Malcolm Jamal Warner as a child in a scene from the Cosby Show
Primetime Emmy-winning actor and former child star Malcolm-Jamal Warner has died.
The 54-year-old, who rose to fame in the 80s and early 90s playing Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show was reportedly vacationing with his family in Costa Rica at the time of his death.
Initial reports indicate that Warner was swimming when he was pulled out to sea by a strong current. Efforts to rescue him were unsuccessful, and he drowned.
Warner started his acting career at the age of 9 and in recent years he played on shows including Sons of Anarchy, Suits and American Horror Story.
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