SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – Malcolm-Jamal Warner, beloved actor best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the iconic sitcom *The Cosby Show*, was found dead on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the age of 54. According to Costa Rican National Police, Warner drowned while swimming off the coast of Playa Cocles in Limon, Costa Rica, during a family vacation. The official cause of death was asphyxia, caused by a strong ocean current that pulled him under.
Warner, born August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, rose to fame as the endearing son of Cliff and Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for his performance. His career spanned decades, with notable roles in Malcolm & Eddie, The Resident, Suits, and American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson. A multi-talented artist, Warner also won a Grammy in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Jesus Children” and hosted the podcast Not All Hood, with its latest episode released just days before his passing.
The actor, known for his private life, is survived by his wife and daughter, whose identities he kept out of the public eye. Tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues, celebrating Warner’s warmth, talent, and contributions to television and Black culture.
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