Just weeks before his tragic passing, Malcolm-Jamal Warner shared an incredibly touching moment with his longtime friend and former co-star, showcasing the extent of their lifelong friendship. The 54-year-old actor welcomed Keshia Knight Pulliam onto his “Not All Hood” podcast in June, creating what would become one of his final recorded conversations.
During their emotional reunion on the Season 2 premiere episode released June 19, both stars reflected on their time together as the Huxtable siblings on “The Cosby Show.” Warner played Theodore “Theo” Huxtable while Knight Pulliam portrayed his youngest sister, Rudy, for eight seasons from 1984 to 1992.
The conversation took an emotional turn when they discussed the show’s conclusion. “We were all ready to just kind of move on. So I was cool with finishing the last episode and everyone saying bye. I was so cool, had no emotions,” Warner shared. “And then I saw Keshia started crying, and then I started crying.”
Knight Pulliam explained her unique perspective on the series finale, noting the significant role the show played in her childhood. “The difference for me is I started on this show when I was 4 years old. So for me, this is family. From 4 to right before 13, I had spent all of those years, so it was the reality that we’re not doing this tomorrow,” she said.
Friendship That Transcended Hollywood
The podcast episode revealed how Knight Pulliam had been instrumental in maintaining their relationship over the decades. Warner praised her mindful approach to friendship, acknowledging how she consistently reached out even when their lives took different paths.
“Keshia is very intentional,” Warner said during the conversation. “It’s one of the things I love about you. And Keshia has no problem calling you out.” He recalled how she would persistently call him even if he initially didn’t respond.
Knight Pulliam explained her philosophy on relationships during the podcast. “When I love you, when you’re in my village, first of all, it doesn’t matter how much time has passed. Even if we don’t speak to each other, the love never dissipates, and in addition to that, we pick up where we left off,” she shared.
The actress stressed that her approach stemmed from viewing their relationship as a family rather than just a friendship. “When you’re family, that’s what family does. Family is not just who you’re related to by blood. To me, the word friend even is a very weighted word because friends are the family that I choose,” she explained.
Next Generation Bonds
One of the most heartwarming aspects of their conversation centered on how their friendship had evolved to include their children. Both actors revealed that their daughters, born just three months apart, had developed a close relationship of their own.
“That’s the most surreal thing,” Warner noted about their daughters’ bond. “And they love each other, and it’s so surreal.” The proud father described how touching it was to witness the next generation carrying on their family-like connection.
Knight Pulliam shared a recent story that perfectly illustrated their current dynamic. She recounted how Warner had visited her daughter Ella’s school, and the 8-year-old excitedly told her mother, “Mommy, I saw Uncle Malcolm.”
Warner had relocated to Atlanta, which Knight Pulliam initially thought was temporary but ended up lasting years. This move allowed their families to spend more quality time together and strengthened their already solid foundation.
“I’m grateful because I think that one change also created the space for us [to] bring this relationship so current,” Knight Pulliam said. “Because we have girls the same age, because you married well — thank god. And so did I.”
The podcast episode, which also featured Warner’s co-host Candace O. Kelley, displayed the genuine affection and respect the former co-stars maintained throughout their adult lives. Warner described Knight Pulliam as “hands down” one of his “favorite people” and emphasized that “she is more than my friend, she is family.”
Warner tragically passed away from drowning while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica on July 20, just one month after this podcast recording.
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Malcolm-Jamal Warner Had Heartwarming Sit-Down with ‘Cosby’ Sister Last Month