Malcolm Jamal Warner, Dead at 54 – Cosby Show Star Remembered

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo on The Cosby Show, has died from apparent accidental drowning at the age of 54. Additional details are not currently available as this is a developing story, so check back for updates.

Malcolm Jamal Warner’s Career

The very private actor debuted on television at the age of 14 as Theo in The Cosby Show. He expressed pride in what the show had accomplished. Then, after Bill Cosby’s conviction on sexual assault charges, he said:

“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.”

In the show, Malcolm and Eddie, he costarred with Eddie Griffin and appeared with Tracee Ellis Ross in Reed Between the Lines.  He had appearances on Saturday Night Live and Sesame Street and reprised his role as Theo for the spinoff, A Different World. He was the voice of The Producer for The Magic Schoolbus. In more recent roles, Malcolm Jamal Warner appeared in Major Crimes (Chuck Cooper), Suits (Julius Rowe), and The Resident (AJ Austin).

His lesser-known accomplishment was a 2015 Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance with Robert Glasper Experiment featuring Lalah Hathaway for the song Jesus Children.

Rest in Peace

We extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of Malcolm Jamal Warner. He is survived by his wife and daughter. His last public appearance is his podcast Not All Hood. The last episode was released on YouTube on July 18, 2025.

Update

According to the Associated Press, Warner was on vacation in Costa Rica. While swimming off the coast, he was pulled deeper into the ocean by the current. Other beachgoers did rescue him from the water, but when emergency responders arrived, he was pronounced dead.