Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 22, 2025 · Entertainment

R.I.P. Malcolm-Jamal Warner: 'The Cosby Show' Star Dies of Drowning at 54

The Cosby Show star Malcolm-Jamal Warner's cause of death has been revealed. Seen in 2015

MALCOLM-JAMAL WARNER, STAR OF THE COSBY SHOW, DEAD AT 54

In a shocking turn of events, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the beloved star of the iconic TV show The Cosby Show, has passed away at the age of 54. According to Costa Rican authorities, Warner's cause of death was asphyxiation by submersion after he accidentally drowned while swimming on Sunday afternoon.

Warner, who played the lovable and awkward Theo Huxtable for eight seasons, was found without vital signs by first responders from Costa Rica's Red Cross. Despite efforts to revive him, Warner remained unresponsive and was eventually pronounced dead at the morgue.

Members of Bill Cosby's television family, the Huxtables, Sabrina Le Beauf, from left, Tempest Bledsoe, Cosby, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Phylicia Rashad, Raven Symone and Malcolm-Jamal in 2002

As news of his death spread, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry. "Theo was OUR son, OUR brother, OUR friend," wrote Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis on Instagram. "He was absolutely so familiar, and we rejoiced at how TV got it right!!"

But behind-the-scenes drama surrounded Warner's life long after The Cosby Show ended its run. In a candid interview with the Associated Press in 2015, Warner revealed that he struggled to distance himself from his iconic character. "Part of the distancing for me is not wanting to see how much of Malcolm is in Theo," he confessed. "I remember doing the show and I always thought that Theo is corny. I want Theo to be cooler."

Warner's personal life also remained shrouded in mystery, with him refusing to publicly disclose his marriage or the name of his young daughter. However, sources close to the family revealed that Warner was a devoted father and husband, who prioritized his family above all else.

Costa Rican cops ruled his cause of death as asphyxiation by submersion. First responders from Costa Rica's Red Cross found him without vital signs and he was taken to the morgue. 'He was rescued by people on the beach,' the department's initial report said. Seen in 2009

As news of his passing spread, fellow actors and industry professionals took to social media to pay their respects. "My heart is heavy right now," wrote actor Eddie Griffin, with whom Warner co-starred in the sitcom Malcolm & Eddie. "Rest easy my brother for you have Won in life and now you have won forever eternal bliss.."

Warner's career spanned over 40 years, with credits including TV shows like Read Between the Lines and The Resident, as well as films like Fool's Gold. A Grammy-winning poet and musician, Warner was also a talented director, helming episodes of Malcolm & Eddie and The Resident.

In the early days of his acting career, Warner struggled to find work outside of his iconic role on The Cosby Show. "I grew up with a maniacal obsession with not wanting to be one of those `where are they now kids,´" he told the AP in 2015. "I feel very blessed to be able to have all of these avenues of expression...to be where I am now and finally at a place where I can let go of that worry about having a life after Cosby."

CPR was performed on him for around 20 minutes, according to People. The actor was 54-years-old when he died by accidental drowning in Costa Rica, authorities there said Monday. Seen in 2023

Warner's legacy extends far beyond his time on The Cosby Show. As a trailblazing black actor, he paved the way for future generations of performers. "My biggest concern is when it comes to images of people of color on television and film," he said in 2015. "We've always had `The Cosby Show´ to hold up against that. And the fact that we no longer have that, that's the thing that saddens me the most because in a few generations the Huxtables will have been just a fairy tale."

As news of his passing continues to spread, fans and fellow actors alike are left mourning the loss of a true TV legend. Rest in peace, Malcolm-Jamal Warner.

Sources:

  • The Scholarly Note