Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the classic sitcom “The Cosby Show,” has died unexpectedly on Sunday. He was living a dream vacation on the coast of Costa Rica at the time. The 54-year-old actor drowned, a tragic loss that has stunned his family and many fans worldwide.
Warner’s death while on a recreational outing led forest officials to quickly initiate rescue and recovery operations. A fellow surfer used their board to rescue Warner’s daughter, emphasizing the very real danger she and others faced. Meanwhile, a bystander lifeguard had managed to swim Warner and another surfer to safety. Despite all these efforts, Warner was unable to be resuscitated. He had already received 45 minutes of CPR on the sand before EMS arrived.
A forensic autopsy was performed on Warner, with those results releasing on Tuesday, ruling the manner of death as drowning. The Costa Rican National Police reportedly told ABC News that, explaining more specifically how a horrific accident led to his death.
Those speaking engagements at major conferences this past spring were some of Warner’s last public appearances. As the Ambassador of the Vibrant Communities movement, he participated in the 2023 Beloved Community Awards at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta on January 14, 2023. He performed at the 65th GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony held at Microsoft Theater on February 5, 2023. His impact on the television medium extended far past “The Cosby Show,” where he first rose to prominence. He took on the teacher, doctor and everyman roles that demonstrated his remarkable range as a performer.
In the tragic aftermath of his sudden passing, a flood of remembrances have come from co-stars and industry colleagues. Tracee Ellis Ross, Angela Bassett, Niecy Nash, and Danny Tamberelli memorialized Warner’s death. They continued by sharing his most treasured memories of him—their favorite reminiscences on him—honoring his legacy and the important mark he left on the entertainment industry.
