SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Diya TV) — Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for playing Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” has died at 54 after drowning in Costa Rica, authorities confirmed Monday. Warner’s role made him a cultural icon for millions of viewers throughout the 1980s and beyond. The actor died Sunday afternoon while swimming at Playa Cocles on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. According to the country’s Judicial Investigation Department, a strong ocean current pulled Warner deeper into the water. 

Bystanders rescued him and brought him ashore. However, first responders from Costa Rica’s Red Cross found Warner without vital signs. He was later pronounced dead and taken to a local morgue. Warner played Theo Huxtable, the only son of Cliff and Clair Huxtable, on the hit NBC sitcom The Cosby Show, which ran from 1984 to 1992. “The Cosby Show” dominated prime-time ratings and helped reshape American television by portraying a successful Black family.

Warner appeared in all 197 episodes over eight seasons. He received an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1986. His performance earned praise for its warmth, humor, and relatability.

Many fans remember Warner’s Theo for iconic scenes. In the pilot, he argued with his TV father about money and responsibility. Another fan-favorite moment featured Theo trying to hide an ear piercing from his dad. The most enduring image may be him wearing the famously awful “Gordon Gartrell” shirt, sewn by his sister Denise, played by Lisa Bonet. That moment later became a meme, with celebrities like Anthony Mackie referencing it on shows like “The Tonight Show.”

Celebrities across the entertainment world mourned Warner’s death. NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson expressed sorrow on social media, calling Warner a friend and longtime favorite. “We were super fans of ‘The Cosby Show,’” Johnson wrote. “We always had deep and fun conversations about basketball, life, and business. He will truly be missed.”

Eddie Griffin, Warner’s co-star on the sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie,” also shared his grief. “Rest easy, my brother,” Griffin posted on Instagram. “You have won in life and now in eternal peace.” Actress Tracee Ellis Ross, who played Warner’s wife on the BET series “Reed Between the Lines,” also paid tribute. “My heart is so, so sad,” Ross wrote. “What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, kind, and funny.”

Warner avoided the “child star” curse by continuing to work in TV, film, and music for more than four decades. After “The Cosby Show,” he starred in “Malcolm & Eddie” from 1996 to 2000. In the 2010s, he appeared on “American Crime Story” and had a key role in the Fox medical drama “The Resident.”

He also made guest appearances on shows like “The Wonder Years,” “9-1-1,” and “Grown-ish.” His final TV role came in 2024, when he had a four-episode arc on “9-1-1.”

In addition to acting, Warner was a talented poet and musician. He won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance and received a nomination for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album for Hiding in Plain View.

Warner also worked behind the camera, directing episodes of “Malcolm & Eddie,” “Kenan & Kel,” and “All That.”

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1970, Warner was named after Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal. His mother, Pamela Warner, managed his career when he began acting at age 9. He made early appearances on “Matt Houston” and “Fame” before landing his breakout role as Theo at age 13. In a 2015 interview with The Associated Press, Warner reflected on his journey. “I grew up with a maniacal obsession with not wanting to be one of those ‘where are they now’ kids,” he said. “I feel very blessed to be where I am now.”

He had been married for about 10 years and had a daughter, but kept their names private. His representatives have not yet commented on his death. Warner’s death marks the loss of a beloved actor who brought joy to generations of viewers. His work, both on and off the screen, leaves a lasting impact.