Late actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner will make his final onscreen appearance as a guest on season 2 of Murder in a Small Town.
The Fox mystery series, which returns September 23, will introduce Warner later in the season as Richard Buscombe. The guest character is described as a protective father who becomes a lead suspect in a murder investigation when his ex-wife is killed just after returning to town.
“Still heartbroken years after the split, Richard wears his anger and pain on his sleeve, but his only goal in life is to keep his daughter safe,” reads the synopsis for the episode set to air on October 7.
Showrunner Ian Weir reflected on getting the chance to work with Warner shortly before his death.
Everything We Know About Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Death So Far
“His performance — as a struggling single dad, fiercely protective of his daughter — just glows with integrity,” Weir told People in a statement on Wednesday, September 3. “He found levels that I hadn’t imagined.”
Weir continued: “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.”
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 plenty of star-studded cameos like Warner’s.
Warner died in July at age 54 after drowning while on vacation with his family in Costa Rica. 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 Malcolm’s daughter safely back to land. Another adult male was also struggling in the water and was later treated at a nearby clinic.
‘Murder in a Small Town’ Loses Main Cast Member Before Season 2
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.”
“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 returns to Fox on Tuesday, September 23, at 8 p.m. ET
