Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at age 54, according to multiple reports, including TMZ and PEOPLE. A rep has not yet commented and the cause of death has not been officially confirmed.
However, TMZ has reported, via an unconfirmed but reliable source, that Warner died as a result of an accidental drowning. Further details have yet to be made public.
Born in 1970, Warner grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey. He was named after two icons: Malcolm X and jazz great Ahmad Jamal. His breakout role came early at just 14. He became a household name as the lovable, often-conflicted Theo on The Cosby Show, which ran from 1984 to 1992 and helped redefine portrayals of Black families on American television.
Over the years, Warner continued building a diverse body of work. He starred in the buddy comedy Malcolm & Eddie, led the family sitcom Reed Between the Lines, and took a surprising behind-the-scenes turn as an executive producer on the beloved animated series The Magic School Bus. He also racked up appearances on Suits, Sons of Anarchy, The Resident, and more recently, Accused and The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
Warner was more than a performer—he was a musician, poet, and activist whose creative reach extended beyond the screen. He was nominated for a Grammy in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance and remained a powerful voice in the arts and culture space.
In a 2021 interview with The New York Post, Warner addressed the complicated legacy of The Cosby Show in the wake of Bill Cosby’s conviction and later release. “I can understand why some people can’t watch the show and enjoy it because of everything that’s going on now,” he said. “But I think… there’s a generation of young people who have pursued higher education or have started loving families because of the influence of that show.”
Warner’s career was marked by thoughtfulness, resilience, and integrity. He didn’t shy away from complexity, and he always sought to elevate the narrative around Black families and Black manhood in.
As the industry and fans grapple with the sudden loss, it’s clear Warner’s impact—as Theo, as an artist, and as a cultural voice—won’t soon be forgotten. Malcolm-Jamal Warner is survived by his partner and their daughter.
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