also affected his experience. He described his time on the latter show as “probably the four most miserable years of my life,” citing discomfort with the stereotypes being perpetuated.

In addition to Griffin, other colleagues have reacted to the news of Warner’s passing. Darius McCrary, who played Eddie Winslow on “Family Matters,” shared his feelings on Instagram, posting a meme with the caption “Processing.” Although it’s uncertain how close McCrary and Warner were, he has previously acknowledged Warner’s birthday in the past.

Additionally, Wayne Brady expressed his condolences in the comments section of CNN, stating, “What a loss. God bless you, brother.” Jamie Foxx also shared his grief on Instagram, writing, “Speechless on this one. Rest in power, my brother.”

As for the circumstances surrounding Warner’s death, ABC7 News reports that the cause was asphyxia, indicating suffocation or deprivation of breath. Local authorities revealed that Warner was caught in a strong current while swimming and was found later that day off the coast near Kacos, a beach in Lemon, Costa Rica.

Warner’s family and representatives have yet to issue an official statement regarding his passing. As the entertainment community continues to process this devastating loss, fans and friends alike are left to remember the impact Warner had on their lives and careers.

More updates will follow as the situation develops. Reporting live from Iris Club in Atlanta for Comedy App News, I’m John Aba.