LOS ANGELES, CA – July 22, 2025 – Malcolm-Jamal Warner, beloved for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show and celebrated as a Grammy-winning poet and musician, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the age of 54. Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department confirmed that Warner died in a tragic drowning accident while on vacation with his family at Playa Cocles in Limon province. He was caught in a strong ocean current, and despite efforts by bystanders to rescue him, first responders from the Costa Rican Red Cross were unable to revive him. His official cause of death was asphyxia due to drowning.
Born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Warner was named after civil rights activist Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, reflecting the cultural aspirations of his parents. Raised primarily by his mother, Pamela Warner, in Los Angeles after his parents’ divorce, he began acting classes at age nine, showing early promise as a performer. His breakout role came in 1984 as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, the NBC sitcom that became a cultural touchstone for its portrayal of a loving, affluent Black family. Warner’s portrayal of the charming, sometimes mischievous teenager earned him a 1986 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He also directed several episodes of the show, which ran until 1992.
Warner’s career spanned over four decades, showcasing his versatility across television, film, music, and poetry. He starred in the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000) alongside Eddie Griffin, earning praise for his comedic timing as the straight-laced Malcolm McGee, and directed 17 episodes of the series. Other notable roles included Dr. Alex Reed in Reed Between the Lines (2011–2015), for which he won a 2012 NAACP Image Award, and Dr. AJ “The Raptor” Austin in the Fox medical drama The Resident (2018–2023). He also appeared in Sons of Anarchy, American Crime Story as Al Cowlings, and Alert: Missing Persons Unit (2025), among others. Warner served as an executive producer for The Magic School Bus and directed episodes of shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Beyond acting, Warner was a passionate musician and poet, leading the jazz-funk spoken-word band Miles Long. He released four albums: The Miles Long Mixtape (2003), Love & Other Social Issues (2007), Selfless (2015), and Hiding in Plain View (2022). His 2015 collaboration with Robert Glasper Experiment and Lalah Hathaway on a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Jesus Children of America” earned him a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance. The track featured Warner’s poignant spoken-word tribute to the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. In 2023, his album Hiding in Plain View was nominated for a Grammy in the inaugural Best Spoken Word Poetry Album category, highlighting his introspective exploration of Black masculinity and vulnerability. Warner, a skilled bassist, performed at major venues like the Playboy Jazz Festival and the Apollo Theater, blending jazz, funk, and socially conscious lyrics.
Warner was deeply committed to cultural and social advocacy. In 2024, he launched the podcast Not All Hood with Candace O. Kelley and Weusi Baraka, addressing Black identity, mental health, and creativity. The latest episode aired just days before his death. He was also a regular performer at the National Black Theatre Festival and an advocate against teen drug use. His ties to Atlanta’s arts scene were strong, where he performed with his band Biological Misfits and supported local events.
Tributes poured in from peers and fans. Bill Cosby, who considered Warner like a son, told ABC News, “He was always a great studier, and I enjoyed working with him very much.” Raven-Symoné, a Cosby Show co-star, shared an emotional Instagram video, while Marlee Matlin called him “the nicest guy” on X. Magic Johnson mourned his “dear friend,” recalling their conversations about basketball and life. Geoffrey Owens, another Cosby Show co-star, praised Warner’s generosity and creative spirit. The King Center in Atlanta honored his 2023 hosting of their Beloved Community Awards.
Warner is survived by his wife and young daughter, whose identities he kept private. His family is reportedly arranging to bring his body back to the United States for a funeral. Fans on X expressed profound grief, with one user, @glynderella_
, noting, “Malcolm-Jamal Warner was not only Black television royalty, he was a Grammy Award winning poet and talented musician in a jazz band. May he rest in peace.” His multifaceted legacy as an actor, musician, poet, and advocate continues to resonate across generations.
