Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on "The Cosby Show," has died at the age of 54. The actor passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, while on a family vacation in Costa Rica. According to Costa Rican authorities, Warner drowned while swimming at Playa Cocles in Limon province. A strong current caught him in the water, and his official cause of death was asphyxia.

Warner was born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He began acting at a young age and attended New York's Professional Children's School. At the age of 13, he landed the role of Theo Huxtable on "The Cosby Show" after a broad search for the right child actor. He played the part for the entirety of the show's run, from 1984 to 1992, becoming a beloved figure in households across America.

"The Cosby Show" was a cultural phenomenon that helped define the 1980s. Warner's portrayal of Theo, the only son of Bill Cosby's Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable, earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1986. He also won three Young Artist Awards for his performance.

Beyond "The Cosby Show," Warner had a successful career in television, film, and music. He starred in the sitcom "Malcolm & Eddie" with comedian Eddie Griffin from 1996 to 2000. He also had roles in "Sons of Anarchy," "The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story," "The Resident," and "9-1-1". In 2015, Warner won a Grammy Award for his work on Robert Glasper's "Jesus Children". He was also nominated for best spoken word poetry album in 2022 for "Hiding in Plain View".

News of Warner's death has prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media. Eddie Griffin posted on Instagram, "My heart is heavy right now. Rest easy my brother for you have Won in life and now you have won forever eternal bliss..". Many fans recalled his humor and warmth as Theo, noting the character's influence on views of family life in sitcoms.

Warner addressed the sexual assault allegations against Bill Cosby in a 2015 interview with Billboard. Despite the controversy surrounding "The Cosby Show" in recent years, Warner remained proud of his contribution to the show's impact. In a 2023 interview, he stated, “Regardless of how some people feel about the show now, I am proud to have been a part of something that had such a profound impact".

Malcolm-Jamal Warner is survived by his wife and daughter, whose names he kept private. His sudden passing is a significant loss to the entertainment industry, and he will be remembered for his talent, his contributions to television, and the positive impact he had on many.