In the midst of promoting the latest season of Twisted Metal, actor Anthony Mackie took a quiet moment to reflect on something far more personal—losing two dear friends who left a deep mark on his life.
The Marvel star didn’t just share memories; he offered heartfelt reflections on what those friendships meant to him and how they shaped the person he is today.
Remembering Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Anthony Mackie spoke with emotion about his bond with Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role on The Cosby Show.
Warner tragically passed away on July 20 in Costa Rica, where he had been enjoying a family vacation. He was just 54 years old.
Mackie described Warner as “such a beautiful human being” and emphasized how valuable their time together had been.
“I’m proud to say Malcolm-Jamal Warner was a friend of mine,” he said.
“He’s someone I truly knew and spent meaningful time with.”
Lessons From Time Well Spent
Reflecting further, Mackie shared that their conversations were more than casual—they were transformative.
“Every time I was with him, I made sure to really engage and soak in that experience,” he explained.
“That time we had, it was the most important thing.”
It wasn’t just about shared moments—it was about learning, growing, and being present with someone who left a lasting impact.
Paying Tribute to Andre Braugher
Mackie also looked back on his relationship with the late Andre Braugher, who passed away in December 2023 at age 61 after battling lung cancer.
Braugher, widely beloved for his role in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, had a major influence on Mackie’s early acting journey in New York’s theatre scene.
“To learn from someone like Andre, someone who’d seen so much and done so much—that was priceless,” Mackie said.
“I always encourage people to soak in those moments with their mentors. Be open, be present, be yourself.”
Stephanie Beatriz on Grief and Honesty
Mackie’s Twisted Metal co-star, Stephanie Beatriz, also spoke about navigating grief.
“Grief is something we all face eventually,” she said. “And when that time comes, what you’re left with are the memories.”
She added a touching reminder: “When you bring your truest self into your relationships, it feeds those memories.
And someday, those memories might be what someone holds onto when they lose you.”
Twisted Metal Rolls On With Season 2
These reflections arrive just as Twisted Metal Season 2 launches on Peacock.
The high-octane, post-apocalyptic series—based on the hit PlayStation game—has been generating buzz across the globe, with Mackie and Beatriz returning in leading roles.
But even in the midst of success, Mackie’s words ground the moment in something deeper: a reminder that what matters most isn’t just career milestones, but the people we connect with along the way.
Honoring a Lasting Legacy
Malcolm-Jamal Warner may be gone, but his legacy clearly lives on—not just through his iconic television roles, but through the hearts of people like Anthony Mackie who knew him as a friend.
Mackie’s tribute, calling him “a beautiful human being,” echoes what many fans have felt for years.
In the end, it’s about love, respect, and the memories we carry forward.