Anthony Mackie remembers Malcolm-Jamal Warner as a "beautiful human being".

The actor died, aged 54, from accidental drowning on July 20, and Anthony has now paid a glowing tribute to his showbiz pal, who was best known for playing Theodore Huxtable on The Cosby Show.

The Hollywood star told People: "I'm proud to say Malcolm-Jamal Warner was a friend of mine."

Anthony recalled having lots of memorable conversations with the late actor.

Anthony - who is, perhaps, best-known for playing Sam Wilson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe - said: "He's somebody that I knew and spent time with, and just was such a beautiful human being.

"And every time I was around him, I was able to take full advantage of those conversations and that time. That, for me, is the most important thing."

In July, Stevie Wonder admitted that his "heart is broken" following the actor's death.

The 75-year-old singer admitted to feeling devastated by the news.

He told TMZ: "My heart is broken because not only was he a talented man growing up and doing The Cosby Show, but even more important his commitment was telling the story, the truth.

"And for me, in a time where we have so many in high places telling low-down lies, we need the truth. So yeah, I miss him.

"I hope that the writers, the singers, rappers will begin to spread messages of positivity, of hope, and us moving this world forward. I'm quiet, but my heart is hurting."

The music icon went on to make a cultural comparison between the late actor and West African traditions.

He said: "I don't know if you know what a 'grio' is, a 'griot.' It's like the African who told the stories in the various villages would have the griot. Whenever a griot would die, it would be like a whole library of information burning."

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary: "An African tribal storyteller and musician is called a griot. The griot's role was to preserve the genealogies and oral traditions of the tribe."