Malcolm-Jamal Warner, renowned for his portrayal of Theo Huxtable on the acclaimed 1980s sitcom The Cosby Show, tragically passed away on July 20, 2025, at the age of 54. According to Costa Rican authorities, Warner drowned while swimming at Playa Cocles, a beach in Limón province, Costa Rica. He was reportedly caught in a strong current and was found unresponsive by first responders from the Red Cross .Omni+8Reuters+8LiveNOW FOX+8AP News+7CityNews Toronto+7LiveNOW FOX+7LiveNOW FOX+1ABC7 Los Angeles+1
Early Life and Career
Born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Warner was named after civil rights leader Malcolm X and jazz musician Ahmad Jamal. He began his acting career at a young age and gained national recognition as a teenager when he starred as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show from 1984 to 1992. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1986 .El País+2Reuters+2Wikipedia+2
Career Highlights
Following his success on The Cosby Show, Warner continued to build a diverse career in television and film. He starred in the sitcom Malcolm & Eddie alongside Eddie Griffin from 1996 to 2000. He also appeared in Reed Between the Lines, Sons of Anarchy, The Resident, and The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story. In 2015, he received a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for the song “Jesus Children” alongside Robert Glasper Experiment and Lalah Hathaway .Global News+6ABC7 Los Angeles+6Wikipedia+6ABC7 Los Angeles+3Wikipedia+3People.com+3
Personal Life and Legacy
Warner was known for his advocacy in mental health awareness, particularly within the Black community. He co-founded the podcast Not All Hood, which aimed to destigmatize mental health discussions. He is survived by his wife and daughter, whose identities he kept private .Reuters+3People.com+3VG+3
Warner’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow celebrities, who remember him not only for his acting talent but also for his contributions to social causes and his positive influence on the entertainment industry.
