Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Beloved ‘Cosby Show’ Star, Dies at 54 in Tragic Drowning
Actor Known for Iconic Role as Theo Huxtable Passes Away During Family Vacation in Costa Rica Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the Emmy-nominated actor best known for his role as Theodore “Theo” Huxtable on the groundbreaking sitcom The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54. According to reports from TMZ and
Actor Known for Iconic Role as Theo Huxtable Passes Away During Family Vacation in Costa Rica
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the Emmy-nominated actor best known for his role as Theodore “Theo” Huxtable on the groundbreaking sitcom The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54. According to reports from TMZ and confirmed by PEOPLE, Warner passed away due to an accidental drowning while on a family vacation in Costa Rica. The news, which broke on July 21, 2025, has left fans and the entertainment industry mourning the loss of a versatile talent who left an indelible mark on television, film, and music.
https://t.co/JU9eKYEUii pic.twitter.com/yTZPHdvPGq
— HOT 97 (@HOT97) July 21, 2025
Born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Warner rose to fame as a teenager, portraying the endearing and relatable Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show from 1984 to 1992. The role earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and cemented his place in pop culture history. The sitcom, which portrayed a Black family with humor and heart, was a cultural milestone, and Warner’s performance resonated with audiences for its authenticity and charm. “I know I can speak for all the cast when I say The Cosby Show is something that we are all still very proud of,” Warner told PEOPLE in 2023.
Beyond The Cosby Show, Warner’s career spanned over three decades, showcasing his versatility as an actor, director, producer, and musician. He starred in the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie alongside Eddie Griffin from 1996 to 2000 and led the BET series Reed Between the Lines with Tracee Ellis Ross from 2011 to 2015. More recently, he appeared as Dr. AJ “The Raptor” Austin on FOX’s The Resident and had recurring roles on Suits, Sons of Anarchy, and 9-1-1. Warner also lent his voice to The Magic School Bus as The Producer and directed episodes of numerous shows, including The Cosby Show, All That, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
A multi-talented artist, Warner was also a Grammy-winning musician and spoken word poet. In 2015, he won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for the song “Jesus Children” alongside Robert Glasper Experiment and Lalah Hathaway. His 2022 spoken word poetry album, Hiding in Plain View, earned a Grammy nomination. Warner’s jazz-funk band, Miles Long, performed at major festivals, including the Playboy Jazz Festival, and he was celebrated for his contributions to Black culture and representation in media.
Malcolm‑Jamal leaves behind a wife and daughter -- he chose not to publicly share their names, always keeping his family life private.
— TMZ (@TMZ) July 21, 2025
He was 54. R.I.P.💔https://t.co/xaNrxDNw4J
Warner was known for his private nature, keeping details of his personal life out of the public eye. He is survived by his wife and daughter, born in 2017, whose identities he chose not to disclose. Fans on X expressed their shock and grief, with posts describing Warner as a “cultural icon” and praising his “grounded nature” and “unshakable Black pride.” One user wrote, “Theo reminded me so much of my actual older brother. This is horrendous news.”
The circumstances surrounding Warner’s drowning remain sparse, with no additional details released at the time of reporting. His representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment. As the entertainment world reflects on his legacy, Warner’s contributions to television, music, and cultural representation will continue to inspire. His death marks a profound loss for fans and colleagues who cherished his talent, warmth, and dedication to his craft.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.