Malcolm-Jamal Warner, renowned for his role as Theodore Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” has tragically died at the age of 54 in an accidental drowning while on a family vacation in Costa Rica.
Warner’s career in acting began at an early age, leading to his selection for the iconic role of Theo Huxtable, the only son of Bill Cosby’s character, Cliff Huxtable. His performance on the show earned him an Emmy nomination for best supporting actor in a comedy. Following the success of “The Cosby Show,” Warner continued to make his mark in television with significant roles in the sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie” alongside Eddie Griffin, as well as leading the BET series “Reed Between the Lines.” He was also recognized for his role as AJ Austin on the medical drama “The Resident,” which aired from 2018 to 2023.
In addition to acting, Warner was passionate about directing, having helmed music videos for artists in his youth. His directing credits include episodes of popular shows like “The Cosby Show” and “All That.” Notably, he directed the impactful educational video “Time Out: The Truth About HIV, AIDS, and You,” featuring celebrities discussing critical health issues. Warner also gained accolades as a Grammy-winning featured artist for the song “Jesus Children.”
His versatile career included appearances in various television series such as “Suits,” “9-1-1,” and the limited series “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.” He lent his voice to the character Producer on PBS Kids’ “The Magic School Bus” and was a recent co-host of the podcast “Not All Hood,” where discussions focused on Black masculinity, mental health, and media representation.
Warner is survived by his wife and daughter, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to the entertainment industry and discussions surrounding important societal topics. His passing is a poignant reminder of the impact he had during his life, both as an artist and as a voice for meaningful dialogue in the community.