Malcolm-Jamal Warner, ‘Cosby Show’ Star, Dies by Drowning at 54 While Vacationing in Costa Rica

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, ‘Cosby Show’ Star, Dies by Drowning at 54 While Vacationing in Costa Rica

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the iconic sitcom The Cosby Show, has tragically died at the age of 54.

According to reports from TMZ and the Associated Press, Warner passed away on Sunday while on vacation in Costa Rica. Authorities say the actor drowned while swimming at Playa Cocles in the Limón province, after being swept away by a powerful ocean current between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m. local time.

Despite efforts from beachgoers and emergency responders, including the Costa Rican Red Cross, Warner was pronounced dead at the scene. The Costa Rican Judicial Investigation Agency confirmed the incident in an official statement.

Warner rose to stardom in 1984 when The Cosby Show debuted, portraying Theo Huxtable, the only son in the Huxtable family, until the series ended in 1992. His portrayal earned him an Emmy nomination in 1986 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

In addition to his work on The Cosby Show, Warner made appearances on Sesame Street, A Different World, and hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live. Throughout his career, he remained a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Known for his privacy, Warner is survived by his wife and daughter, born in 2017. While he occasionally shared glimpses of his family on social media, he kept their identities largely out of the public eye.

His sudden passing has left fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a cherished actor whose talent and warmth left a lasting impact.