by: Addy Bink
Posted: Jul 21, 2025 / 01:30 PM EDT
Updated: Jul 21, 2025 / 01:44 PM EDT
(NEXSTAR) — Malcolm-Jamal Warner, well-known for playing Theodore Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” has died, according to reports.
The 54-year-old died by drowning, per TMZ, which was first to report on his passing. A source also confirmed Warner’s death to PEOPLE, saying he drowned while swimming on vacation with his family in Costa Rica. No additional details were available.
Nexstar reached out to Warner’s representatives but did not immediately receive a response.
While he had roles before playing Theodore Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” it was arguably his most iconic role. Warner told PEOPLE in 2023 that, despite how some have felt toward the show in light of allegations made against his on-screen father, Bill Cosby, he and other members of the cast are still proud of the show.
“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 told the outlet.
After appearing as Theo for nearly 200 episodes on the hit television series, Warner had roles in films like “Drop Zone,” “Restaurant,” and “Fool’s Gold,” and on several TV shows, including “American Horror Story,” “Key and Peele,” “Major Crimes,” and “Suits.” He also appeared in nearly 100 episodes of “The Resident” as AJ Austin.
Warner’s most recent on-screen credits include appearing in episodes of “Alert: Missing Persons Unit” and “9-1-1,” his IMDb page shows.
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