Malcolm-Jamal Warner, widely recognized for his role as Theo Huxtable on NBC’s The Cosby Show, has tragically passed away at the age of 54. The actor and director died on Sunday due to an accidental drowning off the coast of Costa Rica, according to ABC News. Authorities confirmed that Warner’s cause of death was asphyxia following his entrapment in a strong ocean current near Cocles Beach in Limon.
Warner’s body was later recovered and formally identified by the Costa Rican National Police.
Warner rose to prominence with his performance on The Cosby Show, earning an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. The role catapulted him into a lasting Hollywood career, where he showcased his range in both comedy and drama.
In recent years, Warner was best known for his portrayal of Dr. AJ Austin on the Fox medical drama The Resident, and as part of the legal anthology series Accused. Fox Entertainment released a heartfelt statement:
“Everyone at Fox is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm-Jamal Warner. His iconic roles, warm heart, and legacy will live on.”
Warner’s impressive résumé includes roles in Ten Days in the Valley, American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson (as A.C. Cowlings), and guest appearances on hit series such as Suits, Community, Sons of Anarchy, and Dexter.
Born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, he was named after Malcolm X and Ahmad Jamal, the jazz pianist. At age five, his family relocated to Los Angeles, where Warner would begin his journey into entertainment.
While Warner will always be remembered for his breakout role on The Cosby Show, he also frequently found himself in the media spotlight due to his connection with Bill Cosby, especially during the years of sexual assault allegations and Cosby’s conviction and eventual release.
See More ...
In a 2015 interview with Billboard, Warner expressed his deep conflict:
“He’s one of my mentors. What he’s done for comedy, television, the Black community, and education is legendary. I can’t speak on the other stuff.”
Warner also found success behind the camera, directing episodes of The Cosby Show, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Sesame Street. He starred alongside Tracee Ellis Ross in BET’s Reed Between the Lines, and directed AIDS awareness campaigns like Timeout: The Truth about HIV, AIDS, and You, featuring Magic Johnson and Arsenio Hall.
On the big screen, Warner made his film debut in Drop Zone (1994), and appeared in Fool’s Gold (2008) alongside Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson, and Donald Sutherland. He also shone on stage, acting in Off-Broadway productions such as Three Ways Home, Cryin’ Shame, and Freefall.
Information on Warner’s family and survivors has not yet been made public.
