Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show” has tragically passed away, TMZ reports. He was 54 years old.
The outlet adds that they have “an unconfirmed, though reliable source who says Malcolm-Jamal Warner has died as a result of an accidental drowning.”
A source confirmed Warner’s death to PEOPLE. Warner is survived by his wife and daughter.
ABC News reports that Warner drowned off the coast of Costa Rica on Sunday, with his cause of death being determined as asphyxia.
He is also known for his roles on “Reed Between the Lines,” “Malcolm and Eddie,” “The Resident,” along with voicing “The Producer” character on “The Magic School Bus.” He also has the “NOT ALL HOOD” podcast, which “takes a provocative look at the vastly different lived experiences and identities of Blacks in America.”
Malcolm-Jamal Warner Reflected on ‘The Cosby Show’ During a 2023 Interview With People
Photo by Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesWarner played Bill Cosby’s character, Heathcliff Huxtable’s son, on “The Cosby Show.” And in an 2023 interview with PEOPLE, he spoke about the impact the show has had.
“What made it so groundbreaking was its universality,” Warner told the outlet. “NBC initially saw it as a show about an upper-middle-class Black family. Mr. Cosby diligently impressed upon them that the show was about an upper-middle-class family that happened to be Black.”
However, in 2018, Cosby was sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug and sexual assault charges, which cast a negative light on the show. Those charges were overturned in 2021 and Cosby was released.
“Regardless of how some people may feel about the show now, I’m still proud of the legacy and having been a part of such an iconic show that had such a profound impact on â first and foremost, Black culture â but also American culture,” Warned explained, adding that it “broadened the perspective of how the world viewed Black people.”
Fans React To The Heartbreaking News
Many fans took to Instagram after the news of Warner’s tragic passing broke, commenting on some of his Instagram posts.
“I am so heartbroken. He was a great man. Rest in Power. #NBFT Family. Midnight Poetry,” one fan wrote.
“I’m crushed! Prayers to his family,” another fan commented.
“From the moment we first saw you as Theo Huxtable, it just felt like we knew you. You brought something real to the screen. Thanks for the memories and making us laugh. RIP,” one person said.
“Rest In Heavenly Peace ð¢ðï¸ðð½ðð½,” a fan wrote.
“Im so sorry. Sending all the friends and family love and light at this time â¤ï¸,” another fan said.
“Say it ainât so! Not our Theo!!!! ðððð RIP ðï¸,” someone commented.
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