Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the iconic 1980s sitcom The Cosby Show, has tragically passed away at the age of 54. Warner was on a family vacation in Costa Rica when, on Sunday, he was pulled out to sea by strong currents and drowned. Despite immediate rescue efforts by beachgoers and local emergency services, he could not be saved.
Warner rose to fame as a teenager, portraying the only son in the Huxtable family — a performance that earned him an Emmy nomination in 1986. His career continued well beyond The Cosby Show, with notable roles in series such as Malcolm & Eddie, Reed Between the Lines, Major Crimes, Suits, The Resident, and 9‑1‑1. Beyond acting, Warner was also a gifted musician and poet, winning a Grammy in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance.
Though The Cosby Show's legacy has been tarnished by Bill Cosby's legal troubles, Warner always remained proud of the work and what it represented to audiences. He was widely seen as an empathetic and talented cultural figure — admired and respected across generations.
He is survived by his wife and daughter. May he rest in peace.