The Cosby Show’s Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dead at 54 From Accidental Drowning in Costa Rica: Report

Malcolm-Jamal Warner has reportedly passed away at 54.

The former child star, who was known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show from 1984 to 1992, has allegedly died from an accidental drowning, an unconfirmed source told TMZ.

Warner was said to be on a family vacation to Costa Rica at the time of his death, according to another source who spoke with People.

Officials in Costa Rica have since confirmed that Warned died from asphyxia while swimming at a beach in Limon. His body was discovered on Sunday, July 20.

The sitcom alum leaves behind his wife and daughter, whose names have not been publicly disclosed.

In recent years, Warner primarily lived his life out of the limelight while quietly pursuing his career in the arts and entertainment industries. Along with being a podcast host, a musician and a poet, he also continued his acting career. This year, he played Chief Inspector Bill Houston in three episodes of Alert: Missing Persons Unit, and last year, he helmed the role of Amir Casey in several episodes of 9-1-1.

While he’s earned many acting gigs throughout his career, The Cosby Show remained close to Warner’s heart.

Once a beloved family sitcom, the memory of the series had a shadow cast over it following the sexual assault allegations against lead actor Bill Cosby. He was found guilty of aggravated indecent assault in 2018, but the conviction was later overturned by the Supreme Court.

Still, Warner had since said that the cast was “very proud” of their work on the series.

“Regardless of how some people may feel about the show now,” he told People in 2023, “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.”