Keshia Knight Pulliam honored her late friend Malcolm-Jamal Warner during the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix’s “Shirley” on March 19, 2024. This was no ordinary event, though, especially since it took place just one week after Warner’s death. It was a bittersweet occasion for Pulliam, too, as she processed her grief while honoring the history of their shared friendship.
Pulliam, best known for playing Rudy Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” posted a touching video message on her Instagram account. That clip featured Warner playing to a packed house at the City Winery in Atlanta. The segment included adorable video of their daughters leading a horse around on a farm. This magical moment captured the essence of the powerful familial ties that the family has maintained, well beyond their days on the hit television show.
Reflecting on her loss, Pulliam wrote in her post, “A week ago I lost my big brother but I gained an angel.” As an artist and a human being, this sentiment perfectly captured her sense of loss and appreciation for the change Warner had made in her life. She referred to him as “family,” highlighting the depth of their relationship that went beyond their work as brother and sister on-screen.
In her Instagram story, Pulliam opened up about her process to put words together. Read more about how she navigated the anguish that engulfed her following Warner’s passing. She thanked her ex-castmates for always having her back. Actors Raven-Symoné, Geoffrey Owens and Bill Cosby stood beside her as these storms swirled around her head during this tough period.
“Thank you for every text call and all of the love that you have sent my way. I’ve just needed a moment…” – Keshia Knight Pulliam
Their friendship started in 1984 when they played Theo and Rudy Huxtable on “The Cosby Show.” Even after they had both retired, their lives stayed intertwined as they often mused about the connections through their experiences. Only a month before his untimely death, Pulliam had teamed up with Warner on the podcast “Not All Hood NAH.” They told stories of their enduring friendship and focused on the beautiful bond that their daughters have created.
Pulliam jokingly said, “He’s got me for life,” emphasizing the deep bond they had with each other. Warner had previously expressed his affection for Pulliam, stating, “She is more than my friend, she is family. Our bond goes way beyond ‘The Cosby Show.’”
