Beloved Marvel Star Is Mourning the Death of Famous Friend originally appeared on Parade.
Anthony Mackie, best known for his portrayal of Sam Wilson, also known as the Falcon and Captain America, in several Marvel Cinematic Universe projects, spoke about the loss of his friend, fellow actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
TV Insider reported that Mackie discussed his friendship with Warner, who died from asphyxiation following drowning in Costa Rica on July 20 during the July 23 episode of The TODAY Show. The Cosby Show actor was 54.
“Malcolm was someone who I considered a friend, and we always had great times together,” said Mackie during the TODAY interview.
He went on to say that “losing him is a huge loss, not just in the film community, but in the friend community, ‘cause he was such a good guy.”
“And all of us knew him and all of us appreciated him, and it was always a delight to have him around. So, it’s a sad day, but a great time to be able to celebrate the mark that he left not only on our business, but an entire generation,” said the 46-year-old actor during the interview.
Mackie also shared he was a fan of Warner’s Cosby Show character, Theo Huxtable, growing up.
“But the crazy part about it is, I grew up with him. He was my brother. Watching The Cosby Show as a kid, because I watched every episode, and I could relate to him, in a way, because he was the goofy kid that was in a house full of sisters, like me, who didn’t fit in, like me, who wanted to be cool, like me. So, all of those experiences he had, I was having in real life,” said the Captain America: Brave New World star.
Following the confirmation of Warner’s death, fans flocked to his Instagram account to honor the late actor. Quite a few commenters shared why his presence in the entertainment industry held such significance.
“Grieving someone you only knew through television seems a lil weird! But as I try to make sense of what I’m feeling, I have come to the realization that’s it’s not weird at all. It is about understanding that grief doesn’t require a personal relationship, it’s more about the connection you felt. So today, I grieve a tremendous loss of someone who have given me countless laughs and memories through my television screen. Thanks and rest in eternal power. 💔🕊️😢,” wrote a commenter.
“You didn’t just play a role you shaped a generation. Your presence, your voice, your heart… it all left a mark that time can’t erase. Thank you for the laughter, the wisdom, and the quiet strength you carried in every step. Rest easy, King. You were loved more than you knew. 💔🕊️,” added another.
“I was on my way to the airport when I heard. Heading out to a family vacation. I ended up crying in the security line right in front of my kids, which perhaps seems crazy. I only met Malcolm in person once but he was so lovely. Sometimes you cannot explain the connection you feel to someone you watched on television since you were a small child. But it is a real thing… and he was a wonderful man and this is a giant loss. Praying for peace for his wife, daughter and close loved ones. 💔,” shared a third person.
Warner is survived by his wife and their daughter.
Beloved Marvel Star Is Mourning the Death of Famous Friend first appeared on Parade on Jul 23, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
