Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner tragically died on July 20, 2025, while on vacation in Costa Rica. The “Cosby Show” star was swimming with his 8-year-old daughter off the coast when they were caught in a rip current. Surfers helped rescue them, but despite CPR, Warner was pronounced dead. His cause of death was ruled accidental asphyxiation by submersion.

Warner, 54, was best known for playing Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show from 1984 to 1992. He later starred in Malcolm & Eddie and Reed Between the Lines and appeared in shows like Major Crimes, Suits, and The Resident. Recently, he co-hosted the podcast Not All Hood, aimed at improving mental health awareness in the Black community.

Warner is survived by his wife and daughter. Tributes have poured in from fellow stars like Angela Bassett, Niecy Nash, and Danny Tamberelli.

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