By Dayo Ade Olusola | July 21, 2025
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the iconic American sitcom The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54 after drowning off the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.
Authorities from Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department confirmed the actor’s death, stating that Warner was swimming at Playa Grande de Cocles in the province of Limón on Sunday afternoon when he was swept under by a strong current.
Despite efforts by bystanders to pull him from the water, emergency responders from the Costa Rican Red Cross reported that Warner showed no signs of life upon their arrival. He was later transported to a local morgue.
Warner was reportedly vacationing with family at the time of the incident, according to US outlet People.
A prominent figure on American television, Warner rose to fame in the 1980s for his portrayal of Theo, the only son in a well-to-do African-American family led by Bill Cosby’s character, Cliff Huxtable.
The show aired from 1984 to 1992 on NBC and was widely credited for reshaping mainstream representation of Black families on television.
The Cosby Show became a cultural milestone, dominating US television ratings during much of its run. Warner appeared in all eight seasons and 197 episodes of the series, earning an Emmy nomination in 1986 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Among fans, one of the most memorable moments from Warner’s time on the show was a scene featuring him in a humorously misshapen shirt made by his on-screen sister Denise, played by Lisa Bonet.
News of Warner’s death comes as a shock to fans worldwide, with tributes already pouring in across social media.
His contribution to American television and cultural history is widely celebrated, especially for his role in a series that opened doors for future generations of Black actors and creators.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether an autopsy will be conducted, and the investigation into the drowning is ongoing.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
