American actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for Cosby Show, dies at 54, condolences pour in from fans

American actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who rose to fame after playing the role of Theodore Huxtable in NBC sitcom The Cosby Show, has passed away at the age of 54. The exact cause of death has not been confirmed by his family or representatives, and additional information is yet to be released. His death has come as a shock to his fans, and they mourned the demise of the popular actor.

How did Malcolm Jamal-Warner die? Netizens express shock

Malcolm Jamal-Warner is known worldwide as Theodore Huxtable, more than his name, as he was loved by many for his role in the popular show. As per the report of TMZ, it is being quoted that the actor has died due to accidental drowning in Costa Rica. However, his family is yet to confirm this source of news.

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Soon, after the news of his passing away spread, fans expressed shock and flooded social media platforms to pay their tribute and remember the actor for his roles in several TV shows and films.

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One user wrote, "Rest in power to Malcolm-Jamal Warner (1970–2025), who passed away on July 21, 2025, at age 54 from an accidental drowning. Forever our Theo Huxtable, a symbol of Black excellence, grace, and artistry. Your legacy shines on". Another user wrote, "Oh no, RIP King. "He also did a good job with Eddie Griffin and Malcolm, and Eddie is a very underrated show. It's been out for a long time, when UPN Paramount was in charge", wrote the third user.

All about Malcolm Jamal Warner

Malcolm was also known for his roles as Malcolm McGee on the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000), and Dr. Alex Reed in the sitcom Reed Between the Lines (2011, 2015). Warner also portrayed the character Sticky, the VP of motorcycle club The Grim Bastards, on FX show Sons of Anarchy (2014).

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After his breakthrough role in The Cosby Show, he earned a nomination for the 38th Primetime Emmy in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Later, after gaining recognition, he became the executive producer for the PBS Kids series The Magic School Bus, which is also produced by Nelvana, Scholastic, and South Carolina Educational Television. In 2015, he received a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for the song "Jesus Children" alongside Robert Glasper Experiment and Lalah Hathaway.

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Warner had a relationship with actress Michelle Thomas, who portrayed his girlfriend Justine Phillips on The Cosby Show, until 1994. And later she died in 1998. He was in a relationship with actress Karen Malina White for seven and a half years. Warner had also dated actress Regina King from 2011 until March 2013. He was later married and had a daughter, but never revealed their identities for privacy concerns.