Phylicia Rashad took part in remembering her on-screen son during Sunday night’s Emmys.

Rashad, who portrayed Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show, introduced the “In Memoriam” segment at the 2025 Emmys by paying tribute to Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played Theo Huxtable on the NBC sitcom from 1984 to 1992 and died while on vacation with his family in Costa Rica in July. He was 54.

Phylicia Rashad speaks onstage during the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. | Photo by Monica Schipper/WireImage

Rashad remembered Warner as an ‘immense talent’

Rashad began her remarks by remembering Warner as a “beloved teenager in an iconic television series who the world watched grow into manhood,” as reported by Variety.

“Like all our friends and colleagues who transitioned this past year, Malcolm-Jamal Warner remains in our hearts,” she continued.

“Tonight, as is tradition at the Emmys, we remember them not just for their immense talent, but also for the way they made us believe in something bigger, the best that is within us. And even though they may no longer be here with us, we can all smile, knowing that their impact will remain, knowing that their lasting impressions will continue to live on through story, knowing that they touched our lives. And whether you grew up watching them, or have just now discovered their brilliance, their light remains in the very fabric of our industry.”

Phylicia Rashad standing beside Malcolm-Jamal Warner hits differently now. 🤍

A powerful reminder of a loss we still carry and a legacy that lives on. #Emmys #BETRemembers pic.twitter.com/5D2BXzC5UE
— BET (@BET) September 15, 2025

The “In Memoriam” segment featured Vince Gill and Lainey Wilson performing his 1995 song “Go Rest High on That Mountain.” It also featured tributes to other recent losses in the entertainment industry, including those of Anne Burrell, Michelle Trachtenberg, John Amos and Ozzy Osbourne.

Warner’s wife and daughter to launch The Warner Family Foundation in the actor’s honor

A few days before the Emmy Awards ceremony, Warner’s wife, Tenisha Warner, opened up about her husband’s passing on Instagram.

“Thank you for holding us in so much love during this tender time.

Tomorrow marks our anniversary —

and my heart is wide open.

For the first time,

I’m sharing a glimpse of the love that began it all.

I can still hear my husband’s laugh,

still feel the way he made room for every part of me —

every tear, every dream,” she began her message.

She then announced how Warner’s family plans to carry on his legacy.

“Today, in his honor,

my daughter and I are launching River & Ember

and officially opening The Warner Family Foundation.

Together we carry the legacy my husband and I began—

one that nurtures children’s inner light

and gives young artists the freedom

to create outside the lines.

This is love,

Still moving.

Still making.

Still carrying us forward,” she wrote.

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Malcom-Jamal Warner

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