Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s wife speaks out publicly for the first time since his death: ‘I can still hear my husband’s laugh’

Tenisha Warner honored her husband in a post on social media, celebrating their upcoming anniversary. And she announced the launch of a foundation in his name.

The wife of actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner has spoken publicly for the first time since her husband’s death in July. The actor, known for his role as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” died in an accidental drowning while on vacation with his wife and daughter in Costa Rica. He was only 54.

“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,” Tenisha Warner wrote in an Instagram post yesterday.

In her tribute, which she shared ahead of the couple’s anniversary, she remembered Malcolm-Jamal Warner. She announced that she and her daughter were launching a company called River & Ember and the Malcolm-Jamal Warner Foundation in his name.

“My husband believed in tending not only to the inner light of children, but in ourselves. This company carries forward that belief – offering stories and rituals that honor the quiet power of connection between parent and child. This work is a continuation of the presence that he embodied.”

The River & Ember company has a toolkit for families and an accompanying app that both parents and children can use. The foundation also offers a scholarship for young artists “skilled in two or more areas of creative expression.” She explained the reason for the name River & Ember in the post announcing the company, saying that Malcolm Jamal-Warner’s presence was “steady” like a river, and his spirit was “glowing with encouragement” like an ember.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s sudden passing sent a ripple of shock through Black Hollywood. Following his death came an outpour of tributes from Black celebrities, many of whom he worked with over the years. His “The Cosby Show” co-stars like Keisha Knight Pullman, Geoffrey Owens, and Raven-Symoné made their own statements. Tracee Ellis Ross, Questlove, Beyoncé, and many more also shared their condolences.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s mother, Pamela Warner, also created an Instagram account to celebrate her son, called Malcolm-Jamal Warner Living Legacy. The purpose of the page is to update followers and fans on “the work being done to honor his memory.”