Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on the groundbreaking sitcom The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54 following a drowning incident in Costa Rica.
According to local authorities, Warner was vacationing along the country&rsquo;s Pacific coast when the tragic accident occurred. Emergency responders confirmed the actor was pulled from the water and pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation is underway, though officials suspect no foul play.
Warner rose to fame in the 1980s playing the witty and relatable teenage son of Bill Cosby&rsquo;s character in the hit NBC series. His role made him a household name and a symbol of positive Black representation on television during its era.
Beyond The Cosby Show, Warner enjoyed a successful career spanning film, television, voice acting, and spoken word poetry. He earned critical acclaim in recent years for his Emmy-winning performance in American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson and for roles in Suits, The Resident, and Reed Between the Lines.
Tributes have begun to flood social media, with fans, co-stars, and fellow actors remembering Warner not only as a talented performer but as a thoughtful artist and advocate. "Gone too soon. A kind soul and a quiet force in our industry," one actor wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Warner is survived by family members and is remembered for his contributions to American television and culture over more than four decades.

‘Cosby Show’ Star Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dies at 54

Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner drowns in Costa Rica at 54; tributes pour in from fans and peer

‘Cosby Show’ Star Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dies at 54

Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner drowns in Costa Rica at 54; tributes pour in from fans and peer

July 22, 2025 | 16:58 IST