Malcolm-Jamal Warner, beloved actor and Grammy-winning artiste, widely recognised for his role as Theo Huxtable on the iconic 1980s sitcom The Cosby Show, died Sunday at 54 after a drowning accident during a family vacation in Costa Rica.
As reported by deadline.com, Costa Rican National Police confirmed Warner’s official cause of death as asphyxia, stating he was caught by a strong current near Cocles beach in Limon province. First responders found him without vital signs.
Born August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, NJ, Warner rose to prominence in 1984 with The Cosby Show, which became a cultural phenomenon and topped primetime ratings for five consecutive seasons. His portrayal earned him a 1986 Emmy nomination. He famously described the show’s humour as rooted in “the truth” of family dynamics, rather than racial stereotypes.
Warner’s prolific career extended far beyond his early success. He held series-regular roles on popular shows like Malcolm & Eddie (1996-2000) and, more recently, The Resident (2018-2024), where he played the complex surgeon AJ The Raptor Austin. Tributes from his Resident co-stars and producers have poured in, remembering him as “larger than life.”
Beyond acting, Warner was a talented recording artiste. He won a Grammy in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Jesus Children” and received a 2023 Grammy nomination for his spoken word poetry album, Hiding in Plain View. He also had numerous directing credits and voice roles, including on “The Magic School Bus.”
Warner is survived by his wife and daughter, whose names he kept private. His passing marks a significant loss for the entertainment industry.
•Featured image: Malcolm-Jamal Warner/Michael Buckner for Deadline
