Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dies at 54 After Drowning in Costa Rica

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor celebrity best known for playing Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” has died at the age of 54. According to Costa Rican authorities, Warner drowned after getting caught in a rip current near Cocles Beach in Limon on Sunday. Bystanders pulled him to shore and attempted to help before he was pronounced dead by the Costa Rican Red Cross. Warner was in Costa Rica as a tourist, officials confirmed.

From Child Star to Emmy Nominee

Warner’s career took off when he was cast in 1984 as Theo Huxtable, the son of Bill Cosby’s character on the NBC sitcom. The show became a cultural touchstone, running for eight seasons and earning Warner an Emmy nomination in 1986. He credited the role for helping inspire a generation of young viewers to pursue education and family values. In a 2023 appearance on “Live with Kelly and Mark,” Warner said he was the last person to audition for the role, which originally had very different casting requirements.

A Career That Continued to Evolve

After “The Cosby Show,” Warner remained a consistent presence on screen. He starred in the UPN sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie” alongside Eddie Griffin from 1996 to 2000, and later took on a lead role in the BET series “Reed Between the Lines.” He also appeared in a number of notable shows including “The Michael J. Fox Show,” “Sons of Anarchy,” “Key & Peele,” “Suits,” and “American Crime Story.” Most recently, Warner had a recurring role on the Fox drama “The Resident,” where he played Dr. AJ Austin for five seasons.

Musical Talents and Grammy Recognition

Beyond acting, Warner had a deep connection to music. He began playing bass at 26 while working on “Malcolm & Eddie” and went on to perform with respected musicians. In 2015, he won a Grammy for best traditional R&B performance for his collaboration with Robert Glasper Experiment and Lalah Hathaway on a cover of “Jesus Children of America.” He later earned a Grammy nomination in 2023 for best spoken word poetry album for his project “Hiding In Plain View.” In interviews, Warner often described music as a source of grounding and personal expression, saying the bass always resonated with him from a young age.

Advocacy and Vulnerability Through Conversation

In June 2024, Warner launched a podcast with Candace Kelly called “Not All Hood,” where they explored mental health and emotional well-being within the Black community. In a 2024 interview, he said the podcast allowed him to be vulnerable in ways he hadn’t before, offering more nuanced views of Black identity beyond stereotypes often portrayed in media. Warner emphasized that the show aimed to showcase the many layers of Black culture and encourage open dialogue.

A Legacy Grounded in Peace and Resilience

Warner often spoke of the satisfaction he found in his post-“Cosby Show” life, highlighting the peace of mind he had cultivated. In a 2013 interview with the Archive of American Television, he said, “If I die tomorrow, I know I would go with a smile on my face.” He took pride in his ability to navigate a long career while staying grounded. Warner’s legacy extends beyond acting, reaching into music, social awareness, and a commitment to showing up authentically in every chapter of his life.