EXPOSED: Embitter Backstory On Malcolm-Jamal Warner Connection To Kansas City

Clarification . . .

By all accounts the former star was a great guy, a talented actor AND great father. 

However . . .

The newspaper notes the old school show "Malcolm & Eddie" without offering any context.

Yes, it was a fun "urban" spin on the odd couple set in an imaginary loft above Kansas City's iconic Westport Kelly's Inn. But do you know why???? 

According to local comedy scene lore . . . 

Comedian Eddie Griffin, a Kansas City native, was a key part of the Kelly's reference because he HATED departed comedy club store owner Craig Glazer SO MUCH that he wanted to reference Westport and his hometown but exclude his old boss. Mr. Griffin has given at least one interview where he mentioned the snub so the chatter amongst local comics isn't just gossip.

In fact . . . The REAL STORY about the local connection is that local talent can earn national recognition but remain bitter about their experience in this cowtown.

As far as we know, Mr. Warner didn't really care one way or another and was far more concerned with keeping the momentum of his career moving in the right direction.

Meanwhile, here's the much nicer dead-tree reference . . .  

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, “The Cosby Show” actor who died Sunday, had strong Kansas City connections.

The actor drowned in Costa Rica in what authorities described as an accident.

After his run as Theo Huxtable, Warner starred in the Kansas City-set sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie,” which ran for four seasons from 1996 to 2000.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Star of Kansas City sitcom from the '90s dies: 'You've taught me so much'

The 1990s sitcom was set in Kansas City. Malcolm-Jamal Warner, known for portraying Theo Huxtable, drowned in Costa Rica, and Eddie Griffin sent condolences.