After nearly three weeks of grief-stricken silence, Pamela Warner — Malcolm‑Jamal Warner’s mother, longtime manager, and confidante — has finally shared a deeply moving tribute to her late son on a newly created Instagram account dedicated to honoring his memory.

On August 6, Pamela launched the “Malcolm‑Jamal Warner Living Legacy” page, writing:

“This is the official account honoring Malcolm‑Jamal Warner, lovingly run by his mother, Pamela Warner. In the weeks and months ahead, we’ll be sharing updates on the work being done in his memory. Thank you for being here and staying connected.”

Two days later, on August 8, she posted a poignant and deeply personal message to fans and well-wishers:

“Needless to say our hearts are heavy with the loss of Malcolm,” Pamela began. “He was a kind, loving man with a huge heart for humanity. He wanted all to be aware of their inner strength and that they could succeed, accomplish and transform.”

She remembered him as “an exceptional husband, father, and son — a man deeply in love with life, his wife, and his daughter,” adding:

“He was not only my son, but also my teacher, coach, confidant, business partner, and best friend. He was the son that his father was immensely proud of and loved fiercely and unconditionally.”

On his artistic journey, Pamela reflected:

“He was in love with the magic of being an actor, always studying and honing his craft. Though he began his musical journey a little later in life, at 26, he excelled as a bassist and formed his own band, Miles Long.”“A poet as well as a musician, he released four albums — two Grammy‑nominations and one Grammy award. At eight years old, after his first stage performance, he declared that being on stage was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. It became a self‑fulfilling prophecy.”

 

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Pamela acknowledged the profound impact he had on others:

“Malcolm left an indelible mark on the world and on countless hearts. All who met him, however briefly, were better for the encounter.”

Turning to the depths of her own grief and her appreciation for him as her child, she wrote:

“As his mother, there is so much that I can say. It would fill volumes. But what I will say, is that I am so very blessed that he chose me to be his mother, to come into the world through the waters of my womb. It is an honor and blessing that will be with me all the days of my life.”

Pamela then offered words of solace:

“For those of you who are at a loss, pained by the suddenness of his departure, ache for his presence or just to hear his voice one more time, to see his beatific smile one more time, be comforted that he was at peace and more importantly, he did not suffer.”

She drew a tender, symbolic connection between his life and his passing:

“Malcolm was birthed through water and transitioned through water. He departed as he arrived, through water. This was his time. His mission on earth had been completed.”

She closed her tribute with a heartfelt invitation to preserve his spirit:

“Hold close to whatever part of Malcolm’s life that touched yours. In keeping it near, you keep his spirit alive — nourishing you with the peace, love, joy and light that embodied Malcolm‑Jamal Warner.”

After reading Pamela Warner’s incredibly profound and loving post about Malcolm, it’s clear where he inherited his caring and uplifting spirit — from both his mother, Pamela, and his father, Bob Warner. Even in the midst of her immense grief, Pamela somehow found the strength to uplift us, the fans, as we mourn the beloved son she brought into this world.

Pamela’s words offer more than a mother’s sorrow — they stand as a moving testament to Malcolm’s legacy: his artistry, his love, and the transformational light he shared with all who knew him.

To that, we humbly say thank you, Pamela Warner, for showing us what true strength and compassion look like… and for gifting the world Malcolm-Jamal Warner. His legacy will live on through us all.

The post Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Mother Shares Heart-Wrenching Words on Losing Him appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

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Update…Here’s what the latest official details reveal:

Malcolm was caught in a strong ocean current, which led to him suffering asphyxia, according to a report from ABC News.

The incident took place in Costa Rica, and his body was reportedly found on Sunday afternoon.

Malcolm was rescued by bystanders and brought to shore, where he was treated by the Costa Rican Red Cross.

Despite the emergency efforts, he was declared deceased at the scene.

His body was transported to the Judicial Morgue in San Joaquín de Flores, Heredia, where an autopsy is being performed to confirm the exact cause of death.

A second individual was reportedly injured during the same incident. That person was taken to a local clinic in critical condition, though their current status remains unknown at this time.

Warner’s sudden death has left fans, peers, and the entertainment world in mourning. As of now, no further official statements have been made by his family.
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July 21, 2025 — The world has lost a beloved icon. Malcolm‑Jamal Warner, who famously portrayed Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died suddenly at the age of 54. According to TMZ, Warner’s passing was the result of an accidental drowning, though further details surrounding the circumstances have not yet been publicly released.

Warner’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry and among fans who grew up watching him on TV. Rising to stardom in the 1980s, Malcolm‑Jamal was cast at just 14 years old as Theo—the sharp, charming middle child of the Huxtable family. His performance helped define The Cosby Show as one of the most influential sitcoms in television history.

During the show’s historic run from 1984 to 1992, Warner earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, cementing his place in Hollywood at a young age. But his talents didn’t stop there—he evolved into a multi-dimensional artist over the years.

After The Cosby Show, Warner continued his acting career with starring roles in shows like Malcolm & Eddie, Reed Between the Lines, and Sons of Anarchy. More recently, he took on recurring roles in The Resident and FX’s The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, proving his staying power across generations.

Behind the camera, Warner also built an impressive directing résumé. He directed episodes of The Cosby Show, Kenan & Kel, Malcolm & Eddie, and more. But perhaps one of his proudest accomplishments came in music: in 2015, he won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Jesus Children,” a powerful collaboration with Lalah Hathaway and the Robert Glasper Experiment.

Off-screen, Warner was known for being a grounded, thoughtful artist—never one to chase the limelight, but always committed to creating meaningful work. His spoken word performances, music, and behind-the-scenes projects showcased his quiet brilliance and deep introspection.

News of his passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance online. Fans and celebrities alike are paying tribute to a man who not only brought joy through television but also stood as a positive example for young Black men in entertainment.

Malcolm‑Jamal Warner’s death is a profound loss—not just for the entertainment community, but for millions who saw themselves in Theo Huxtable. He brought humor, heart, and authenticity to every role he touched. His legacy will live on in reruns, recordings, and the lives he inspired.

Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans around the globe. Rest in power, Malcolm.

The post “Cosby Show” Legend Malcolm‑Jamal Warner Suddenly Passes Away, Details appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Malcolm Jamal Warner (51) admits he had a big crush on one of his Cosby Show “sisters” in the worst way. So who was it- “Vanessa,” “Sondra,” “Denise,” or “Rudy?” Well here’s the obvious hint: It wasn’t “Rudy,” she was way too young…and to get right down to it, nah…it wasn’t “Sondra,” nor “Vanessa”…it was “Denise Huxtable” a.k.a. Lisa Bonet.

Malcolm said he desperately wanted to be with Lisa, but he knew he didn’t stand a chance with her. That didn’t stop that teenage crush from clouding his mind every time he had to do a scene with her, or sit next to her during rehearsals.

Here’s what he said about his crush on Lisa Bonet:

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“Early on, it was Lisa,” Malcolm said when “Access Hollywood Live” hosts asked him about his teenage crush. “I never had a shot. At 13, 14, you know when you have a shot or not – even at that age.”

Lisa and Malcolm’s relationship is more similar to the one they had onscreen as siblings. “Lisa and I have been very cool,” he said. “I’m very cool with everybody because we all bonded in this unique experience. That bond, no matter how much time goes by, we’ll always have that bond.”

There’s nothing worse than a guy finding out the girl he’s crushing on has officially placed him in the “friend zone.”

Speaking of “Denise” and “Theo,” I think one of the funniest scenes on the Cosby Show was when “Denise” made that jacked up shirt for “Theo.” It was supposed to be a designer replica, but it turned out to be a designer disaster…LOL. Check out that scene here…

I guess Malcolm really knew his chances were shot after Lisa popped up pregnant by her then-husband, Lenny Kravitz, while they were still filming The Cosby Show.

Lisa Bonet (54) has moved on from Lenny, but they’re still one big happy family- Lisa; Lenny; their daughter, Zoe Kravitz; and Lisa’s current husband -who’s 12 years her junior- Game of Thrones actor, Jason Momoa (42); and their two young children.

Malcolm Jamal Warner’s Past Celebrity Relationships…

Now that we’ve covered what Malcolm had to say about his crush on his Cosby Show ‘sis,’ Lisa was, lets reminisce on the known celebs Malcolm’s had long term relationships with, since he didn’t get to have a long relationship with his crush.

Michelle Thomas

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Malcolm’s had a serious relationship with his former on-screen Cosby Show girlfriend, Michelle Thomas, whom he dated up until she sadly passed away in 1998

Karen Malina White

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He then dated actress, Karen Malina White, (from Lean On Me and Malcolm and Eddie) for 7 years. Remember Kalina? She used to say “Lance!”

Regina King

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The last public relationship we knew Malcolm to have been in was his years-long romance with former 227 actress, Regina King. They broke up a few ago though.

He’s Now In Love With Mother Of His Daughter

Today, Malcolm Jamal is in a loving relationship with the mother of his toddler daughter. He keeps both of their identities top secret and has done so for the past few years. At some point, he and his woman may be willing to go public…but for now, they’re enjoying flying under the radar and seemingly taking every step imaginable to conceal her (their daughter’s) identity from his fans.

And there you have it folks, a quick rundown of the past crush and dating life of the former teen heartthrob, who has now become the grown-up heart throb celeb’ crush for many woman, Malcolm Jamal Warner.

The post Malcolm Jamal Warner Admits He “Never Had A Shot” With His Crush And ‘Cosby Show’ Co-Star appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

This kid grew up to be a household name back in the day and she became a star in films in the years following. She does a great job at playing ’round-the-way-girl types of roles and here’s another hint: She dated a fellow childhood actor for a few years.

Scroll Down To See Who She Is…

She is Regina King, best known for her roles on the 80’s sitcom, 227, and in many films such as Poetic Justice, Boyz N’ The Hood, This Christmas and the animated TV show, Boondocks.

Regina’s & Malcolm Jamal Warner’s Past Relationship

For those who didn’t catch the hint about the famous child actor she dated for years, it’s none other than “Theo” from the Cosby Show a.k.a. Malcolm Jamal-Warner.

They were like the perfect couple, but things went sour with their relationship in 2013 and they decided to split. Regina appeared on The Wendy Williams show soon after the split and made it clear that she was very single and knows exactly what she’s looking for in her next man. Not sure if Regina has entered into a serious relationship since Malcolm no though. By the way, Malcolm had something to say about their relationship too…

THE ONE THING MALCOM JAMAL WARNER SAID HE DID NOT LIKE WHILE DATING REGINA KING

When Malcolm was asked about he and Regina’s breakup by Sister Sister Magazine, he said this:

“Well, I mean, you try not to date in the spotlight. I think what Regina and I—you know, we had been together for several years before people realized we were together. So unfortunately, our breakup got more coverage than our being together, and that kind of sucked ’cause we spent so much time trying to keep it out of the public eye, and then the breakup was so much in the public eye. So all relationships have their share of obstacles, and you just try not to have yours plastered.”

Regina Discussed Her Dating Struggles After Breakup With Malcolm

Soon after their breakup a few years ago, Wendy Williams asked Regina if she has started dated again, here’s what Regina had to say (she starts at the 0:31 mark in the video below):

“You know, I need to do a better job at it [dating]. I’ve been so busy with work, and my girlfriends are like, ‘Do you think a man is just gonna go knock on the door, like, ‘I’m here!’?’ And I think I wish he would, but I have to make that more of a priority.”

Wendy kept digging trying to comprehend why a beautiful woman like Regina King, was still single:

“I don’t understand,” Williams replied. “You’re still in the juicy years.”

“I know and that’s what one of my friends that’s just a couple of years older than me [said], she was like, ‘You’d better not waste these years!'” King said.

“What are you, picky?” Williams asked. “Can he be the plumber or does he have to own the plumbing company?”

“Own the plumbing company, own the plumbing company,” Regina replied. “I mean, look, look, this is the thing. I think you can find love anywhere and my heart is open to it, but I would like to have…if I can pay for us to go on a vacation, all expenses paid out of my own pocket, then he should be able to do that as well.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6uAOB748Fg&feature=youtu.be&t=4m31s

Does Regina King have a point? What say you ILOSM fam’ – should it matter if your mate is compatible to you financially?

The post This Cutie Pie Grew Up To Become A Very Talented Award-Winning Actress appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Malcolm Jamal Warner admits he had a big crush on one of his Cosby Show “sisters” in the worst way. So who was it- “Vanessa,” “Sondra,” “Denise,” or “Rudy?” Well here’s the obvious hint: It wasn’t “Rudy,” she was way too young.

But First, A Brief Look At Malcolm’s Past Celebrity Relationships

Before we get into who his Cosby ‘sister’ crush was, we’ll first cover the several well known celebs Malcolm’s had long term relationships with, since he didn’t get to have a long relationship with his crush.

Malcolm’s had a serious relationship with his former on-screen Cosby Show girlfriend, Michelle Thomas, whom he dated up until she sadly passed away in 1998; He then dated actress, Karen Malina White, (from Lean On Me and Malcolm and Eddie) for 7 years. Remember Kalina? She used to say “Lance!” The last public relationship we knew Malcolm to have been in was his years-long romance with former 227 actress, Regina King. They broke up a couple years ago though. Okay now that we’ve got his dating history outta the way see which “Cosby Show” sis’ Malcolm made his confession about…

Malcolm Had A Crush On…

The eclectic Lisa Bonet is the ‘Cosby kid’ that Malcolm said he desperately wanted to be with, but that he knew he didn’t stand a chance with her. That didn’t stop that teenage crush from clouding his mind every time he had to do a scene with her, or sit next to her at rehearsals.

What he said about his crush on Lisa Bonet:

“Early on, it was Lisa,” Malcolm said when Access Hollywood Live hosts asked him about his teenage crush. “I never had a shot. At 13, 14, you know when you have a shot or not – even at that age.”

Lisa and Malcolm’s relationship is more similar to the one they had onscreen as siblings. “Lisa and I have been very cool,” he said. “I’m very cool with everybody because we all bonded in this unique experience. That bond, no matter how much time goes by, we’ll always have that bond.”

Why Lisa & Malcolm Probably Wouldn’t Have Lasted Together

There’s nothing worse than a guy finding out the girl he’s crushing on has officially placed him in the “friend zone.” That’s one of the reasons a relationship between the two Cosby Show ‘siblings’ likely would’ve never lasted, even if Malcolm tried. The other reason it probably wouldn’t have worked, is because Lisa appears to have a ‘type’- as in the alternative, rock star type (i.e. her ex husband, Lenny Kravitz; and current husband, Jason Momoa). However, Malcolm doesn’t seem to fit that description, but he has nothing to worry about, because millions of women would love nothing more than to shoot their shot at him if given the chance.

And besides, Malcolm probably realized his chances with Lisa was a done-dada after she popped up pregnant by her then-husband, Lenny, while they were still filming The Cosby Show.

Lisa has since moved on from Lenny, but they’re still one big happy family- Lisa, her ex Lenny, their daughter/actress, Zoe Kravitz; Lisa’s husband, Jason, and their two kids, Nakoa and Lola.

And there you have it folks, all’s well that ends well. It will forever be a mystery as to what it could have been if Malcolm had his way and these two ‘Cosby’ siblings ended up together.

The post Malcolm Jamal Warner Admits He Had Big Crush On Cosby Show Sister, But They Wouldn’t Have Last appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Malcolm Jamal Warner admits he had a big crush on one of his Cosby Show “sisters” in the worst way. So who was it- “Vanessa,” “Sondra,” “Denise,” or “Rudy?” Well here’s the obvious hint: It wasn’t “Rudy,” she was way too young…and to get right down to it, nah…it wasn’t “Sondra,” nor “Vanessa”…it was “Denise Huxtable” a.k.a. Lisa Bonet.

Malcolm said he desperately wanted to be with Lisa, but he knew he didn’t stand a chance with her. That didn’t stop that teenage crush from clouding his mind every time he had to do a scene with her, or sit next to her at rehearsals.

Here’s what he said about his crush on Lisa Bonet:

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“Early on, it was Lisa,” Malcolm said when “Access Hollywood Live” hosts asked him about his teenage crush. “I never had a shot. At 13, 14, you know when you have a shot or not – even at that age.”

Lisa and Malcolm’s relationship is more similar to the one they had onscreen as siblings. “Lisa and I have been very cool,” he said. “I’m very cool with everybody because we all bonded in this unique experience. That bond, no matter how much time goes by, we’ll always have that bond.”

There’s nothing worse than a guy finding out the girl he’s crushing on has officially placed him in the “friend zone.”

Speaking of “Denise” and “Theo,” I think one of the funniest scenes on the Cosby Show was when “Denise” made that jacked up shirt for “Theo.” It was supposed to be a designer replica, but it turned out to be a designer disaster…LOL. Check out that scene here…

I guess Malcolm really knew his chances were shot after Lisa popped up pregnant by her then-husband, Lenny Kravitz, while they were still filming The Cosby Show.

Lisa Bonet (51) has moved on from Lenny, but they’re still one big happy family- Lisa; Lenny; their daughter, Zoe Kravitz; and Lisa’s current husband -who’s 12 years her junior- Game of Thrones actor, Jason Momoa (39); and their two young children.

Let’s Scroll Down Malcolm’s History Of Celebrity Relationships>>>

The post Malcolm Jamal Warner Admits He “Never Had A Shot” With His Crush, Cosby Show Co-Star Lisa Bonet appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Carl Payne -best known as “Cole” on Martin and as “Cockroach” on The Cosby Show– has dropped a few interesting unknown facts about what went down behind the scenes between himself, Bill Cosby, and Malcolm Jamal Warner.

Carl Was Almost “Theo”?!!
In an interview with Comedy Hype, Carl revealed he was THIS close to jackin’ the “Theo” role from Malcolm Jamal Warner. During the final round of auditions, several known actors were in the building. He says Sheryl Lee Ralph auditioned for the “Claire Huxtable” role and Jaleel White (“Urkel” from Family Matters) almost became “Rudy” (which was originally scripted for a boy). Carl says that he, Malcolm, and a dude with a Jheri curl named, ‘Sugar,’ were the final three up for the role of the “Huxtable’s” son, “Theo.”

His Severe Pain After Losing “Theo” Role To Malcolm…

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Carl Payne: “I’ll never forget that day…when one of [Cosby’s] assistants came out to tell everybody who got the role. I was sitting next to Malcolm…and I just knew I had did a great job and they was gon’ say ‘You’ (he points to himself). And they looked at me and pointed at him. … It was like I got punched in the stomach by Floyd Mayweather…”

What Bill Cosby Did Next Caught Carl Payne By Surprise>>>

The post Carl Payne’s Last Convo With Bill Cosby “Wasn’t A Good One” & He Tells Secret About Cosby Show appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

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Malcolm Jamal Warner had a few things to get off his chest on Tuesday morning (Sept. 4, 2018), in defense of his former “Cosby Show” co-star, Geoffrey Owens. His message involved a few unknown facts about Geoffrey and he straight up cursed out anyone who is throwing shade at him for working at Trader Joe’s. In other words, Malcolm revealed a very non-Theo-like side of himself that the world doesn’t know and we love it.

After news began to spread about his former TV ‘brother-in-law,’ Geoffrey (who played “Sondra Huxtable’s” husband) working at Trader Joe’s as a cashier, Malcolm got fed up with the internet chuckles some were giving.

He also didn’t appreciate how Fox News tried to play the man, by reporting the info in a manner that suggests Geoffrey should be ashamed of working at the store. At the same time, there were thousands more people who defended Geoffrey against the nonsense and applauded him for working and taking care of his family. That also didn’t go unnoticed by Malcolm.

Therefore, in a response to all of the above, Malcolm posted a lengthy message, on Instagram, that summed up the roller coaster ride of emotions he’s feeling at this time. See what he had to say below.

Malcolm Jamal Warner Sounds Off Online

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Malcolm Jamal Warner went clean OFF on Fox and the haters who have been leaving disrespectful online comments about Geoffrey’s job.

“Just when most of us get sick and tired of social media and how heartbreaking it can be, something heartwarming like this happens. I can’t express to you how full my heart is seeing how social media has rallied behind and supports Geoffrey Owens.”

He also revealed a few wonderful unknown facts about his former co-star, while at it:

“Geoffrey is a good dude. It’s actually a distinguishing quality of his. So it’s no wonder that he is willing to do whatever he needs to do legally to take care of his family. What people don’t know about Geoffrey is that not only did he graduate cum laude from Yale, but he is an accomplished theater actor (pre and post Cosby). His intimate knowledge of Shakespeare as an actor and director puts many of us to shame.”

Then he schooled the naysayers, while simultaneously cursing them out to be damneth:

“And in a way we should thank Fox News and the miserable fucks for their attempt to job shame him. With the love and support he’s getting from everybody, he’s about to get more work. Trader Joe’s is not a career change, you dumbfucks out there, it’s a placeholder gig that allows flexibility to go on auditions and then to take time off to go work when booking said auditions. An actor’s life is a series of ups and downs. As my mama used to tell me when I was a teenager, if you’re in this business long enough, you will have dry spells. Watch this be the kickstart this dry spell needed! Salute and MAD respect to bro #GeofferyOwens.”

And BOOM…drops mic, exits stage left! That’s how Malcolm Jamal Warner gracefully put the haters in check and gave his homie – Geoffrey Owens – the just due that he deserves. Job well done Malcolm.

If you missed what Geoffrey said about the “devastating” backlash on Tuesday morning, you can peep that HERE.

The post Malcolm Reveals Amazing Fact About “Cosby” Co-Star & Checks Haters: “You Dumb F—s” appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

The original member of Kool and the Gang -saxophonist and musical director, Dennis Thomas- has a daughter who was a very popular Cosby Show actress. If you watched sitcoms in the 80’s and 90’s you will definitely recognize her face. Back in the day, she was also connected to a famous 80’s actor….

Who Is His Daughter?

She is none other than the late, beautiful Michelle Thomas. Remember her? Michelle is best known for her roles as “Theo Huxtable’s” girlfriend, “Justine,” on The Cosby Show (FYI: She was also Malcolm Jamal Warner’s girlfriend in REAL LIFE); as “Myra,” “Steve Urkel’s” girlfriend on Family Matters; and also “Callie” on The Young and the Restless.

Back in the day many people never knew that Michelle was Dennis Thomas’ daughter, which meant she did a great job at building her own brand, without leaning on her father’s name. Her mother, Phynjuar Thomas, is also an actress and was Michele’s acting coach throughout her entire career. Sadly, Dennis and Phynjuar lost their amazing child some years ago. See what her mother and her then boyfriend, Malcolm Jamal Warner revealed about her last days….

The Cause Of Michelle’s Passing

Unfortunately, Michelle sadly passed away at the young age of 30. In August 1997, she was diagnosed with a very rare form of stomach cancer, called a intra-abdominal desmoplastic small-round-cell tumor.

MICHELLE’S MOTHER DESCRIBES WONDERFUL THINGS SHE DID IN HER LAST DAYS

In the spring of 1998, she had surgery to remove a tumor the size of a lemon, just before she got the part for her role as “Callie” on The Young and the Restless. In October 1998, Michelle had to have another surgery after a second cancerous growth appeared. Upon her release from the hospital, Thomas flew home to New Jersey to spend Thanksgiving with her family.

“With all these stitches, she gets on a plane and came home for Thanksgiving. She got in my bed and stayed there. There’s something magical about a mom’s bed,” says Michelle’s mother, Phynjuar (pictured above).

Her Last Days Were Peaceful

Soon after Michelle’s trip home to NJ, she passed away on December 22,1998 surrounded by her family and friends in New York City at Manhattan’s Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. On December 26, 1998, she had Muslim funeral service, which is what Michelle had requested and she was buried in Montclair, New Jersey, close to her home.

Her friend and publicist (who is also the daughter of Kool and the Gang’s Robert “Kool” Bell) said this about Michelle’s last days: “She kept cracking jokes trying to keep everybody happy and hopeful and in good spirits. She was really fighting that disease with all her heart. She wanted to live.”

Michelle’s Real Life Boyfriend, Malcolm Jamal Warner Was There Until The End

Malcolm Jamal Warner didn’t just play her boyfriend on The Cosby Show, he was Michelle’s real life boyfriend for a long time and although they broke up in 1994, they were very good friends. Malcolm was also right by her hospital bedside when she slipped into her eternal rest. Malcolm still refers to Michelle as one of the most inspirational people he’s ever known. He also said “She was a person with an incredible amount of integrity. She always had a positive outlook.”

Michelle’s mother said this about Malcolm:
“Malcolm was the love of her life,” says Phynjuar. “I think he was her only real boyfriend.”

Who remembers this CLASSIC Cosby Show scene when “Theo” was begging for “Justine” to come back after she broke up with?

As a child, Michelle often accompanied her father Dennis, on Kool and the Gang’s tours. Shortly after Michelle’s death, her mother, Phynjuar, said this about Kool and the Gang’s involvement in Michelle’s life: “They are all her uncles, her true family,” Phynjuar says of her husband’s bandmates. “This has devastated the group.”

It was a very sad day when Michelle Thomas passed away and many times it’s hard to wrap our heads around why beautiful souls, like Michelle, have to leave us so young, but at least we can be grateful for the time that those souls spent here, gracing us with their positive energy. Michelle will forever be missed. May she continue to rest peacefully.

The post Kool & The Gang Member’s Daughter Was A Famous 90s Actress Who Lost Her Life Way Too Young appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

The original member of Kool and the Gang -saxophonist and musical director, Dennis Thomas- has a daughter who was a very popular Cosby Show actress. If you watched sitcoms in the 80’s and 90’s you will definitely recognize her face. Back in the day, she was also connected to a famous 80’s actor….

Who Is His Daughter?

She is none other than the late, beautiful Michelle Thomas. Remember her? Michelle is best known for her roles as “Theo Huxtable’s” girlfriend, “Justine,” on The Cosby Show (FYI: She was also Malcolm Jamal Warner’s girlfriend in REAL LIFE); as “Myra,” “Steve Urkel’s” girlfriend on Family Matters; and also “Callie” on The Young and the Restless.

Back in the day many people never knew that Michelle was Dennis Thomas’ daughter, which meant she did a great job at building her own brand, without leaning on her father’s name. Her mother, Phynjuar Thomas, is also an actress and was Michele’s acting coach throughout her entire career. Sadly, Dennis and Phynjuar lost their amazing child some years ago. See what her mother and her then boyfriend, Malcolm Jamal Warner revealed about her last days….

The Cause Of Michelle’s Passing

Unfortunately, Michelle sadly passed away at the young age of 30. In August 1997, she was diagnosed with a very rare form of stomach cancer, called a intra-abdominal desmoplastic small-round-cell tumor.

MICHELLE’S MOTHER DESCRIBES WONDERFUL THINGS SHE DID IN HER LAST DAYS

In the spring of 1998, she had surgery to remove a tumor the size of a lemon, just before she got the part for her role as “Callie” on The Young and the Restless. In October 1998, Michelle had to have another surgery after a second cancerous growth appeared. Upon her release from the hospital, Thomas flew home to New Jersey to spend Thanksgiving with her family.

“With all these stitches, she gets on a plane and came home for Thanksgiving. She got in my bed and stayed there. There’s something magical about a mom’s bed,” says Michelle’s mother, Phynjuar (pictured above).

Her Last Days Were Peaceful

Soon after Michelle’s trip home to NJ, she passed away on December 22,1998 surrounded by her family and friends in New York City at Manhattan’s Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. On December 26, 1998, she had Muslim funeral service, which is what Michelle had requested and she was buried in Montclair, New Jersey, close to her home.

Her friend and publicist (who is also the daughter of Kool and the Gang’s Robert “Kool” Bell) said this about Michelle’s last days: “She kept cracking jokes trying to keep everybody happy and hopeful and in good spirits. She was really fighting that disease with all her heart. She wanted to live.”

Michelle’s Real Life Boyfriend, Malcolm Jamal Warner Was There Until The End

Malcolm Jamal Warner didn’t just play her boyfriend on The Cosby Show, he was Michelle’s real life boyfriend for a long time and although they broke up in 1994, they were very good friends. Malcolm was also right by her hospital bedside when she slipped into her eternal rest. Malcolm still refers to Michelle as one of the most inspirational people he’s ever known. He also said “She was a person with an incredible amount of integrity. She always had a positive outlook.”

Michelle’s mother said this about Malcolm:
“Malcolm was the love of her life,” says Phynjuar. “I think he was her only real boyfriend.”

Who remembers this CLASSIC Cosby Show scene when “Theo” was begging for “Justine” to come back after she broke up with?

As a child, Michelle often accompanied her father Dennis, on Kool and the Gang’s tours. Shortly after Michelle’s death, her mother, Phynjuar, said this about Kool and the Gang’s involvement in Michelle’s life: “They are all her uncles, her true family,” Phynjuar says of her husband’s bandmates. “This has devastated the group.”

It was a very sad day when Michelle Thomas passed away and many times it’s hard to wrap our heads around why beautiful souls, like Michelle, have to leave us so young, but at least we can be grateful for the time that those souls spent here, gracing us with their positive energy. Michelle will forever be missed. May she continue to rest peacefully.

The post Kool & The Gang Member’s Daughter Was A Famous 90s Actress Who Lost Her Life Way Too Young appeared first on I Love Old School Music.