Stars Mourn Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Ozzy and Hulk Hogan After Tragic 4 Days

It’s been a tragic four days for Hollywood, with three stars across several different parts of the entertainment industry dying unexpectedly.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for roles on The Cosby Show, Malcolm & Eddie and The Resident, died on July 20 at the age of 54 while swimming in the Costa Rican ocean with his 8-year-old daughter. When first responders found the actor, he had been submerged underwater.

“[A doctor] pulled him to the surface and did exactly what he was supposed to do,” local volunteer lifeguard Mike Geist exclusively told Us Weekly. “[He] gave him five emergency breaths — which is always our best chance of bringing someone back — when he got him above the water and then was able to bring him into shore quickly where they started CPR.”

The emergency efforts were not successful and by the end of that week, news broke that Ozzy Osbourne and Hulk Hogan also died following respective health battles.

Warner, Osbourne and Hogan’s deaths soon sparked chatter about three well-known figures all passing away around the same time.

“Theo. Ozzy. Hulk. A Rule of Three signaling the ‘80s are officially over,” one social media user wrote, while another added, “Rule of three strikes again.”

A third chimed in, writing via X, “What??? Malcolm Jamal Warner, Ozzy Osbourne, and Hulk Hogan all in one week? The rule of three is still in effect!”

Read below for more tributes to the late stars:

Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Warner and his daughter were dragged by an ocean current during a family vacation in Costa Rica. (The actor never publicly shared the names of his wife and daughter.)

“They were bathing together and were caught by a rip current,” Elberth León, the head of Tourism Police, told Us on July 24. “Obviously, as a father, he fought for his daughter, but the current in that area is very strong, and they couldn’t accomplish the objective.”

After Warner’s death, many celebrities mourned the loss in heartfelt statements.

“It’s just devastating,” Warner’s Cosby Show TV dad, Bill Cosby, said in a statement shared via his rep. “He was so ecstatic about how the crowd received him. Malcolm was changing the world, humanizing the world through his acting, his music, his poetry and even his new podcast. … Even though I was their TV dad, I never stopped being their father figure.”

Raven-Symoné, who played Olivia on The Cosby Show, tearfully remembered working with Warner on the sitcom in her own statement.

“He was the big brother, he was a beacon, he was one of the most multifaceted, talented men,” Symoné said. “So gentle, and my heart and soul and hugs and kisses go out to his daughter and his wife and his mother. He gave the best advice, he gave the best hugs and his smile will always be a huge, bright f***ing white smile in my head forever. I love you, and I know you’re watching over all of us now.”

Ozzy Osbourne

The Black Sabbath rocker died on July 22 at the age of 76 following a battle with Parkinson’s.

“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning,” Osbourne’s family shared in a statement to Us. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”

Ozzy is survived by his wife, Sharon Osbourne, and his six children. He shared Aimee, Kelly and Jack with Sharon, as well as Elliot, Louis and Jessica with ex Thelma Riley.

Many stars have also rallied around the Osbournes, including his bandmates.

“Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart,” drummer Bill Ward wrote via Instagram. “Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP. Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever.”

Guitarist Tony Iommi, meanwhile, noted in a separate note that the group “lost [their] brother.”

“I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park,” Iommi wrote, referring to the band’s reunion concert earlier in July. “It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother.”

Hulk Hogan

Us confirmed on July 24 that the wrestling legend died at the age of 71 after suffering cardiac arrest.

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the wrestling organization said in a statement. “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends and fans.”

Hulk is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, and his children, Brooke and Nick, from his first marriage to Linda Hogan. (Hogan was estranged from Brooke at the time of his passing.)