The Cosby Show star Malcolm-Jamal Warner has d**d at the age of 54, the Daily Mail has confirmed.
According to local authorities who spoke with ABC News, Warner drowned while swimming off the coast of Costa Rica on Sunday. His body was found near Cocles Beach in the Limon province.
Officials say he was pulled under by a strong current, and his cause of d**th was listed as asphyxia.
Though details of the incident remain unclear, experts warn that certain beaches in Costa Rica can be dangerous due to unpredictable water conditions.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Asphyxiation is when you don’t get enough oxygen in your body. Causes include allergic reactions, drowning and foreign objects blocking your airway. Symptoms include trouble breathing, loss of consciousness and inability to speak. You can prevent asphyxiation by being cautious. Treatment includes CPR, the Heimlich maneuver and medications.”
Malcolm-Jamal Warner (August 18, 1970 – July 20, 2025) was an American actor, director, musician, and poet best known for his breakout role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, he was raised by his mother and began studying acting at a young age. His performance on The Cosby Show made him a household name and earned him an Emmy nomination as a teenager.According to the Daily Mail, “Cosby personally selected Warner to play his son.”
After the show ended in 1992, Warner went on to build a steady career in television. He starred in the sitcom Malcolm & Eddie, led Reed Between the Lines, and had recurring roles on shows like Jeremiah, Sons of Anarchy, The Resident, and 9-1-1. He also directed episodes of television and music videos, expanding his creative reach behind the scenes.
In addition to acting, Warner was a talented musician and spoken-word artist. He won a Grammy Award in 2015 for his work with the Robert Glasper Experiment. He also co-hosted a podcast that explored issues facing the Black community and regularly performed at poetry events.
Most recently, according to TMZ, Malcolm-Jamal Warner had been hosting the podcast Not All Hood, with the latest episode dropping just three days before his passing. In it, he explored the many facets of Black American life, using the podcast as a space to be vulnerable, and dive into thoughtful conversations.
Warner was known for being private about his personal life, but he was married and had a daughter.
