Remembering Malcolm Jamal Warner

Malcolm Jamal Warner's recent and surprising death at the age of 54 was as much a shock as it was very saddening to many who grew up with the positive images of a successful professional and stable black family portrayed on the Cosby Show that was viewed by millions worldwide. Images of his endearing portrayal of the lovable adolescent son of the iconic Bill Cosby, prominent physician Dr. Cliff Huxtable and his mother Phylicia Rashad, the ever clever attorney mom Claire Huxtable was a real psychological boost for black audiences. The Cosby show was a triumph and laid the foundation for future Black family oriented sitcoms and dramas alike. Flashbacks of the show quickly came to mind as I heard the news broadcasting over the radio. One scene came to mind almost immediately. The scene where Cosby goes into Theo's room and they go back and forth about spending money and budgeting.

 

Warner was one of the cast who made the transition from a child star to a successful adult actor, landing television sitcom roles and serious dramatic roles along the way. While his role as the formative years Theo remains in the psyche and consciousness of many Blacks, he had his hand in a number of cultural activities as he grew into adulthood, including movies and being a member of a band that was involved in a music project that won a Grammy along with Laylah Hathaway for their version of Stevie Wonder's " Jesus Children of America". See Stevie's thoughtful reflection about his passing captured by  TMZ.

He was also a podcast host and involved in efforts to portray positive images of Blacks in the media. He struck gold for sure in his role as AJ in the Resident.

 

Of all the roles that I viewed him playing throughout the years, I really was impressed, almost transfixed by his intensely eccentric portrayal of  acclaimed and in demand Neuro-surgeon Dr. AJ Austin on the network television show that became a Netflix series, "The Resident". I binged on all the episodes in that series and particularly enjoyed  those that involved him dealing with the pressures of being a premiere class surgeon juggling his personal life with the professional one. It was a great show. I was hoping to see it being revived.

Rest in peace and power Malcolm. Prayers of comfort,healing and love go out to your family and friends.

 

 Blessings,

Cynthia Wilson 

ABC to Air Tribute Sunday Night:Rest in Power Chadwick Boseman

Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore 

Wikipedia

ABC to air special “Tribute Fit for a King” Tonite  and also broadcast  the movie “Black Panther” without commercial interruptions. Check your local stations and time zones for exact times.

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Sending prayers 🙏🏾 of comfort and extending condolences to Chadwick Boseman’s family and friends, especially his beloved wife. There is a balm in Gilead and while weeping may endure through the night, we know that joy will be restored in God’s own time. As scripture says,  “weeping may endure through the night, but joy comes in the morning(Psalm 30:5). We will all understand it better by and by.

I was surprised to learn of his passing because there had been no mention of his battle with colon cancer in the media.There was a touching video of an interview he did on Sirius radio in which he teared up when he learned that two young fans battling cancer had passed away before they saw the long awaited Black Panther movie. Little did we know at the time that he himself was secretly battling colon cancer. I wish I could have prayed for him and that he and his family could have reached out for prayer from a band of fans and prayer warriors. But I am definitely praying for the family now, as are many others, including his alumni association at Howard where he gave a powerful speech to graduating seniors. See video.

Chadwick made us proud. Many enjoyed the skillful and laid back manner in which he portrayed his film characters and how he and others made history with the release of  historic mega-blockbuster movie Black Panther. I saw everyone of his movies. Though I completely marveled at Black Panther, my favorites were “Get On Up” and “21 Bridges”. I was thoroughly moved by the skillful manner in which he portrayed Godfather of Soul, James Brown and his magnetic portrayal of a brilliant detective in 21 Bridges.

Chadwick Boseman you were well thought of and loved. Not just for roles you portrayed on celluloid, but for how you connected with and genuinely cared for others. Your life was short, but meaningfully lived. You will be greatly missed.

A DistinctivelyTalented Voice Silenced by Untimely Death- Amy Winehouse Joins Ranks of '27 Club'

The talented singer who had been battling an addiction to drugs and recent challenges in rehab-one of her biggest hits entitled the same-was found dead in her London home earlier today. The cause of her death has not yet been determined. Winehouse made her mark on the music scene at the 2008 Grammy Awards when she won five of the prestigious honors. While some are speculating that she died of a drug related overdose,her fans are hoping that she will not be remembered as a drug plagued artist in light of her very notable singing talent which inspired many singers old and new school alike. Her contralto vocal talents were respected among noted soul and R&B musicians. She has sold five million records worlwide. Amy was 27 years old at the time of her death and shares this in common with other pop culture greats who lived rather short lives in the spotlight although their talents were legendary. Dubbed by music fans as the 27 Club,it includes Jimi Hendrix,Janice Joplin, Curt Cobain and Jim Morrison of the Doors. Winehouse’s wealth has been estimated at 20 million. She just last month had to cancel her European tour for a performance at the Serbia concert venue. She was unable to carry a tune as she made an attempt to sing her hit song “Back to Black”. The audience booed her off the stage. May grace and peace surround the Winehouse family as they deal with the tragedy of Amy’s untimely death. Our prayers go out to her entire family as well as friends mourning her untimely death. Another great talent gone too soon.

It seems a tremendous waste of an incredible talent enjoyed by millions.

Once again, another promising and rising talent gone much too soon.

Read more about it here.