‘The Cosby Show’ Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner Passed Away at 54 in Costa Rica Drowning Incident [WATCH]

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the long-running NBC sitcom The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54 following an accidental drowning while on vacation in Costa Rica, as reported by The New York Post.

Warner’s death was confirmed Monday by a source close to the actor, according to People magazine. Costa Rican National Police stated that Warner drowned near Cocles Beach after being caught in a strong current.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played Theodore Huxtable across all eight seasons of “The Cosby Show,” has died in an accidental drowning. He was 54.https://t.co/lchqbpmyp1 pic.twitter.com/w9ArEXKPWB

— Variety (@Variety) July 21, 2025

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He was located Sunday afternoon, and police reported the cause of death as asphyxia due to drowning.

Warner had been in Costa Rica with family at the time of the incident. He was swimming when the fatal accident occurred, authorities said.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on August 18, 1970, Warner began acting as a child. He attended the Professional Children’s School in New York City and was named after civil rights leader Malcolm X and jazz musician Ahmad Jamal.

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Warner was cast as Theo Huxtable in 1984 after auditioning on the final day of a national talent search led by Bill Cosby.

He remained on The Cosby Show throughout its eight-season run, from 1984 to 1992. In 1986, he earned an Emmy nomination and later hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live.

The cast included Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Lisa Bonet, Tempestt Bledsoe, Keshia Knight Pulliam, and others.

“Fans are completely heartbroken.”

Malcolm-Jamal Warner was “television royalty” and felt like part of the family for fans across the country, pop culture reporter @conlin_lauren says. pic.twitter.com/O13Z12pxsh

— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 21, 2025

After the end of The Cosby Show, Warner starred in several other television series, including Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000), Reed Between the Lines (2011–2015), and The Resident (2018–2023), where he portrayed Dr. AJ Austin.

Warner also had recurring roles in Sons of Anarchy, American Horror Story, Community, Suits, and 9-1-1. He was also the voice of “The Producer” in The Magic School Bus.

Warner won a Grammy Award in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance for the song “Jesus Children,” a collaboration with Robert Glasper and Lalah Hathaway.

In January 2024, he launched the podcast Not All Hood alongside Weusi Baraka and Candace Kelley, discussing varying Black American experiences and identities.

Warner was previously in relationships with actress Michelle Thomas, who passed away in 1998, as well as Karen Malina White and Regina King. He is survived by his wife and daughter, whose identities he kept private.

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