Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the acclaimed actor best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has tragically passed away at the age of 54.

According to TMZ, a source close to the actor revealed that Warner died as a result of an accidental drowning. People further reported that the actor was on a family vacation in Costa Rica when the incident occurred. While swimming, Warner is believed to have drowned, though official details have yet to be confirmed.

Warner first captured hearts as the quick-witted Theo on The Cosby Show, a role he played from 1984 to 1992. His charismatic performance made him a household name and a defining presence in Black television history. He later starred alongside Eddie Griffin in the hit sitcom Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000), and went on to play Alex Reed in Reed Between the Lines (2011–2015) opposite Tracee Ellis Ross.

In more recent years, Warner continued to leave his mark on television with notable roles in Major Crimes as Chuck Cooper, Suits as Julius Rowe, and The Resident as Dr. AJ Austin.

Beyond acting, Warner was also an accomplished musician, director, and advocate. Just last year, he launched the podcast Not All Hood with co-hosts Weusi Baraka and Candace Kelley. In an interview with People, Warner described the podcast as a space for honest conversations about the Black experience:

“It's been an interesting experience for me, because it's a place where I feel safe enough to be as vulnerable as I allow myself to be. When we talk about the Black community, we tend to speak of it as a monolith when the reality is there are so many different facets... We wanted to have a space where we can really explore, discuss, and acknowledge all of those different aspects.”

Warner is survived by his wife and daughter, whose identities he chose to keep private throughout his life—a reflection of his commitment to maintaining a sense of normalcy and privacy outside the spotlight.

Fans, friends, and fellow actors continue to mourn the loss of a gifted performer whose impact spanned generations. Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s legacy lives on through his work, his voice, and the lives he touched both on and off the screen.

Source: People