The Cosby Show star dead at 54: Malcolm-Jamal Warner passes away after shock ‘drowning incident’

The Cosby Show alum Malcolm-Jamal Warner has tragically passed away at the age of 54, the Daily Mail can confirm. 

The actor died in Costa Rica on Sunday after drowning while swimming off the coast, according to local authorities who spoke with ABC News. 

The Costa Rican National Police reported that Warner’s body was discovered near Cocles, a beach in the Limon province.

He was reportedly caught by a strong current, and his official cause of death has been listed as asphyxia.

Daily Mail has reached out to Warner’s representatives for comment, but they have not yet responded.

While the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, experts note that some beaches in Costa Rica can pose serious risks depending on conditions. 

The Cosby Show alum Malcolm-Jamal Warner has tragically died after drowning at the age of 54, according to TMZ (seen in 2006)

Though many areas are safe for swimming, others are known for powerful currents and rip tides that demand caution.

Warner was best known for his iconic role as Theodore Huxtable, the only son of Cliff Huxtable, on the beloved NBC sitcom The Cosby Show. He appeared in all eight seasons from 1984 to 1992, earning widespread acclaim and becoming a household name. 

According to WedMD, Asphyxia ‘happens when your body doesn’t get enough oxygen to keep you from passing.’ 

Breathing impairment, due to water inhalation, can cause the condition, which can result in unconsciousness or death. 

Although it is unknown what caused him to drown, the waters in Costa Rica can be dangerous, depending on the specific beach and conditions.

While many beaches offer safe swimming, some have strong currents and rip tides that require caution. 

The actor, best known for his role as Theodore Huxtable on the beloved NBC sitcom, appeared in all eight seasons from 1984 to 1992. 

At the time, Warner was just a teenager, but his performance earned widespread acclaim, including a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 1986 Primetime Emmy Awards. 

The actor, best known for his role as Theodore Huxtable on the beloved NBC sitcom, appeared in all eight seasons from 1984 to 1992 (seen in 1899)

In the show, Theo is diagnosed with dyslexia after struggling academically during his freshman year at New York University—an arc that resonated with many viewers; seen in 1990

Warner is survived by his wife and young daughter, born in 2017.

While he occasionally shared glimpses of his family life on social media, he chose to keep their identities private, opting not to publicly reveal their names.

His character, Theo, was based on Bill Cosby’s real-life son, Ennis Cosby, and was portrayed with depth and sensitivity. 

In the show, Theo is diagnosed with dyslexia after struggling academically during his freshman year at New York University—an arc that resonated with many viewers.

Beyond The Cosby Show, Warner carved out a successful and diverse career in both comedy and drama.

He starred as Malcolm McGee in the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000) opposite Eddie Griffin, and later headlined BET’s Reed Between the Lines from 2011 to 2015 as Dr. Alex Reed.

His television credits also included recurring roles and guest appearances on shows like Sons of Anarchy, Jeremiah, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Community. Warner also voiced the Producer character on the educational children’s series The Magic School Bus.

Prior to his breakout role, Warner, who was born in New Jersey, he attended a performing arts school in New York City. 

The actor was in Costa Rica with his family where he drowned while swimming off the coast of Costa Rica on Sunday, local authorities told ABC News

Beyond The Cosby Show, Warner carved out a successful and diverse career in both comedy and drama (pictured on The Resident)

Cosby personally selected Warner to play his son. 

News of Warner’s sudden death has left fans and colleagues in shock.

‘That man gave us one of the greatest scenes in the history of television. I cannot even believe this. I am over here SOBBING! Rest in poetry, Malcolm Jamal Warner,’ one fan wrote on X.

Another tweeted: ‘Rest in power to Malcolm-Jamal Warner (1970–2025), who passed away on July 21, 2025, at age 54 from an accidental drowning. Forever our Theo Huxtable, a symbol of Black excellence, grace, and artistry. Your legacy shines on.’ 

Jamie Foxx was among the first Hollywood stars to pay tribute to Warner, who co-starred in the film Booty Call in 1997. 

Foxx also co-executive produced the series Alert: Missing Persons Unit, where Malcolm-Jamal Warner has a recurring role.