Celebrating Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Choosing to Rejoice Amid Tragedy
Malcolm-Jamal Warner spent his life exemplifying black excellence, love, and joy. Sadly, those who know him personally or through his many art forms are mourning.
Our grief comes from the news of his recent passing due to asphyxia after drowning. This is heartbreaking since the entertainment industry made Malcolm-Jamal Warner feel like one of our beloved family members.
Though heartbreaking, let’s rejoice by celebrating Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s legacy and impact.
Before the Fame
Becoming Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Malcolm-Jamal Warner was born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He was the only son of Pamela and Robert Warren Jr.
His parents raised him according to the principle in Proverbs 22:6 in several ways.
One way was by naming him after African American Revolutionary Malcolm X and legendary Jazz Pianist Ahmad Jamal. Being named after two black icons proves Malcolm-Jamal Warner was destined for greatness.
However, Malcolm could not become great without intentional cultivation and guidance. Knowing this, his parents made him read books and write reports on literary works highlighting the identity and contributions of prominent African Americans.
Malcolm’s dad also made him read poetry as a child, igniting his passion for spoken word as an adult.
Additionally, Malcolm’s parents instilled values that encouraged him to embrace his African American identity. These practices helped establish a foundation that kept him grounded once he became a child star.
The Road to Stardom
Community Theater and The Cosby Show
Before becoming a child star, Malcolm began acting in stage plays. At nine, he began participating in community theater to be productive outside of school.
After the first curtain call, he fell in love with theater, seeing the audience bowing and applauding.
At 14, he auditioned for and accepted the role of Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show.” This role allowed many in the black community to view him as a family member.
This is because viewers could relate to his character and interactions with fellow costars.
On a larger scale, his role as Theo proved to be the perfect fit. The Cosby Show set a precedent for representing the black community positively through media and entertainment.
The show (along with its spinoff “A Different World”) inspired many to attend college and pursue affluent careers.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner After the Cosby Show
Professional Accolades
Malcolm’s career success continued in various ways. In the entertainment industry, he went on to star in the sitcom “Malcolm and Eddie.”
He also had roles on television shows and movies such as
- “Accused”
- “American Crime Story: The People V. O.J. Simpson”
- “Dexter”
- “Hawthorne”
- “The Resident”
He also had the opportunity to become a director by directing television shows and music videos like
- “All That”
- “Light of Love” by Debbie and Angie Winans
- “N.E. Heartbreak” by New Edition
- “Time Out: The Truth about HIV, AIDS, & You (earning him the NAACP Key of Life Image Award).
- “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”
Similar to “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star Will Smith, Malcolm-Jamal Warren also had a passion for music. He was an accomplished bass player, poet, and spoken-word artist.
He’s released four albums and won a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance for his feature on Robert Glasper’s “Jesus Children.” His jazz-funk band Miles Long has performed at The Apollo Theater, opened for Luther Vandross, and played at several major jazz festivals.
As if playing at major jazz festivals didn’t keep Malcolm busy enough, he found time to return to the stage. He performed in several plays, receiving the NAACP Theater Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Cryin’ Shame.”
Receiving acknowledgement as a best supporting actor proves Malcolm knew how to be a selfless team player. This skill came in handy as the co-host of the “NAH” (Not All Hood) podcast.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner was Black Excellence
Malcolm used “NAH” to promote black excellence by discussing issues relevant to and empowering the African American community. He credits Bill Cosby for showing him how to use his platforms to uplift Black people.
His spoken word piece “Dope” uplifts Blacks by encouraging us to love ourselves for our uniqueness. Another piece, “Black Fist Beautiful,” urges Black listeners to reimagine our self-perception in light of negative stereotypes.
Along with challenging Blacks to change our self-perception, Malcolm confronted fellow artists.
Malcolm did this when calling out rappers for constantly using the N-word in their lyrics. He also called out women who habitually call their friends the B-word.
His stance brings Isaiah 58:1 and Ephesians 4:15 to mind as he was concerned about how those derogatory words were being used as endearing terms. Malcolm embraced Dr. Daniel Black’s stance, believing those words do not promote the sincere love Black people desire to show one another.
He decided to refer to Blacks as his comrades because it exemplified a sense of unity he believed was missing among African Americans.
Love and Joy
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, a Minister?
The emphasis Malcolm-Jamal Warner placed on love and unity doesn’t stem from the Black community’s apparent lack. Instead, he recognized this lack because of his faith in God.
Though Malcolm was relatively quiet about his faith, he has been quoted as saying, “God is love, not a dictator.” This makes sense since Psalm 145:8-9 describes God as one who is gracious, compassionate, and rich in love.
Interestingly, Malcolm was also an ordained Minister in the Universal Life Church (ULC). While ULC doctrine promotes exploring many paths to God, Malcolm understood that apart from Christ, his good works were meaningless.
Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms this when teaching that Christians are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Verse ten says we are made new in Christ, so we can complete the good works he planned for us long ago.
Love in Action
Christ also says that everyone will know his disciples by their love for one another.
Malcolm demonstrated love by being present to comfort actress Michelle Thomas (his girlfriend at the time) as she was dying due to stomach cancer. Being present in that moment proved Malcolm knew how to love at all times and grieve with those who mourn.
Malcolm also demonstrated compassion by guarding Bill Cosby’s reputation when answering questions about his public indiscretions. His responses prove that love can truly cover a multitude of sins.
Fellow actors testify that he showed compassion by being a brother and friend who inspired them.
He also demonstrated love through his lifelong bond with cast members Phylicia Rashad and Keisha Knight Pulliam. I could hear the joy in his voice while listening to a podcast where he talks about being able to go to them for wisdom and hope.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner: A Husband and Father
I also saw the delight in his expression as he told “The Breakfast Club” about him and Keisha having daughters who are the same age. This was a full-circle moment that they will make the girls friends for life.
Malcolm’s daughter and wife were the source of his joy. He kept many details about them private but shared some wholesome information.
Malcolm married his wife in 2017 and believed that making that commitment in his forties spared him from making mistakes that could ruin their relationship.
He also mentioned that while he and his wife had disagreements, they never argued because they knew how to communicate. Good communication helps marriages thrive according to biblical principles in Ephesians 5:21-33.
Malcolm also told interviewers that he loved watching his daughter grow, learn to read, and apply their teachings.
One teaching he shared with the world is that no matter how challenging life gets, there’s always a reason to smile.
I hope reading this article helps you smile as you think about Malcolm-Jamal Warner. I also ask that you pray for his entire family as they deal with their new reality.
May they come to know God as a creator who is near to those who have a broken heart (Psalm 34:18, New King James Version).
Rest eternally, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, a man who stood for black excellence, love, and joy!
Thank you gor taking the time to read this article, and feel free to leave a comment. All forms of engagement are appreciated!
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