Malcolm-Jamal Warner‘s final TV role before his death found him playing a protective father on Murder in a Small Town.
During the Tuesday, October 7, episode of the Fox series, Warner played a dad named Richard Buscombe, who became a suspect after his ex-wife was murdered. Buscombe, however, is determined to look after his daughter, and it is ultimately revealed that his ex-wife’s brother killed her over an inheritance.
At the end of the episode, a message on the screen read, “Dedicated to the memory of Malcolm-Jamal Warner.”
Based on novels written by L.R. Wright, Murder in a Small Town follows a police chief named Karl (Rossif Sutherland) who investigates mysterious murders with the help of others, including his girlfriend, Cassandra (Kristin Kreuk). The procedural format allows the show to feature celebrity cameos, including Warner’s.
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Tuesday’s appearance was Warner’s last project before his death in July. While on vacation with his family in Costa Rica, Warner drowned at age 54. His official cause of death was ruled as asphyxia due to submersion.
Head of the Tourist Police for Costa Rica Elberth León told Us Weekly at the time that Warner and his daughter found themselves dragged by an ocean current. Two people at the scene went to get Warner’s daughter safely back to land. Another adult male was also struggling in the water and was later treated at a nearby clinic.
One month after Malcolm’s death, his mother, Pamela Warner, broke her silence.
“Needless to say our hearts are heavy with the loss of Malcolm. He was a kind, loving man with a huge heart for humanity,” Pamela wrote via Instagram in August. “He wanted all to be aware of their inner strength and that they could succeed and transform. This was his latest mission and work, transformation in order for you to be fully present in your life.”
She continued: “Malcolm was an exceptional husband, father and son — a man deeply in love with life, his wife and his daughter. He was not only my son but also my teacher, coach, confidant, business partner and best friend. He was the son that his father was immensely proud of and loved fiercely and unconditionally.”
Pamela told those grieving that her son, who rose to fame on The Cosby Show, “was at peace” and “did not suffer.”
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“Malcolm was birthed through water and he transitioned through water. He departed as he arrived, through water,” she said. “This was his time. His mission on earth had been completed.”
Murder in a Small Town showrunner Ian Weir previously reflected on getting the chance to work with Warner shortly before his death.
“His performance — as a struggling single dad, fiercely protective of his daughter — just glows with integrity,” Weir said in a September statement. “He found levels that I hadn’t imagined.”
Weir added: “We were really delighted when Malcolm agreed to join us as a guest star — and completely thrilled by the experience of working with him. He was such a leader and a gentleman. It’s such a terrible, tragic loss.”
Murder in a Small Town airs on Fox Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
