Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Who Played Son 'Theo' on The Cosby Show

Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Credit: Santiago Felipe/Getty; Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty 

Dies at 54. The actor died while on a family trip in Costa Rica, a source confirms to PEOPLE.

The actor was in Costa Rica on a family vacation and drowned while swimming, a source confirms to PEOPLE.

A rep for Warner did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

Warner's career began with his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show.

The actor played the only son of Bill Cosby's character, Heathcliff Huxtable, in the sitcom from 1984 to 1992.

In 2023, Warner told PEOPLE of the show, "I know I can speak for all the cast when I say The Cosby Show is something that we are all still very proud of."

Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Theodore 'Theo' Huxtable, Lisa Bonet as Denise Huxtable, Phylicia Rashad as Clair Hanks Huxtable, Tempestt Bledsoe as Vanessa Huxtable, Keshia Knight Pulliam as Rudy Huxtable, Bill Cosby as Dr. Heathcliff 'Cliff' Huxtable on 'The Cosby Show'. Credit: Frank Carroll/NBCU Photo Bank

"We share a unique experience that keeps us lovingly bonded no matter how much time goes between seeing or hearing from each other."

Warner did, of course, acknowledge how the show's legacy had changed given the allegations made against Cosby, 88, who was convicted of sexual assault in 2018 but later had the charge overturned in 2021, only for five more women to accuse him of sexual assault.

"Regardless of how some people may feel about the show now, I'm still proud of the legacy and having been a part of such an iconic show that had such a profound impact on — first and foremost, Black culture — but also American culture," Warner said.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner attends the 2nd Annual Living Legends Gala at InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta on September 30, 2023. Credit: Derek White/Getty

Following The Cosby Show, Warner went on to star in several other successful TV shows and movies.

He and Eddie Griffin led the sitcom Malcolm & Eddie from 1996 to 2000, and Warner was also well known for his role as Alex Reed on Reed Between the Lines, which he starred in alongside Tracee Ellis Ross from 2011 to 2015.

More recently, Warner had starred in Major Crimes as Chuck Cooper, as Julius Rowe in Suits, and as AJ Austin in The Resident.

9-1-1 and Alert: Missing Persons Unit were his most recent credits.

His latest venture was a podcast, Not All Hood, that he launched with two others as a means of breaking down barriers to mental health in the Black community.

Last June, he launched the podcast with cohosts Weusi Baraka and Candace Kelley, and he told PEOPLE it was a space where he could be his “most vulnerable.”

“It's been an interesting experience for me, because it's a place where I feel safe enough to be able to be as vulnerable as I allow myself to be,” he said.

Angela Bassett and Malcolm-Jamal Warner on '9-1-1'. Credit: Disney/Mike Taing

“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 of the Black community, and we wanted to have a space where we can really explore, discuss, and acknowledge all of those different aspects," he said at the time.

Warner is survived by a wife and daughter, whose identities he opted to keep private.

By Julia Moore | Updated on July 21, 2025 01:34PM EDT

Rest in Power, Theo

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“The Cosby Show: The Very Best of Theo Huxtable”

— Source: In video

His character, Theo, was the only son among four daughters in the household of Cliff Huxtable and Phylicia Rashad's Clair Huxtable on the NBC sitcom, and he would be one of the prime representations of American teenage boyhood on a show that was the most popular in America for much of its run from 1984 to 1992.

ABC News, Australia

Authorities in Costa Rica say Warner was swimming at the Playa Cocles beach while on vacation and drowned after being pulled into the ocean by a strong current.

READ

“Malcolm-Jamal Warner”

— Source: 1970 — 2025

Sending hugs and prayers to the family of Malcolm-Jamal Warner. What a gift to the world he truly was. Gone way too soon. May he rest in everlasting peace.

This one hurt like he was family... we watched him grow up into a man.

ABOUT: Malcolm-Jamal Warner

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**Reported Footnote**: Following the accidental drowning of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, known for his role in "The Cosby Show," another man is reportedly in critical condition. The Costa Rican Red Cross received an alert about a water-related incident that afternoon and dispatched three ambulances to the scene. Medical personnel attended to both men, although the current condition of the 35-year-old man remains unknown. (Originally appeared in USA TODAY).

“The man who attempted to save Malcolm-Jamal Warner from drowning was discharged from the hospital.”

— Source: UPDATE: July 23, 2025

The individual was a 29-year-old man from Nicaragua, according to Dr. Mauricio Solano Corella, Medical Director of the Talamanca Health Area.

He was again confirmed to be in the water trying to help Warner, who the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) previously told PEOPLE had been "swept away by a current." The man was taken to a local hospital in critical condition but has since been discharged.

After receiving treatment from the Costa Rican Red Cross and a local hospital, the second victim fully recovered.

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