Weeks after the ‘Cosby Show’ actor drowned while on a family trip in Costa Rica on July 20, his mom Pamela Warner launched an Instagram in his honor and revealed how she intends to keep his legacy alive
Nearly three weeks after Malcolm-Jamal Warner‘s death, his mother Pamela Warner is breaking her silence and finding a special way to honor the beloved actor.
On Aug. 6, Pamela started the “Malcolm-Jamal Warner Living Legacy” Instagram account. In her first post, she shared, “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,” she continued alongside a photo of her son smiling.
The description of the account also reads: “Official account honoring Malcolm-Jamal Warner. A space dedicated to celebrating his legacy and sharing updates on upcoming initiatives in his name.”
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In a second post on Aug. 8, Pamela shared a loving tribute to her late son, writing, “Needless to say our hearts are heavy with the loss of Malcolm.”
“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 wrote. “This was his latest mission and work, transformation, in order for you to be fully present in your life.”
Pamela went on to remember Malcolm as an “exceptional husband, father, and son — a man deeply in love with life, his wife, and his daughter.”
“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,” she wrote. “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 prophesy,” she continued.
“Malcolm left an indelible mark on the world and on countless hearts. All who met him, however briefly, were better for the encounter,” Pamela added.
In a second slide, Pamela 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.”
She reflected on his sudden death and emphasized that the actor “did not suffer” when he died on July 20.
“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 wrote. “Malcolm was birthed through water and transitioned through water. This was his time. His mission on earth had been completed.”
“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,” she concluded.
PEOPLE has learned that an upcoming tribute event is being planned for Malcolm at the end of the year or early 2026. More details are expected to be shared in the weeks and months to come.
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The Cosby Show alum died at age 54 while on a family vacation in Costa Rica on July 20.
A source confirmed to PEOPLE at the time that Malcolm drowned while swimming.
The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) confirmed to PEOPLE on July 22 that the actor died from accidental asphyxiation by submersion. This came one day after a source told PEOPLE that Warner was body surfing in the water during a family trip in Costa Rica at the time of his death.
The OIJ told PEOPLE on July 24 in a statement that his daughter was not in the water with him when he drowned.
“Mr. Warner was playing with his daughter at the seashore at one point. He then left her out of the water, and he and a friend of his entered the sea,” the statement from the OIJ, translated from Spanish to English, read.
“It was at that moment that they were swept away by the current, and the friend managed to get out,” the statement continued. “However, Mr. Warner was unable to get out and was pulled out by several people on the beach. He received care from Red Cross officials, but was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Malcolm had many memorable roles over the years — and his costars have remembered the late actor since his death.
Malcolm was well known for his time on The Cosby Show as the only son of Bill Cosby‘s character, Heathcliff Huxtable, which he played from 1984 to 1992.
He went on to appear in other popular projects, including his and Eddie Griffin’s titular sitcom Malcolm & Eddie from 1996 to 2000, Reed Between the Lines, which he starred in alongside Tracee Ellis Ross, from 2011 to 2015, as well as his recurring roles in Suits, The Resident and 9-1-1, among others.
Among the stars to pay tribute was Eddie Griffin, who starred with Malcolm in Malcolm & Eddie from 1996 to 2000. He reacted to the news with a post on his Instagram Stories, calling the actor “My Big little Brother  🙏🏾❤️ 🙏🏾.”
Keshia Knight Pulliam — who played Malcolm’s onscreen sister Rudy Huxtable on The Cosby Show — shared an emotional Instagram post in tribute to her “big brother.”
“A week ago I lost my big brother, but I gained an angel…,” Knight Pulliam wrote in the caption. “I love you… I miss you… We got our girls, ❤️” referring to Malcolm’s wife and daughter.
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In a statement to PEOPLE, Patrick J. Adams said Malcolm’s death was “a painful loss.”
“We were blessed with countless incredible guest stars over our 9 years of Suits,” he said. “But when it came to generosity of spirit, joy and absolute commitment to every moment on and off camera, Malcolm was untouchable. I feel so lucky to have shared that time him and send my deepest condolences to his friends and family.”
Malcolm’s The Resident costar Emily VanCamp shared her memories of the late star on social media, writing on Instagram alongside a black-and-white photo of the pair on the show, “I’m not sure I have the words to express what a gift it was to know you and to work with you. Your thunderous laugh, the bear hugs, our chats about love, family and life. A true family man with so much integrity and an endlessly generous spirit. You walked the walk my friend.”
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“Sending all my love to your beautiful family and all of those who knew you and were close to you. Beyond heartbroken 💔❤️,” the actress added.
Malcolm is survived by a wife and daughter, whose identities he opted to keep private.