💔 A Heartbreaking Loss
Frens, it’s with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I share the devastating news that “The Cosby Show” star Malcolm-Jamal Warner has passed away at the age of 54.
Malcolm-Jamal drowned off the coast of Costa Rica on Sunday, Costa Rican National Police told ABC News.
His official cause of death was asphyxia, police said.
The actor died near Cocles, a beach in Limon, Costa Rica, according to police.
Police said he was caught by a high current in the water and was discovered Sunday afternoon.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner was formally identified by Costa Rica’s national police.
📺 A TV Icon & Cultural Trailblazer
For those of us who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, Malcolm-Jamal Warner wasn’t just a familiar face — he was family.
As the lovable and wise-cracking Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” Warner helped redefine what Black boyhood looked like on television.
His portrayal earned him an Emmy nomination and sealed his place in TV royalty.
Following “The Cosby Show,” Warner continued making waves in television and film.
He starred alongside Eddie Griffin in the hit sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie” from 1996 to 2000, and later took on the role of Alex Reed in Reed Between the Lines opposite Tracee Ellis Ross from 2011 to 2015.
His TV journey didn’t stop there.
He appeared in “Major Crimes” as Chuck Cooper, “Suits” as Julius Rowe, and most recently played Dr. AJ Austin in “The Resident.”
Warner also made appearances in “9-1-1” and “Alert: Missing Persons Unit.”
In 2015, the multi-hyphenate snagged the Grammy for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album at the 65th Annual Grammys.
🎙️ A New Chapter In Advocacy & Vulnerability
In June 2024, Warner launched the podcast “Not All Hood” alongside co-hosts Weusi Baraka and Candace Kelley.
The show focused on breaking down barriers around mental health in the Black community — a topic Warner approached with intention and heart.
“It’s been an interesting experience for me, because it’s a place where I feel safe enough to be able to be as vulnerable as I allow myself to be,” Warner told PEOPLE last year.
“When we talk about the Black community, we tend to speak of it as a monolith when the reality is there are so many different facets… and we wanted to have a space where we can really explore, discuss, and acknowledge all of those different aspects,” he added.
His final podcast episode dropped just three days ago — a bittersweet reminder of how deeply connected he was to his purpose and community until the very end.
Though Warner kept his personal life incredibly private, he is survived by his wife and daughter, whose names he intentionally kept out of the public eye to protect their peace.
🕊️ Remembering Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Malcolm-Jamal Warner gave us decades of powerful performances, thoughtful commentary, and creative brilliance.
His contributions to Black entertainment, from the sitcoms we loved to the music and podcasts that moved us, are nothing short of legendary.
My sincerest prayers and condolences to everyone who knew, loved, and cherished MJW.
Rest well, Malcolm-Jamal.
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This is a sad day, I can’t believe this