Emmy-nominated American actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54 after drowning off the coast of Costa Rica.
According to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), Warner was caught in a swift ocean current while swimming at Playa Grande near Cocles, in the province of Limón, around 2:00 p.m. local time (8:00 p.m. GMT) on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
The province is known for its coastal beauty but also powerful ocean currents.
Witnesses say he was dragged out to sea before being rescued by bystanders who brought him to shore. Despite efforts by the Costa Rican Red Cross, Warner was pronounced dead at the scene.
Warner was on holiday when the incident occurred. Authorities have confirmed that he is survived by his wife and daughter.
Who was Malcolm Warner?
Warner was handpicked by Bill Cosby in a nationwide audition and became a household name for his portrayal of Theo Huxtable on the groundbreaking sitcom The Cosby Show (1984–1992).
He was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 1986, and the show became the No. 1 U.S. TV program for five consecutive seasons.
Warner later starred in Malcolm & Eddie alongside comedian Eddie Griffin, made guest appearances on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Sesame Street, and played Dr. AJ Austin on the FOX medical drama The Resident.
A multitalented artist, he also won a Grammy Award in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance, and earned a Grammy nomination in 2023 for his spoken word album Hiding in Plain View.
Last year, he launched a podcast, “Not All Hood,” which explored mental health issues in the Black community.
News of Warner’s sudden death prompted an tributes from celebrities, former colleagues, and fans worldwide.
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Jennifer Hudson wrote on X: “Devastated by this news. Truly heartbroken! Rest well, king.”
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Straw star Taraji P. Henson shared: “This one hurt. Malcolm, we grew up with you. Thank you for the art, the wisdom, the grace you gave us!!!!! Your legacy lives far beyond the screen.”
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Magic Johnson said: “Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life, and business. He will truly be missed.”
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Tracee Ellis Ross, Warner’s co-star on Reed Between the Lines, posted: “What an actor and friend you were… You made the world a brighter place.”
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Niecy Nash reflected: “You were the cornerstone of The Cosby Show. We all loved Theo! Never to be forgotten.”
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Eddie Griffin, his Malcolm & Eddie co-star, simply wrote: “R.I.P. King. My big little brother.”
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Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock stated: “Malcolm-Jamal Warner was a part of our childhood… May God grant peace to his soul, strength and grace to his grieving family.”
He is remembered not just for his talent, but for the warmth and wisdom he shared on and off the screen.
“You left the world better than you found it,” Henson wrote.
“You will be missed. Rest easy,” Nash added.
“Thank you so much for this show,” Warner once said of The Cosby Show.
