Malcolm-Jamal Warner, ‘The Cosby Show’ Star, Dies Aged 54 in Costa Rica Drowning

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the American actor best known for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54 after drowning off the coast of Costa Rica, officials have confirmed.

Warner was reportedly caught in a rip current while swimming at Playa Cocles, in the Caribbean province of Limón, on Sunday, 20 July 2025.

According to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department, the actor was swept out to sea and could not be resuscitated despite swift intervention from lifeguards and local bystanders.

The Costa Rican Red Cross stated that Warner was found unresponsive in the water. Lifesaving efforts were made at the scene but he was ultimately declared dead. Authorities are treating the death as an accidental drowning.

Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry following confirmation of his death. Actress Tracee Ellis Ross described Warner as “a radiant soul and a true artist,” while singer Jennifer Hudson called him “a rare kind of talent whose light touched every corner of the industry.”

Former basketball star Magic Johnson also paid his respects, hailing Warner’s influence on Black representation in American television.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1970, Warner rose to national prominence as a teenager when he was cast as Theo Huxtable, the only son of Cliff and Clair Huxtable, in The Cosby Show a landmark sitcom that aired from 1984 to 1992. His performance as the earnest, sometimes mischievous Theo earned him critical acclaim and endeared him to millions of viewers.

Following the show’s conclusion, Warner built a steady career as a television and stage actor, director, poet, and musician. His later roles included appearances in Sons of Anarchy, Reed Between the Lines, The Resident, and 9-1-1. He also won a Grammy Award in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance for his work on Robert Glasper’s “Jesus Children.”

More recently, he had been the host of a podcast titled Not All Hood, which focused on cultural identity, race, and art.

The U.S. Embassy in San José has been in contact with local authorities and Warner’s family regarding repatriation arrangements.

Warner is survived by his partner and young daughter. His family has requested privacy as they grieve the sudden loss.