How the ‘Cosby Show’ Actor Died – Hollywood Life

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for playing Theo in The Cosby Show, died while on a vacation in Costa Rica, multiple outlets reported on July 21, 2025. Since Warner didn’t have any well-known health issues, fans of the late actor were struggling to understand what happened to him.

Below, learn Warner’s cause of death and everything we know about the incident.

Who Is Malcolm-Jamal Warner?

Warner was best known for playing Theodore “Theo” Huxtable on The Cosby Show from 1984 to 1992. Though the show was later plagued by controversy when sexual assault allegations came to light against Bill Cosby, Warner told People that he was proud of the show.

“Regardless of how some people may feel about the show now, I’m still proud of the legacy and having been a part of such an iconic show that had such a profound impact on — first and foremost, Black culture — but also American culture,” Warner told the publication in February 2023. “The show shed light on the previously ignored Black middle class, which has always existed. And people in Cliff and Claire’s generation were often the first in their families to ever go to college, many of them becoming doctors and lawyers, like Barack and Michelle Obama. There’s even an argument that the show laid the groundwork for having a Black President of the United States.”

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Television Shows

After landing his big break on The Cosby Show, the actor went on to star in multiple television shows and projects, including Malcolm & Eddie, Reed Between the Lines, Major Crimes, Suits, The Resident, 9-1-1 and Alert: Missing Persons Unit. 

How Old Was Malcolm-Jamal Warner?

Warner was 54 years old when he died in July 2025.

Who Is Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Wife?

For his entire career, Warner kept his wife’s name and their daughter’s identity out of the spotlight.

Did Malcolm-Jamal Warner Have Kids?

Yes, Warner shared a daughter with his wife, but they kept her name private.

How Did Malcolm-Jamal Warner Die?

Warner tragically died while on a family trip to Costa Rica. On July 20, the actor drowned after being caught in a strong ocean current while swimming in Playa Cocles, a beach on the country’s Caribbean coast. Early reports claimed he had been in the water with his 8-year-old daughter, but PEOPLE later confirmed that she was not in the ocean during the incident. According to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), “Mr. Warner was playing with his daughter at the seashore at one point. He then left her out of the water, and he and a friend of his entered the sea.” Warner was soon caught in a powerful rip current.

Costa Rican National Police told ABC News that Warner’s cause of death was ruled to be a result of asphyxia.

If you or anyone you know has been sexually abused, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, judgment-free support as well as local resources to assist in healing, recovering and more.