by Allison Hambrick
On Feb. 29, SCAD welcomed actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner to aTVfest for a discussion of his life and career in the entertainment industry. Gaining recognition from his role as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show” in the 80s, Warner has gone on to appear in series such as “Malcolm and Eddie,” “Sons of Anarchy,” “Community” and “American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson,” and since 2018, he stars in the medical drama “The Resident.”
Warner started by discussing his current role as AJ “The Raptor” Austin on “The Resident” and elaborating on how it differs from his now iconic turn in “The Cosby Show.” The Raptor is “kind of a d***,” while Warner usually plays the nice guy, which was what drew him to that role.
“I have been blessed enough to never worry about doing a job for a paycheck,” said Warner. “I say no to more than I say yes to. I like a challenge, being stretched. I pursue what I respond to on a gut level, and I would guess I have a 91% rejection rate.”
Warner is quick to point out that he is not a great actor — acting is a job. His true passion and creative outlet rest in a different medium: poetry. Because he is “not looking to be rich and famous,” Warner says that his poetry “saved” him by allowing him to express himself in a way that he couldn’t as an actor or director. For anyone who is in a creative field, Warner feels that transparency is essential and that it is not worth worrying what people think about you.
“I can be where I am, and people accept me,” said Warner. “If they don’t, I don’t trip on it.”
Beyond authenticity, Warner feels like it’s important to approach anything with a growth mentality. His words to students? “Always strive to grow.”