Hearing the news of Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s passing hit like a ton of bricks. It was totally out of left field—so unexpected and sudden. As a man of a certain age, I recognize that many of my peers are experiencing major life changes. More often than not, those changes involve the loss of a loved one or their own passing. We all know that at some point, we have to go. But whenever one of us does, it always feels too soon.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s death hits especially hard because of what he represented to young Black men around the world. We were introduced to him as Theo Huxtable—a clean-cut Black teen who came from a good home and lived a normal life. In the eighties, there were very few, if any, characters who resonated with Black boys in that way. He wasn’t painted by the brush of white society, and he wasn’t some sidekick. Theo was us. He got the pretty girls, had a cool best friend, and sometimes struggled in school. The mere existence of a character like Theo was revolutionary—and Malcolm embodied him in a way that was honorable and aspirational.

Malcolm carried that same dignity throughout his entire career. He consistently showed up on screen as a strong character—not a caricature. His impact was real and will endure for generations.

When one of us passes on, it always feels too sudden. But in my heart, I believe that when that moment comes, it’s God letting us know our assignment is complete—and He’s coming to take us home. I know I speak for millions of brothers when I say: thank you, Malcolm. Job well done.

• Eddy “Precise” Lamarre