The public was shocked and sad to learn of the July 20, 2025 drowning death of beloved “The Cosby Show” star Malcolm Jamal Warner. As you know, the 54-year-old was vacationing with his wife and daughter in Costa Rica when a dip in the sea turned disastrous as the actor was swept away by a strong current. That’s per NBC news, which says the drowning was confirmed by Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department.
Several celebrities have reacted to Warner’s death, and fondly paid their respects. One of those is his costar, “That’s So Raven” star Raven-Symoné, who called him “a big brother, he was a beacon, he was one of the most multifaceted, talented men,” according to E! News. Another famous face to pay tribute was Magic Johnson, who reminisced on X about “deep and fun conversations about basketball, life, and business” with the talent, and said “he will truly be missed.”
Now, one of the biggest musical talents of our time has reacted to the untimely passing of Malcolm Jamal Warner. TMZ caught up with Stevie Wonder on July 23, 2025 to get a reaction. Read on to see what the superstar had to say.
Stevie Wonder’s ‘Heart Is Broken’ Over Malcolm Jamal Warner
The “I Don’t Know Why” singer told TMZ from his car window, “My heart is broken.” He then referenced the West African storyteller known as a griot. “Whenever a griot would die, it would be like a whole library of information burning. So my heart is broken because not only was he a talented man, growing up and doing ‘The Cosby Show,’ but even more important, his commitment was telling the story. The truth,” said the legend.
Wonder went on, “For me, in a time where we have so many in high places telling lowdown lies, we need the truth. So yeah, I miss him. I will miss him.”
Stevie Wonder Revealed Hopes for Future of Hollywood
After mourning the loss of Warner, the 75-year-old icon said, “I hope that the writers, the singers, the rappers will begin to spread messages of positivity and hope, and us moving this world forward. And don’t get hung up on THINGS that give you information, but people that know the truth, and will speak it and live it.”
Wonder concluded his statement to TMZ by adding, “So yeah, I’m quiet. But my heart is hurting.”
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Stevie Wonder Reacts to the Loss of Beloved Actor Malcolm Jamal Warner: ‘We Need the Truth’