BREAKING: Popular actor drowns in Costa Rica

DDM News

Veteran American actor and Emmy-nominated performer Malcolm-Jamal Warner has died at the age of 54 after drowning off the coast of Costa Rica.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Warner, best known for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, died on Sunday, July 21, 2025, after he was caught in a powerful rip current while swimming in the Caribbean Sea.

The tragic incident occurred near Playa Cocles, a popular beach located in the Limón Province of Costa Rica.

According to local authorities, Warner was pulled under by strong currents while swimming, and his body was discovered hours later by lifeguards and emergency responders.

Police confirmed that the cause of death was asphyxia resulting from drowning.

Warner, born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, rose to fame in the 1980s when he portrayed the only son of Cliff and Clair Huxtable on the NBC hit sitcom The Cosby Show.

His performance as the witty and often rebellious Theo Huxtable earned him critical acclaim and made him a beloved figure in American television.

He received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination at just 16 years old, solidifying his place among the most recognizable child actors of the 1980s.

Beyond his time on The Cosby Show, Warner maintained a long and active career in television, film, and music.

He made his television debut in 1982 in the crime drama Matt Houston before landing his breakout role in 1984.

He later appeared in numerous TV series including Malcolm & Eddie, Reed Between the Lines, and Suits.

More recently, he was a regular on the Fox medical drama The Resident, where he played Dr. AJ Austin, a confident and skilled cardiothoracic surgeon.

Warner was also an accomplished voice actor, poet, and musician, having released several spoken-word and jazz albums that explored themes of identity, love, and social consciousness.

In addition to his creative endeavors, he was a respected director and producer, directing episodes of various sitcoms and advocating for Black representation in Hollywood.

His unexpected death has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and entertainment industry insiders.

Tributes have poured in across social media, with many remembering him not only for his work on screen but for his warmth, intellect, and passion for the arts.

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica is reportedly in contact with Warner’s family and is assisting with arrangements to repatriate his remains.

As the entertainment world mourns the loss of a multi-talented artist, many are celebrating the life and legacy of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, a child star who evolved into a well-rounded and respected figure in American culture.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

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