Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for playing Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at age 54, with news of his death confirmed recently. Warner was a prominent figure in American television, known for his decades-long career as an actor, director, and musician.
Here’s what we know so far about Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s death.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner passes away at 54, claims report
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, died at age 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica, according to local authorities.
Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department confirmed that a current pulled Warner out to sea while he swam at Playa Cocles in Limón province on Sunday afternoon. Beachgoers rescued him, but Red Cross responders found no vital signs and pronounced him dead at the scene. (via BBC)
Warner was vacationing at the time. The incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. local time at a beach on the Caribbean coast known for strong currents. His representatives have declined to comment. He leaves behind his wife and daughter.
Warner portrayed Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show from 1984 to 1992, appearing in all 197 episodes and earning a 1986 Emmy nomination. Bill Cosby selected him for the role on the final day of auditions. The show held the top spot in U.S. television ratings for five consecutive seasons. Warner later said the show’s legacy was “tarnished” by allegations against Cosby.
His career included leading roles in Malcolm & Eddie, Reed Between the Lines, and The Resident. He played O.J. Simpson’s friend Al Cowlings in American Crime Story and appeared in 9-1-1. He also directed multiple television episodes.
Warner earned a Grammy in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance and received another nomination in 2023 for his spoken word album Hiding in Plain View. He launched the podcast Not All Hood to explore mental health in the Black community.
Tributes were posted by Magic Johnson, Taraji P. Henson, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Niecy Nash. “You were cornerstone of The Cosby Show,” Nash wrote. “You will be missed.”
