Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the US singer and actor best known for his role as Theodore Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’, has passed away.
The 54-year-old actor was on a beach on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast enjoying a family vacation on Sunday afternoon when he accidental drowned.
He was swimming at Playa Grande, Limón Province when he was caught in a high current and drowned.
Local authorities confirmed the official cause of death as asphyxia due to drowning.
Born in New Jersey, Warner began his acting career at the age of 9, appearing in shows such as ‘Fame’.
He rose to fame as a teenager when he was cast as Theodore, the only son of Heathcliff and Claire Huxtable (played by Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad) on ‘The Cosby Show’.
Warner was nominated for a Primetime Emmy in 1986 for his supporting work on ‘The Cosby Show’.
The iconic sitcom aired from 1984 to 1992, making Warner a household name.
He also won a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance in 2015.
Beyond his early success, Warner continued to work in television, music, and directing, leaving a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
Tributes have continued to pour in for Warner as news of his death spreads.
We’re heartbroken to report the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner at the age of 54 from an apparent drowning.
A generation grew up with Warner as Theodore “Theo” Huxtable. His portrayal helped redefine Black boyhood on screen, offering humor, vulnerability, and depth across eight… pic.twitter.com/2k3IHiLMr6
— ESSENCE (@Essence) July 21, 2025
The King Center mourns the tragic passing of our dear friend, #MalcolmJamalWarner. Malcolm was a brilliant, multi-faceted artist and an inspiring giver. We are grateful for his love for #TheKingCenter and the King legacy. And for the ways he showed his support, including as… pic.twitter.com/eiB0dM3UDi
— The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center (@TheKingCenter) July 21, 2025
#RestinPower to NAACP Image Award winning actor, Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Your talent and spirit touched many lives, and your legacy will continue to inspire.
AdvertisementThank you for the memories and the impact you made in the world of entertainment pic.twitter.com/y3zOBZqR3F
— NAACP (@NAACP) July 21, 2025
Remembering that famous earring scene from “The Cosby Show”!
You will be greatly missed Malcolm-Jamal Warner!
Rest In Power! ✊🏾🖤🙏🏾#MalcolmJamalWarner pic.twitter.com/M7sV4bmaE1
— Garrick The DJ (@GarrickTheDJ) July 21, 2025
That man gave us one of the greatest scenes in the history of television.
I cannot even believe this. I am over here SOBBING!
Rest in poetry, Malcolm Jamal Warner. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/wSrmLZlaL7
— Renee (@PettyLupone) July 21, 2025
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