Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show and more recently as Dr. AJ Austin on The Resident, has died at age 54. He drowned while swimming during a family vacation on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast on July 20. Despite rescue efforts, he could not be saved.

Tributes have poured in from co-stars and celebrities across Hollywood. Tracee Ellis Ross, who played his wife on Reed Between the Lines, shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute: “You made the world a brighter place… I love you, Malcolm.”

Bill Cosby remembered Warner as “a true professional,” while Questlove reflected on how Warner’s portrayal of Theo gave a generation a relatable role model. “He was a lighthouse for kids who didn’t have safe environments,” he wrote.

Jamie Foxx, Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Hudson, and Magic Johnson also honored Warner’s legacy, celebrating his warmth, talent, and authenticity.

Fans reached out to fellow Cosby Show stars like Phylicia Rashad and Keshia Knight Pulliam, offering condolences and support.

Warner’s legacy extends far beyond his iconic roles. He was respected not only for his craft but also for his humility, generosity, and enduring impact on Black television history. He will be deeply missed.