July 21, 2025
Warner’s death comes as a shock to many, especially given his recent activity.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the esteemed actor, director, and musician widely known and loved for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on the groundbreaking sitcom “The Cosby Show,” has passed away at the age of 54. The news of Warner’s death, reported by TMZ, cited an unconfirmed but reliable source indicating his passing was due to accidental drowning.
Warner’s death comes as a shock to many, especially given his recent activity. He had most recently been hosting the podcast “Not All Hood,” with his latest episode having just dropped three days prior.
The accomplished artist, who consistently maintained a private family life, is survived by his wife and daughter, whose names he chose to keep his life private.
Fans online also reacted to the multihyphenate’s untimely death.
One of the funniest scenes in TV history.
RIP Malcolm Jamal Warner. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/WglT1SRn9a
— I Write Filth 🏝️ (@quardeay) July 21, 2025
Rest In Power #MalcolmJamalWarner 👑🕊️🖤🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/dRUCBHn9xs
— Dahn Dahlas™ (@DahnDahlas) July 21, 2025
Malcolm Jamal Warner c’mon man… pic.twitter.com/zXiEBOfGE5
— BBQ Chicken Pizza Stan (@consciousBrOtHa) July 21, 2025
That man gave us one of the greatest scenes in the history of television.
I cannot even believe this. I am over here SOBBING!
Rest in poetry, Malcolm Jamal Warner. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/wSrmLZlaL7
— Renee (@PettyLupone) July 21, 2025
Born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Malcolm-Jamal Warner was named after activist Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, a testament to his parents’ aspirations for him. From a young age, Warner harbored ambitions of becoming either an actor or a poet. Following his parents’ divorce, he relocated to Los Angeles with his mother, Pamela Warner, who later became his manager, and began taking acting classes at age nine.
Warner made his television debut in 1982 on the mystery series “Matt Houston” before securing the role that would define a generation. As Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show” (1984–92), he became a beloved figure in one of television’s most popular sitcoms. His portrayal of the likable Theo earned him an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1986. Beyond his acting, Warner also showcased his talents behind the camera, directing several episodes of the show.
His career continued to flourish with starring roles in other television series, including “Here and Now” (1992–93), where he played a youth center volunteer, and “Malcolm & Eddie” (1996–2000), a popular buddy comedy for which he also directed 17 episodes. Warner later produced and starred in “Reed Between the Lines” (2011–2015), a comedy that earned him an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series in 2012.
Warner’s versatility extended to television movies, where he co-starred in “The Father Clements Story” (1987), “Tyson” (1995), a biopic about boxer Mike Tyson, and the acclaimed World War II drama “The Tuskegee Airmen” (1995). In the 2010s, he had notable recurring roles across various genres, appearing in comedies such as “Community” and dramas including “Sons of Anarchy,” “Suits,” and “Major Crimes.” He also featured in “American Horror Story” (2014–15) and portrayed Al Cowlings in “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (2016). More recently, he was seen as a doctor on “The Resident” (2018–23) and in episodes of “The Accused” (2023), “Grown-ish” (2024), and “9-1-1” (2024).
While primarily a television actor, Warner also made appearances in feature films, including “Drop Zone” (1994), “Restaurant” (1998), “Fool’s Gold” (2008), and “Shot” (2017). On stage, he garnered critical acclaim for his performances in the Off-Broadway play “Cryin’ Shame” (2001) and in the stage adaptation of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (2013–14) at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C.Beyond acting and directing, Warner was a distinguished musician and spoken-word artist. With his jazz band Miles Long, he released albums such as “The Miles Long Mixtape” (2004), “Love & Other Social Issues” (2007), and “Selfless” (2015). His 2022 album, “Hiding in Plain View,” earned a Grammy Award nomination for best spoken-word poetry album. In 2015, he shared a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance with the Robert Glasper Experiment and singer Lalah Hathaway for their rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Jesus Children of America,” which featured Warner’s poignant spoken-word performance.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s multifaceted career touched millions, leaving his unforgettable mark on television, film, music, and spoken-word artistry.
His contributions to entertainment and his commitment to privacy in his personal life will be remembered and honored by fans and colleagues alike.
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