Phylicia Rashad, who for years was one of TV audiences' favorite moms on "The Cosby Show," paid special tribute to her onscreen son, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, at the Emmy Awards.

"He was a beloved teenager in an iconic television series who the world watched grow into manhood. And like all our friends who transitioned this past year, Malcolm-Jamal Warner remains in our hearts," Rashad said, opening Emmys' annual "In Memoriam" segment. Warner died from an accidental drowning in July at the age of 54.

Speaking of all the luminaries lost from the TV world, "we remember them not just for their immense talent but also for the way they made us believe in something bigger, the best that is within us," Rashad continued.

"And even though they may no longer be here with us, we can all smile knowing that their impact will remain, knowing that their lasting impressions will continue to live on in story, knowing that they touched our lives. Whether you grew up watching them or have just now discovered their brilliance, their light remains at the very fabric of our industry."

During the segment, Lainey Wilson and Vince Gill sang Gill's ballad "Go Rest High on That Mountain" as photos paid tribute to the actors and performers who have died in the past year, including Julian McMahon, Teri Garr, Ozzy Osbourne, Loni Anderson, Ruth Buzzi, Chuck Woolery and Wink Martindale.

Warner, who was known as Theo Huxtable on "The Cosby Show" but also appeared on "9-1-1" and "The Resident," died in an accident off the coast of Costa Rica.

Many of the actor's famous fans and former costars have paid tribute to Warner since his death. Bill Cosby, who played Warner's onscreen father, opened up to ABC News about the actor's death and called him "a great studier." Jennifer Love Hewitt wrote on Instagram that he was "a gentleman, an incredible talent and we were so lucky to have him in the '9-1-1' family."

Beyoncé updated her website in honor of Warner and thanked him for "being a big part of our shared television history. You will be missed." And in an emotional tribute on Instagram, Viola Davis said that news of Warner's death left her "speechless." The Oscar-winning actress continued: "Theo was OUR son, OUR brother, OUR friend."

Contributing: Brendan Morrow

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Phylicia Rashad honors 'beloved' TV son Malcolm-Jamal Warner at Emmys

Reporting by Brian Truitt, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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