Rasheda Williams, 46, of Detroit was about the same age as Rudy, the youngest character on "The Cosby Show" and Theo's little sister. Williams said she and others are mourning Warner's passing because of what they saw in the character he played.

Off screen, Warner managed to sidestep the pitfalls and scandals that so many child stars face. After “The Cosby Show” ended in 1992, Warner went on to other beloved series, including “Malcom & Eddie,” “The Resident” and “9-1-1,” an impressive career transition for any actor who has grown up on television.

The Malcolm-Jamal Warner said previously that his proudest achievement wasn't his memorable work as Theo Huxtable on "The Cosby Show."