Tenisha Warner, the widow of beloved actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, has taken to social media to honor her late husband, who passed away in July at the age of 54. Malcolm-Jamal Warner, renowned for his role on “The Cosby Show,” tragically drowned while vacationing in Costa Rica earlier this summer. Just a year ago, on September 13, 2025, Tenisha took to widely publicize her heartfelt message on Instagram. She praised his enduring legacy and introduced two new initiatives aimed at better equipping children and families.
In her blog post, Tenisha announced the launch of The Warner Family Foundation and River & Ember. These efforts directly inspire and nurture creativity, emotional development and resilience for families and children. They truly reflect the causes that Malcolm-Jamal fought ardently for during his life.
“As a team, we continue the mission that my husband and I began,” Tenisha said proudly. She focused primarily on her commitment to pushing forward his legacy of service within the community.
The photo she chose with her post captured an emotional moment from their 2017 wedding. It makes a gorgeous statement to the world of their love and commitment. Tenisha painted a beautiful picture of Malcolm-Jamal’s spirit. She compared it to a river, signifying the calmness he emitted, and an ember, which stood for the motivation he inspired in others.
“My husband embodied both. His spirit was like a river — deep, constant, capable, and always flowing toward what’s important. His heart was a fire — warming everyone fortunate enough to cross his path, inspiring every person he met with hope and opportunity,” she continued.
The projects bearing Malcolm-Jamal-Warner’s name are all about growing creativity. Their other goal is to cultivate emotional health in children and families. Tenisha and their daughter continue to put in the effort to ensure that his legacy does not fade. They provide for his legacy to continue inspiring others.
In her Instagram tribute, Tenisha said her family has been overwhelmed with the love and support they’ve received as they mourn this sudden loss. “Thanks for showering us with love at this tender time,” she wrote. In her speech, she spotlighted how vital community support has been to their healing journey.
As the family embarks on this new journey, Tenisha encapsulates their ongoing connection to Malcolm-Jamal Warner with a powerful sentiment: “This is love. Still moving. Still making. Still carrying us forward.”
