Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the beloved actor best known for his role as Theodore “Theo” Huxtable on the iconic NBC sitcom *The Cosby Show*, has tragically passed away at the age of 54. The actor died in an accidental drowning while on a family vacation in Costa Rica, sources confirm.
Warner rose to national prominence as a teenager, starring as Theo, the only son of Heathcliff Huxtable, played by Bill Cosby, on *The Cosby Show* from 1984 to 1992. His portrayal of the likable, sometimes academically challenged teen, who was later revealed to have dyslexia, earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1986. The role, loosely based on Cosby’s own son Ennis, endeared Warner to audiences and solidified his place in television history.
Born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Warner was named after Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal. Raised primarily by his mother, Pam Warner, he moved to Los Angeles at age five and began pursuing acting by age nine. His early interest led to enrollment in entertainment-oriented schools, and at 12, he landed guest roles on network television. Warner auditioned for *The Cosby Show* on the final day of a nationwide talent search and was personally selected by Cosby for the role of Theo.
Beyond *The Cosby Show*, Warner enjoyed a diverse and prolific career spanning television, film, theater, music, and spoken word. He starred as Malcolm McGee in the UPN sitcom *Malcolm & Eddie* alongside Eddie Griffin from 1996 to 2000, earning an Image Award nomination. He also played Dr. Alex Reed in the BET sitcom *Reed Between the Lines* (2011–2015) opposite Tracee Ellis Ross. Warner’s other notable roles included Sticky in FX’s *Sons of Anarchy* (2014), guest appearances on *Community*, *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air*, *HawthoRNe*, *Dexter*, and a recurring role on FOX’s *The Resident*. He lent his voice to the character of The Producer on PBS’s *The Magic School Bus* from 1994 to 1997.
A multifaceted talent, Warner was also an accomplished director, helming episodes of *The Cosby Show*, *Malcolm & Eddie*, *All That*, *Kenan & Kel*, and *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air*. His 1992 educational video *Time Out: The Truth About HIV, AIDS, and You*, featuring Arsenio Hall and Magic Johnson, earned him an NAACP Key of Life Image Award. In theater, Warner performed in *Three Ways Home* off-Broadway in 1988 and took on the role of John Prentice in *Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner* at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., and later at The Huntington Theatre in Boston.
Warner was also a musician and spoken word artist. A skilled bass guitarist, he released his debut EP, *The Miles Long Mixtape*, in 2003, followed by *Love & Other Social Issues* in 2007. In 2015, he won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for the song “Jesus Children” alongside Robert Glasper Experiment and Lalah Hathaway. He was nominated for a Grammy in 2022 for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album for *Hiding in Plain View*. Most recently, Warner hosted the podcast *Not All Hood*, with its latest episode released just days before his passing.
Known for his private personal life, Warner is survived by his wife and daughter, born in 2017, whose identities he kept out of the public eye. He previously had relationships with actresses Michelle Thomas, Karen Malina White, and Regina King. Warner’s legacy as a versatile entertainer and his contributions to Black culture and American television remain profound, with fans and colleagues remembering him for his warmth, talent, and enduring impact.
