Malcolm-Jamal Warner, beloved star of ‘The Cosby Show,’ dies at 54

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the iconic sitcom The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54, according to multiple reports.

TMZ was the first to report that Warner drowned while swimming during a family vacation in Costa Rica. PEOPLE later confirmed the tragic news through a source close to the actor. Further details surrounding his death have not yet been released. Representatives for Warner have not responded to requests for comment.

Warner became a household name in the 1980s as the youngest son in the Huxtable family, a role that earned him widespread acclaim and multiple Young Artist Awards. He also received a Primetime Emmy nomination during the show’s successful run.

Reflecting on the show's complex legacy in a 2023 interview with PEOPLE, Warner expressed pride in his work: “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.”

Born in New Jersey, Warner began acting at a young age and went on to enjoy a dynamic career in television and film. After The Cosby Show, he starred in series such as Malcolm & Eddie, Reed Between the Lines, Sons of Anarchy, American Horror Story, Key and Peele, Major Crimes, and Suits. He also portrayed Dr. AJ Austin in nearly 100 episodes of The Resident.

His film credits include Drop Zone, Restaurant, and Fool’s Gold. In 2015, Warner added a Grammy to his accolades, winning Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Jesus Children” alongside Lalah Hathaway and Robert Glasper.

Most recently, Warner appeared in the TV dramas Alert: Missing Persons Unit and 9-1-1. In 2023, he launched the podcast Not All Hood with co-hosts Weusi Baraka and Candace Kelley, exploring the diverse realities and identities of Black Americans.

Warner’s death marks the loss of a deeply respected actor, musician, and cultural figure whose work resonated across generations.