Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dies at 54 in Costa Rica
Malcolm Jamal Warner, the celebrated actor from The Cosby Show, has died at age 54. He drowned in an accident off the coast of Costa Rica, according to local police. Warner reportedly got caught in a strong ocean current near Cocles Beach in Limon. His body was recovered and identified by authorities on Sunday.
Warner, best known for playing Theo Huxtable on NBC’s The Cosby Show, earned an Emmy nomination for his role. He also had a successful music career, winning a Grammy Award in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance with the Robert Glasper Experiment and Lalah Hathaway.
A Career Built on Talent and Versatility
Warner’s acting career spanned decades, from his breakout role as Theo to dramatic performances on shows like The Resident and Accused on Fox. He also appeared in Ten Days in the Valley and portrayed A.C. Cowlings in American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson.
Fox Entertainment released a statement on Monday, saying, “Everyone at Fox is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm Jamal Warner. While his iconic roles — from comedic to dramatic — are unforgettable and timeless, Malcolm will be remembered most for his warmth, kind heart, and the lasting impact he had on his friends, family, and fans everywhere.”
Emmy Nomination and Grammy Win Highlight His Legacy
In 1986, Warner received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy for his role on The Cosby Show. Years later, he showed his musical talent by winning a Grammy Award for his performance on the song “Jesus Children”.
Warner also directed episodes of The Cosby Show, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Sesame Street. His directing credits included educational projects, such as Timeout: The Truth about HIV, AIDS, and You, which featured Magic Johnson and Arsenio Hall.
Life Beyond Television
Born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Warner was named after Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal. He moved to Los Angeles with his family at age five. His film appearances included Drop Zone (1994) and Fool’s Gold (2008). On stage, Warner performed in plays such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream at La Jolla Playhouse.
Despite his success, Warner was often asked to comment on Bill Cosby during the comedian’s legal controversies. In 2015, Warner told Billboard, “The Bill Cosby I know has been great to me and great for a lot of people. What he’s done for comedy and television has been legendary and history-making. What he’s done for the Black community and education has been invaluable.”
