Former 'The Cosby Show' Star Malcolm-Jamal Warner Passes Away at 54 in Tragic Drowning Accident

Former Cosby Show star Malcolm-Jamal Warner has sadly died at the age of 54.

TMZ was the first to report the news on Monday, July 21. ABC News later confirmed that the actor drowned near Cocles, a beach in the Limon region of Costa Rica. According to Costa Rican National Police, Warner was caught in a strong current and died from asphyxia caused by drowning.

Warner was best known for his role as Theodore Huxtable, the beloved only son of Cliff and Claire Huxtable, on The Cosby Show. He played the fan-favorite character for all eight seasons from 1984 to 1992, becoming a household name and a major part of television history.

In a 2023 interview with People, Warner opened up about the impact of the series and how proud he remained of its cultural significance.

“I’m still proud of the legacy and having been a part of such an iconic show that had such a profound impact on — first and foremost, Black culture — but also American culture,” he said at the time.

He reflected on how the show shifted the narrative of Black sitcoms. “Prior to The Cosby Show, Black sitcom humor was predicated on being Black, the specificity of the ‘Black’ experience,” he explained. “Though the Huxtables were clearly Black — reflected quite obviously by their dress, the Black art on the walls, the music — the family issues all were universal.”

Warner added that the show’s relatability was a major part of its success. “The family dynamic was one that practically every family — no matter the ethnicity, socioeconomic status or even family makeup — could find something to relate to.”

He also shared that his castmates, including Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad and Lisa Bonet, still feel proud of the work they did. “I know I can speak for all the cast when I say The Cosby Show is something that we are all still very proud of,” he said. “We share a unique experience that keeps us lovingly bonded no matter how much time goes between seeing or hearing from each other.”

In addition to his iconic TV role, Warner was most recently the host of the podcast Not All Hood with cohost Candace Kelley. The show aimed to explore “the lived experiences and identities of Black people in America,” and their most recent episode dropped on Friday, July 18 — just days before his passing.

Though Warner was a public figure for decades, he kept his personal life mostly private. He is survived by his wife and daughter, whose names have never been publicly revealed.