Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for playing Theo Huxtable on the popular sitcom The Cosby Show, has reportedly died at the age of 54.
According to TMZ, the actor was on a family vacation in Costa Rica when the incident occurred. Costa Rican police said Warner drowned while swimming at Cocles Beach in Limon. He was said to have been caught in a strong current and was later found on Sunday afternoon, July 20. Authorities confirmed the cause of death as asphyxia.
Warner rose to fame for his role as the Huxtables’ only son in the long-running NBC series, which aired from 1984 to 1992. He was just 14 years old when he was selected by Bill Cosby for the role after auditioning on the final day of the show’s casting search.
Over the years, Warner reflected on the show’s legacy, especially after public controversies involving its lead star. In a 2021 interview, he acknowledged the divided opinions surrounding the show but also spoke about its impact on many young people and families.
Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, in August 1970, Warner was named after civil rights icon Malcolm X and jazz legend Ahmad Jamal. He began performing as a child and attended The Professional Children’s School in New York.
He was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1986 and also hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live that same year.
