American actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the iconic sitcom The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54.
Warner reportedly drowned over the weekend while vacationing in Costa Rica. According to the country’s Judicial Investigation Agency, the tragedy occurred around 2 p.m. local time on Sunday at Playa Grande, Cocles, in the Limón Province. Authorities said he was caught in a strong ocean current and dragged out to sea while swimming.
Bystanders managed to pull the actor to shore, where members of the Costa Rican Red Cross attempted resuscitation efforts. However, Warner was pronounced dead at the scene.
He is survived by his wife and daughter.
Warner rose to fame in the 1980s when he was cast as the Huxtables’ only son on The Cosby Show, which aired from 1984 to 1992. His portrayal earned him an Emmy nomination in 1986 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. In a 2023 interview, Warner revealed he was the final actor seen during the show’s nationwide audition before being handpicked by Bill Cosby himself.
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The sitcom, which dominated U.S. television ratings from 1985 to 1990, was praised for its groundbreaking portrayal of a successful Black American family, a rarity at the time. Reflecting on the impact of the show, Warner once said, “We were getting tens of thousands of fan letters from people saying, ‘Thank you so much for this show.’”
Following The Cosby Show, Warner continued a successful television career, appearing in series like Malcolm & Eddie alongside Eddie Griffin, who mourned him on social media, calling him “My big little brother” and writing, “R.I.P. King.”
He also made appearances on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Sesame Street, and more recently starred as Dr. AJ Austin in the Fox medical drama The Resident.
In a statement to Variety, Fox Entertainment said: “Everyone at Fox is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm-Jamal Warner. While his iconic roles – from comedic to dramatic – are unforgettable and timeless, Malcolm will be remembered most for his warmth, kind heart and the lasting impact he had on his friends, family and fans everywhere.”
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry, including from Questlove, Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Magic Johnson.
