Malcolm-Jamal Warner, beloved by many for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has tragically passed away at the age of 54.
Warner drowned on July 20 while vacationing in Costa Rica with his family, according to People. ABC News reported the cause of death as asphyxiation after being caught in a “high current.” While further details about the incident are still emerging, it’s been confirmed that Warner is survived by his wife, daughter, and mother, Pamela.
Known for fiercely guarding his privacy, Warner kept his family life out of the public eye. People noted that his wife’s name has not been publicly confirmed. In a rare glimpse into his personal world, Warner once opened up on the Hot & Bothered podcast about their first date, saying, “I was just really honest and frank and candid about everything. I wasn’t trying to smash.”
Before settling down, Warner had a highly publicized breakup with actress Regina King in 2013.
His passing marks the loss of a cherished actor, father, and husband, remembered not only for his iconic TV roles but also for the life he built outside the spotlight.
“I said, ‘What do you think about starting a family?’” Malcolm-Jamal Warner shared on the Hot & Bothered podcast. “At some point during this time, if I’m going to have a kid, this is the person I would like to have it with.”
He spoke openly about knowing his wife was the one, saying, “This feels right and this makes sense. When people say, ‘When you know you know,’ that’s what that feeling is.”
Warner is also survived by his mother, Pamela Warner, who played a major role in his life and career. She managed him for years and was described as “doting,” according to Ebony.
Pamela told Ebony she named him after two icons—civil rights leader Malcolm X and jazz legend Ahmad Jamal. Reflecting on his childhood, she recalled, “I increased his chores, and he had to finish his homework to perform at the Inglewood theater/playhouse. He rose to the occasion every single time.”
Warner’s life was shaped by strong family roots, deep love, and a legacy that touched fans across generations.
