TMZ and People report the death of actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, famed for playing Theo Huxtable, though no official confirmation has been issued.
Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the iconic sitcom The Cosby Show, has reportedly died at the age of 54. According to TMZ, the actor is believed to have drowned, though details remain scarce. People magazine has also confirmed the news through sources close to Warner, though no official statement from his family or representatives has been released.
Warner, born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, became a household name in the 1980s for his portrayal of the witty and relatable teenage son of Cliff and Clair Huxtable on NBC’s The Cosby Show (1984–1992). His performance earned him critical acclaim, including an Emmy nomination, and positioned him as one of the standout young actors of the decade.
After The Cosby Show, Warner built a versatile career spanning television, film, and music. He starred in the popular sitcom Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000) alongside comedian Eddie Griffin and took on dramatic roles in series such as Sons of Anarchy and American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson. In recent years, Warner earned praise for his role as Dr. AJ Austin on the medical drama The Resident.
Beyond acting, Warner is also a musician, poet, and director. He directed episodes of The Cosby Show and All That, and released several spoken word albums and jazz projects, earning a Grammy Award in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance as part of Robert Glasper’s “Jesus Children.”
As of now, the circumstances surrounding his reported death remain unclear. Neither Warner’s representatives nor his family have issued any official comment. Fans and colleagues have taken to social media expressing shock and disbelief, with many waiting for confirmation from trusted sources.
Warner’s decades-long career, marked by both comedic charm and dramatic depth, has left a lasting impact on television and African-American representation on screen.
A Life of Creativity and Influence
Born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Warner rose to fame as a teenager with his portrayal of Theo Huxtable (1984–1992), earning widespread recognition and an Emmy nomination. After The Cosby Show, he starred in the buddy sitcom Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000) and went on to work across multiple genres, from drama (Sons of Anarchy, American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson) to medical television (The Resident), where he played Dr. AJ Austin.
Warner was also deeply involved in music and spoken word. He directed television episodes for shows like The Cosby Show and All That, while pursuing a music career that earned him a Grammy Award in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance, as part of Robert Glasper’s track “Jesus Children.”
Most recently, Warner continued to work in television and music, balancing acting with his passion for poetry and jazz. He was known for his thoughtful interviews, advocacy for Black representation in Hollywood, and a career built on both artistic versatility and authenticity.