‘The Cosby Show’ Star Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dies Suddenly at 54 After Drowning in Costa Rica

The acclaimed Emmy-nominated actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, passed away tragically at the age of 54.

His unexpected death has stunned colleagues and fans worldwide, bringing an end to a multi-decade career that made a significant impact on television history.

Warner perished on Sunday, July 20, off the coast of Costa Rica, according to several accounts.

The actor was swimming close to Cocles Beach in the province of Limón when he got sucked into a powerful ocean current, local authorities reported to ABC News.

Later that afternoon, his body was found despite rescue efforts.

Warner’s body was formally recognized by Costa Rica’s national police, who also verified that he died from suffocation from drowning.

There is no suspicion of foul play.

Warner representatives have been asked for an official statement, but none has been released as of yet, according to UNILAD, which reported the incident.

Warner’s most well-known performance was in the iconic NBC sitcom The Cosby Show as Theo Huxtable, Cliff and Clair Huxtable’s only son.

The 1984–1992 series, which portrayed a prosperous Black family in a manner that was uncommon at the time on American television, became a cultural milestone.

Warner received praise from critics and was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance.

Warner, who costarred with comic Eddie Griffin in the 1990s sitcom Malcolm & Eddie, achieved popularity outside of The Cosby Show.

With appearances in medical dramas like The Resident on Fox, where he portrayed Dr. AJ Austin, he has recently reintroduced himself to new audiences.

Thirty years after the show’s conclusion, Warner considered the legacy of The Cosby Show in a 2023 interview with People magazine.

“Its universality was what made it so revolutionary,” he stated.

At first, NBC perceived it as a program about a Black family in the upper middle class.

They were assiduously reminded by Mr. [Bill] Cosby that the program was about a Black upper-middle-class family.

Warner was proud of the work that Bill Cosby and the actors produced in spite of the scandals around him, including a sexual assault conviction that was eventually overturned in 2021.

Warner said, “I’m still proud of the legacy and having been a part of such an iconic show that had such a profound impact on—first and foremost, Black culture—but also American culture, regardless of how some people may feel about the show now.”

“I know I can speak for the entire cast when I say that we are all still very proud of The Cosby Show,” he continued.

“Regardless of how much time passes between seeing or speaking to one another, we have a special bond that keeps us devoted to one another.”

Online condolences have been posted by fans and former co-stars, who recall Warner for his skill as well as the elegance, wit, and warmth he brought to his parts and relationships.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner left behind a great collection of work that inspires generations as well as his family.

The public has not yet been informed of the funeral plans.