Washington D.C. [US], July 22: Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, widely recognized for his role as Theo Huxtable, the only son of Bill Cosby’s character Heathcliff Huxtable, on the iconic TV series ‘The Cosby Show,’ has died at the age of 54. Warner passed away on Sunday, July 20, in Costa Rica due to an accidental drowning while on vacation.
Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency confirmed that Warner was swimming in the ocean on July 20 when he was apparently swept away by a current. Bystanders rescued him and brought him to shore, where the Costa Rican Red Cross provided treatment. However, he was tragically declared lifeless at the scene. Costa Rican National Police later confirmed the cause of death as asphyxia, a condition where the body is deprived of oxygen, which can be caused by drowning.
Bill Cosby, 88, expressed profound sorrow upon hearing the news. His representative, Andrew Wyatt, shared that the call about Warner’s death was as shocking and painful for Cosby as when he learned of his own son, Ennis Cosby’s, murder in 1997. Wyatt also relayed Cosby’s fond memories of his late son Ennis and Warner playing together as children, noting they “were amazing together.”
Cosby praised Warner’s work ethic on the set of ‘The Cosby Show,’ stating, “You could depend on Malcolm always going to the shelter, to learn his lines, to gather his character to come out and be ready.” He added, “When the news came, it was shocking,” and extended his thoughts to Warner’s mother, who “worked so hard… She was so wonderful with him.” Cosby believes Warner left an everlasting impact with his work.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner starred as Theo Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’ from 1984 to 1992, earning an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1986. After the series, he continued his successful acting career, playing Malcolm McGee on the sitcom ‘Malcolm & Eddie’ (UPN, four seasons) and leading the BET sitcom ‘Reed Between the Lines’ (2011-2015). He also had notable roles as Sticky on FX’s motorcycle drama ‘Sons of Anarchy’ and AJ Austin on ‘The Resident’ (2018-2023).
Warner’s extensive filmography also includes Showtime’s post-apocalyptic drama ‘Jeremiah,’ as well as appearances in ‘9-1-1,’ ‘Alert: Missing Persons Unit,’ and ‘Suits.’ He portrayed Al Cowlings in the limited series ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story’ and made guest appearances on shows like ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,’ ‘Grown-ish,’ and ‘Community.’ Additionally, he lent his voice to the character of Producer on PBS Kids’ ‘The Magic School Bus,’ which he also executive produced. Warner was also a Grammy-winning musician and a poet.