Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has tragically died after a drowning accident in Costa Rica. He was 54.
The incident occurred on July 20 near the Playa Grande resort in Cahuita, Limón, according to reports from ABC News and the Associated Press. Warner was reportedly caught in a strong current while swimming and, despite efforts from beachgoers to rescue him, was found without vital signs by first responders from the Costa Rican Red Cross.
In a tragic turn, a second man—unidentified but reportedly 35 years old—was also involved in the same incident. He was transported to a local clinic in critical condition, officials confirmed to People and Us Weekly. His current condition remains unknown.
The Costa Rican Red Cross said three ambulances were dispatched after receiving an emergency report of swimmers in distress. Warner was later taken to a morgue, and police have formally identified him as the victim.
Warner’s representatives have declined to comment publicly, but tributes have begun pouring in from across the entertainment industry. Celebrities including Bill Cosby, Beyoncé, and Jamie Foxx have shared condolences, remembering Warner as a multi-talented artist and beloved figure in television history.
Beyond his eight-season run on The Cosby Show, Warner made his mark in numerous roles. He starred opposite Eddie Griffin in the 1990s sitcom Malcolm & Eddie, played Dr. AJ Austin in The Resident from 2018 to 2023, and had memorable roles on Community, Sons of Anarchy, and The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, where he portrayed Al Cowlings.
A versatile performer, Warner was also an accomplished musician and poet. He won a Grammy Award in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Jesus Children” and was nominated in 2023 for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album for Hiding in Plain View.
Warner’s passing marks a profound loss for the entertainment community and fans around the world who grew up watching his work.
USA TODAY has reached out to the Costa Rican Red Cross for further comment.
