Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, widely recognized for his portrayal of Theodore "Theo" Huxtable on the iconic 1980s sitcom "The Cosby Show," has died at the age of 54 following an accidental drowning. The incident occurred on Sunday, July 20, 2025, while Warner was on vacation in Costa Rica. The news was widely reported, with Variety stating, "Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played Theodore Huxtable across all eight seasons of 'The Cosby Show,' has died in an accidental drowning. He was 54."
Warner's death took place off the coast of Cocles beach in Limon province, Costa Rica. Authorities, including the Costa Rican National Police, confirmed that his official cause of death was asphyxia, caused by being caught in a strong current while swimming. Despite efforts by individuals on the beach and first responders, he was declared deceased at the scene.
Rising to prominence as the only son of the Huxtable family, Warner's role on "The Cosby Show" earned him an Emmy nomination and cemented his place in pop culture. After the series concluded, he continued a prolific career in television, starring in shows such as "Malcolm & Eddie," "Reed Between the Lines," and "The Resident." He also ventured into directing episodes for various sitcoms and pursued a music career, earning a Grammy Award for spoken word in 2015.
The news of Warner's passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans. Bill Cosby, the patriarch of "The Cosby Show," expressed profound sadness, with a spokesperson stating that Cosby compared the loss to that of his own son. Warner was known for his grounded nature, artistic integrity, and commitment to privacy, leaving behind a legacy that extended beyond his most famous role.