Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Photo: Sean Coon from Greensboro, USA, via Wikimedia Commons
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor widely recognized for his role as Theo Huxtable on the iconic NBC sitcom “The Cosby Show,” has died at the age of 54.
Authorities in Costa Rica reported on Monday, July 21, 2025, that Warner passed away on Sunday afternoon in an accidental drowning. He was swimming at Playa Cocles on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast when a current reportedly pulled him deeper into the ocean. Rescuers at the beach attempted to assist him, but he was found without vital signs.
Warner’s portrayal of Theo, the only son in the Huxtable household, resonated with a generation of viewers and earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Following “The Cosby Show,” his career spanned decades in television, film, theater, and music, including starring roles in “Malcolm & Eddie,” “Reed Between the Lines,” and “The Resident.” He also lent his voice to beloved children’s programming.
RIP.
