Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54 following a tragic drowning incident. A source confirmed to People that the actor passed away while on a family vacation in Costa Rica.
According to the report, Warner drowned while swimming during the trip. His representative has not yet commented publicly. Warner is survived by his wife and daughter, whose names he chose to keep private throughout his life, maintaining a level of privacy around his family.
Warner rose to fame in the 1980s with his breakout role on The Cosby Show, playing the only son of Cliff Huxtable (Bill Cosby). The character, Theo, was loosely based on Cosby’s real-life son, Ennis, and shared storylines that included a diagnosis of dyslexia. Warner’s performance earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1986.
After the series ended in 1992, Warner continued his acting career with notable roles in sitcoms like Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000), Reed Between the Lines (2011–2015), and drama series including The Resident, Major Crimes, and Suits. His recent credits included appearances in 9-1-1 and Alert: Missing Persons Unit.
Beyond television, Warner also co-hosted a podcast titled Not All Hood, which he launched in June 2023 with Weusi Baraka and Candace Kelley. The project focused on mental health within the Black community, offering what Warner described as “a space to be vulnerable” and explore diverse Black experiences.
In a 2023 interview with People, Warner reflected on The Cosby Show’s complicated legacy, acknowledging the controversy surrounding Bill Cosby while expressing pride in the show’s cultural impact. “Regardless of how some people may feel about the show now,” he said, “I’m still proud of the legacy and having been a part of such an iconic show.”
Warner's death marks the loss of a respected actor and cultural figure whose work resonated across generations.
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