Malcolm-Jamal Warner, beloved actor, musician, poet, and cultural icon, passed away on July 20, 2025, at the age of 54. Best known for his role as Theodore “Theo” Huxtable on the groundbreaking NBC sitcom The Cosby Show, Warner’s career spanned over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on television, music, and the arts. His warmth, talent, and commitment to authentic storytelling touched the lives of millions.

Born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Warner was named after civil rights leader Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal. Raised in Los Angeles from the age of five by his mother, Pamela Warner, who also served as his manager, he discovered his passion for acting early. At age nine, he began appearing in television shows such as Matt Houston and Fame. His breakout role came at 13 when he was cast as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show (1984–1992), a role that earned him a 1986 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. The sitcom, which portrayed a successful Black American family, reshaped cultural perceptions and became a cornerstone of 1980s television, with Warner’s portrayal of the lovable, relatable Theo resonating with audiences worldwide.

Beyond The Cosby Show, Warner showcased his versatility in numerous projects. He starred as Malcolm McGee in the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000) alongside Eddie Griffin, played Dr. Alex Reed in BET’s Reed Between the Lines (2011–2015) with Tracee Ellis Ross, and portrayed Dr. AJ Austin in Fox’s medical drama The Resident (2018–2023). His guest appearances included acclaimed shows like Sons of Anarchy, Suits, American Horror Story, and The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. Warner also lent his voice to The Magic School Bus as The Producer and appeared in films such as Drop Zone (1994) and Fool’s Gold (2008).

An accomplished director, Warner helmed episodes of The Cosby Show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Kenan & Kel, and Malcolm & Eddie, as well as the 1992 educational video Time Out: The Truth About HIV, AIDS, and You, featuring Arsenio Hall and Magic Johnson. His creative talents extended to music and poetry; he won a Grammy Award in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance for his contribution to Robert Glasper Experiment’s cover of Stevie Wonder’s Jesus Children of America, alongside Lalah Hathaway. In 2023, he earned a Grammy nomination for his spoken word poetry album Hiding in Plain View. Warner also released jazz-funk albums, including The Miles Long Mixtape (2003) and Love & Other Social Issues (2007), and was an avid bass player, a passion he developed while working on Malcolm & Eddie.

In June 2024, Warner launched the podcast Not All Hood with co-hosts Weusi Baraka and Candace Kelley, creating a platform to discuss mental health and diverse aspects of the Black community. He described the podcast as a space where he could be his “most vulnerable,” reflecting his commitment to authenticity and cultural dialogue.

Warner’s death occurred during a family vacation in Costa Rica, where he drowned on Sunday, July 20, 2025, while swimming at Playa Cocles in Limón province. According to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department, Warner was caught in a strong ocean current, leading to his official cause of death: asphyxia by submersion due to drowning. Bystanders attempted to rescue him, but he was declared deceased by the Costa Rican Red Cross at the scene. Another individual caught in the current remains in critical condition.

Tributes poured in from colleagues and fans, with co-stars like Tracee Ellis Ross, Eddie Griffin, and Morris Chestnut praising Warner’s kindness, talent, and cultural impact. Magic Johnson, Viola Davis, and Jamie Foxx also shared heartfelt condolences, with Ross writing, “What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant. You made the world a brighter place.” Bill Cosby, reflecting on their time together, likened Warner’s death to the loss of his own son, Ennis.

Warner is survived by his wife and daughter, whose identities he kept private, reflecting his commitment to shielding his personal life from the public eye. His legacy as an artist who broke barriers, inspired generations, and approached his craft with humility and heart will endure.

Rest in power, Malcolm-Jamal Warner (1970–2025).