Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor who charmed audiences as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at age 54 in a tragic drowning accident in Costa Rica.
Reports indicate that Warner was swimming near Cocles Beach when he was pulled under by a powerful current. Rescue efforts were unsuccessful, and his body was recovered hours later. Authorities have ruled the death accidental.
Warner became a household name in the 1980s as the affable, sometimes mischievous Theo, the only son of Cliff and Clair Huxtable. The role earned him an Emmy nomination and made him a beloved figure in television history. Even decades later, he reflected on the show’s significance, saying, “It wasn’t just a sitcom—it was a cultural movement.”
After The Cosby Show, Warner continued acting, starring in Malcolm & Eddie and later appearing in medical dramas like The Resident. Despite the controversies surrounding Bill Cosby, Warner stood by the show’s legacy, emphasizing its impact on Black representation in media.
Tributes from fans and co-stars have poured in, celebrating Warner’s talent and the joy he brought to millions. Details about memorial services have not yet been shared.
