Malcolm-Jamal Warner, ‘Cosby Show’ Star, Dies at 54

African American actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his portrayal of Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, died Sunday, July 20, at age 54, after drowning off the Caribbean coast, Costa Rican authorities confirmed.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner (August 18, 1970 - July 20, 2025) - FB Photo

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department reported that Warner was swimming at Playa Cocles, in Limón province, when he was drawn out to sea by a rip current. Bystanders rescued him and brought him back to shore, but he had no vital signs upon the arrival of the Red Cross, who pronounced him dead.

The official cause of death was recorded as asphyxia by submersion.

Warner rose to fame in the 1980s as the only son of Heathcliff and Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, a landmark NBC sitcom that aired from 1984 to 1992. He appeared in all eight seasons and earned an Emmy nomination in 1986 for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series.

Following The Cosby Show, Warner enjoyed a diverse and sustained career, starring in sitcoms such as Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000) and Reed Between the Lines (2011–2015), and portraying Dr. AJ Austin on The Resident from 2018 to 2023.

He also voiced “The Producer” on The Magic School Bus and appeared in acclaimed series including Sons of Anarchy, Suits, and American Crime Story.

Beyond acting, Warner worked behind the camera as a director on shows like All That, Keenan & Kel, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He was also a performance poet, musician, Grammy winner, and host of the podcast Not All Hood, which explored mental health in the Black community.

The loss reverberated through Hollywood and beyond. Actor Viola Davis called Warner “absolutely so familiar… we reveled in your life and are gutted by this loss”.

The Resident co-star Morris Chestnut remembered Warner as “one of the nicest in the business,” praising his warmth and wisdom.

Bill Cosby, who played Warner’s on-screen father, was deeply saddened. His spokesperson said Cosby was reminded of the tragic 1997 murder of his own son, Ennis, adding, “He was doing what he loved when he died — he was with his family,” Cosby reportedly said.

Warner, born August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, N.J., is survived by his wife and daughter, whose names have not been publicly disclosed.