OAN Staff Chloe Hauxwell and Sophia Flores
5:20 PM – Monday, July 21, 2026

“The Cosby Show” alum Malcolm-Jamal Warner has passed away.

On Monday, multiple outlets reported that the actor drowned while he on vacation with his family in Costa Rica. He was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limon province when a current pulled him deeper into the ocean.

According to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department, “he was rescued by people on the beach.” By the time Costa Rica’s Red Cross arrived to the scene, Warner had no vital signs. His body was taken directly to the morgue.

He was best known for his breakout role as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show.” The role earned him an Emmy nomination.

Warner worked in theater, music and television for decades.

He leaves behind his wife and daughter, whose names were never revealed to the public in order to keep them out of the spotlight.

Warner was 54 years old.

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