Reported by E! News : Beloved Cosby Show actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable, has tragically passed away at the age of 54. The actor, who rose to fame as part of the iconic Huxtable family on the NBC sitcom, reportedly drowned while swimming in Costa Rica on July 20.
Warner’s on-screen father, Bill Cosby, was deeply affected by the news. According to Cosby’s representative, Andrew Wyatt, the 88-year-old comedian was devastated upon hearing of Warner’s death, comparing the loss to that of his own son, Ennis Cosby, who was murdered in 1997.
“When Mr. Cosby received the call, it hit him just as hard as when he lost Ennis,” Wyatt told E! News. “He remembered Malcolm and Ennis playing together as kids—they were amazing together.”
Cosby also reflected on Warner’s legacy, praising his work ethic during their time on The Cosby Show. In an interview with New York’s 6ABC on July 21, Cosby shared, “You could depend on Malcolm always going to the shelter, to learn his lines, to gather his character to come out and be ready. When the news came, it was shocking.”
He added, “Of course, my thoughts went straight to his mother, who worked so hard. She was so wonderful with him.”
According to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency, Warner had been vacationing in the country when he was caught in a strong ocean current while swimming. Bystanders pulled him to shore, where emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A translated statement from authorities read, “The victim appears to have entered the sea and was apparently swept away by a current… He was declared lifeless at the scene.” The Costa Rican National Police later confirmed to ABC News that the cause of death was asphyxia due to drowning.
Following the heartbreaking news, Warner’s colleagues and friends shared emotional tributes. Tracee Ellis Ross, who starred alongside him in Reed Between the Lines, honored him in a heartfelt Instagram post.
“I love you, Malcolm,” she wrote. “First I met you as Theo with the rest of the world, then you were my first TV husband. My heart is so so sad.”
She continued, “What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant. You made the world a brighter place.”
Warner’s impact extended far beyond his role as Theo Huxtable, with a career spanning acting, directing, and music. As the entertainment world mourns his untimely passing, fans and peers alike remember him for his talent, kindness, and lasting contributions to television.
This story was originally reported by E! News.
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