Malcolm-Jamal Warner, renowned for his role as Theodore “Theo” Huxtable on the iconic sitcom The Cosby Show, has tragically passed away at the age of 54. Reports by People indicate that Warner died in an accidental drowning while vacationing with family in Costa Rica.
Warner garnered critical acclaim for his portrayal of Theo Huxtable, the only son of Bill Cosby’s character, Cliff Huxtable. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, making him a household name during the show's eight-season run on NBC. As a teenager, audiences watched Theo navigate the complexities of adolescence, learning valuable life lessons along the way. In one memorable episode, Theo learns the importance of budgeting when his family removes his belongings from his room, compelling him to "buy" back his possessions.
After the conclusion of The Cosby Show, Warner continued his successful acting career by playing Malcolm McGee on the sitcom Malcolm & Eddie, which aired for four seasons on UPN. He starred alongside Eddie Griffin, showcasing his comedic talent. From 2011 to 2015, Warner took on the lead role in the BET sitcom Reed Between the Lines and portrayed Sticky in the popular FX motorcycle drama Sons of Anarchy. More recently, from 2018 to 2023, he captivated audiences as AJ Austin on The Resident.
Born in New Jersey, Warner exhibited a passion for acting early on, prompting his parents to enroll him in a performing arts school in New York City. His big break came when he auditioned for the role of Theo Huxtable on the final day of NBC’s extensive nationwide search, ultimately winning the role at the hands of Bill Cosby himself. In his late teens, Warner expanded his creative repertoire by directing music videos for artists such as New Edition and Special Ed, further establishing his presence in the entertainment industry.
Warner’s directing credits include episodes of The Cosby Show, All That, Kenan & Kel, and Malcolm & Eddie. He also directed the influential 1992 educational video Time Out: The Truth About HIV, AIDS, and You, which featured prominent figures like Arsenio Hall and Earvin “Magic” Johnson discussing HIV prevention. In addition to his directing work, Warner won a Grammy as a featured artist on the song “Jesus Children,” alongside Robert Glasper and Lalah Hathaway.
Throughout his career, Warner took on various roles in notable productions, including Showtime’s post-apocalyptic drama Jeremiah and popular series like 9-1-1, Alert: Missing Persons Unit, and Suits. He portrayed Al Cowlings in the limited series The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story and made guest appearances on hit shows such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Grown-ish, and Community. Additionally, he lent his voice to the Producer character on the beloved PBS Kids show The Magic School Bus, which he also executive produced.
In his final years, Warner co-launched a podcast titled Not All Hood with Weusi Baraka and Candace Kelley, where they explored themes of Black masculinity, mental health, and media representation. His legacy as an actor, director, and producer will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner is survived by his wife and daughter, leaving behind a rich legacy of talent and creativity that will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
