The actor, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” died at 54 after drowning off the coast of Costa Rica on Sunday, July 20, according to ABC News and People. Warner’s reps have declined to comment to USA TODAY.

Bill Cosby, who played Warner’s on-screen father, opened up to ABC News about the actor’s death. “He was always a great studier, and I enjoyed working with him very much,” Cosby said. “He was very professional. He always knew his part… He always knew his lines, and he always knew where to go.”

Cosby also added that “Malcolm calls her regularly,” describing their close relationship.

Warner’s recent work included a role on “9-1-1” in 2024. Jennifer Love Hewitt, who also stars on the drama series, paid tribute in an Instagram story, writing that she “cannot believe” the news.

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“This hurts my heart,” the actress said. “A gentleman, an incredible talent and we were so lucky to have him in the ‘9-1-1’ family. Heartbroken and sending love to his family.”

Warner, who was born on August 18, 1970, grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey, with his mother, Pamela, who eventually became his acting manager. He was named after civil rights leader Malcolm X and jazz musician Ahmad Jamal.

At an early age, Warner found he was interested in acting, which launched his career as a child performer and set him on the path to attend The Professional Children’s School in New York.

Outside of “The Cosby Show,” Warner’s other notable roles included Malcolm McGee on “Malcolm & Eddie” and Dr. AJ Austin on “The Resident.”

Here’s how other stars are honoring Warner’s entertainment legacy.

Niecy Nash, Jamie Foxx, more mourn ‘unimaginable loss’ of Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Niecy Nash similarly expressed shock on Instagram, noting that she “just spoke” with Warner. She recalled that the two had a conversation about “how happy we both were in our marriages.”

The “Grotesquerie” star added, “Damn friend 🥲 You were (the) cornerstone of ‘The Cosby Show.’ We all loved Theo! Never to be forgotten. You will be missed. Rest Easy.”

Tracee Ellis Ross reflected on working with Warner on the BET sitcom “Reed Between the Lines” and wrote, “My heart is so so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant.”

Ross continued, “You made the world a brighter place. Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.”

Jamie Foxx wrote that he is “speechless on this one,” but added, “Rest in power, my brother.” Vivica A. Fox also said in an Instagram story that she was “stunned and saddened,” and Jennifer Hudson said she was “devastated” and “truly heartbroken.”

Record producer Questlove shared a lengthy tribute on Instagram, remembering Warner, the “amazing soul who always took the time out to school me and talk about his experiences in life and the business.”

“If you looked like me coming of age in the 80s, Malcom-as-Theo was a gps/lighthouse of navigating safety to adulthood,” he began his tribute. “For those of us that didnt have ‘examples’ or ‘safe environments’—I would like to think for anyone of age we used this entire show —and its offspring as life blueprints.”

Questlove added that he and Warner “always traded music and playlists with each other and despite all that he went through in life he expressed ZERO cynicism or bitterness in his journey and constantly lived in the present which dictated his future——he was never the guy stuck in a glory days bubble.”

“I wasn’t prepared to say goodbye in this manner but here we are in 2025,” he concluded.

Beyoncé and Sherri Shepherd remember ‘renaissance man’ Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Pop music superstar Beyoncé paid tribute to Warner shortly after news of his tragic death.

The “Cowboy Carter” songstress updated her website in honor of Warner, writing in a statement, “Rest in power Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Thanks for being a big part of our shared television history. You will be missed.”

Actress and TV personality Sherri Shepherd, who costarred with Warner on her 2009 eponymous sitcom, said in a statement to USA TODAY that she is “completely devastated” over Warner’s death.

“He brought much laughter and gravitas playing my husband on my self-titled sitcom,” Shepherd said. “As someone who grew up on TV, Malcolm remained one of the most grounded people I’ve ever met in our business. To know Malcolm was to know a renaissance man that possessed humor, grace, humility and deep cultural appreciation.

“He was just a good guy! His passing is a true loss to the Hollywood community. He was a proud girl dad and loved his daughter so much. To his family, friends and all who loved him — my heart is with you.”

Viola Davis, Taraji P. Henson share nostalgic tributes for Malcolm-Jamal Warner

In an emotional tribute on Instagram, Viola Davis said that news of Warner’s death left her “speechless.” The Oscar-winning actress continued: “Theo was OUR son, OUR brother, OUR friend… He was absolutely so familiar, and we rejoiced at how TV got it right!! But… Malcolm got it right… and now… we reveled in your life and are gutted by this loss. … We will speak your name — always. 💔🕊🙏🏿”

For Taraji P. Henson, Warner’s death left her feeling nostalgic about the TV icon’s legacy. “This one hurt. Malcolm, we grew up with you,” she wrote on Instagram.

“Thank you for the art, the wisdom, the grace you gave us!!!!!” Henson added. “You left the world better than you found it. Rest easy, king!!!! Your legacy lives far beyond the screen. 🕊️🖤”

Holly Robinson Peete, whose father worked as a writer and producer on “The Cosby Show,” wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post that Warner was “deeply loved, respected, and a true icon of television.”

“He was always gracious, kind, funny and gave the absolute best hugs,” Peete continued. “I am sending my deepest condolences to his mom, Pamela and his family… We aren’t ready to say goodbye, Malcolm — but you lived with purpose, character, presence, and grace. Rest well, my friend. Your light lives on…😢😢😢😢😢”

In a statement on X, the NAACP honored Warner, who in 2012 won an NAACP Image Award for best actor in a comedy series for his role on “Reed Between the Lines.”

“Your talent and spirit touched many lives, and your legacy will continue to inspire,” the organization said. “Thank you for the memories and the impact you made in the world of entertainment.”

Magic Johnson took to X to pen a message on behalf of him and his wife, Cookie, writing that they were “sad to hear about the passing of our dear friend Malcolm-Jamal Warner. We were both super fans of the hit ‘Cosby Show’ and continued to follow his career on shows like ‘Malcolm and Eddie’ and ‘The Resident.'”

“Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life and business,” Johnson concluded. “He will truly be missed.”

“CODA” actress Marlee Matlin wrote on X that she was “so sad to read of the untimely passing of Malcolm Jamal Warner.”

“He was the nicest guy and it was a privilege to have been in same company with him, sharing a directors’ panel along with Howard Gordon and Michael chiklis,” Matlin wrote. “My heart goes out to his family and friends. RIP Malcolm.”

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Contributing: Edward Segarra, Pamela Avila, USA TODAY; Caché McClay, USA TODAY Network

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Hollywood is reeling after the heartbreaking death of beloved actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who passed away at age 54 while on vacation in Costa Rica.

Warner, best known for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” reportedly drowned off the coast near Cocles Beach on Sunday, July 20.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s cause of death was confirmed as asphyxia by local authorities.

Eddie Griffin Mourns ‘Big Little Brother’ Malcolm-Jamal Warner In Heartfelt Tribute

Instagram Stories | Eddie Griffin

While the entertainment industry continues to process the sudden loss, one of the most emotional tributes came from comedian and actor Eddie Griffin, Warner’s longtime friend and co-star from the popular late-’90s sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie.”

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Taking to Instagram Stories, Griffin posted a solemn tribute alongside a photo of the two. “My Big little Brother,” he wrote, capturing the bond the two shared both on and off the screen.

Warner and Griffin starred together on “Malcolm & Eddie” from 1996 to 2000, a series that allowed both men to showcase their comedic chemistry and expand their reach beyond the roles that first made them household names.

Kerry Washington, Taraji P. Henson, Kate Hudson, And More Mourn Warner

Instagram Stories | Kerry Washington

Other stars quickly followed with their own messages of remembrance and grief.

Jamie Foxx posted a simple yet powerful tribute, “Speechless on this one. Rest in power, my brother.”

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Actress Kate Hudson, who worked with Warner on a film in Australia, recalled his warmth and kindness. “He was the kindest and sweetest,” she shared on her Instagram Stories. “My heart is heavy and sending such love to @malcolmjamalwar family.”

Kerry Washington expressed her sorrow, writing that she was “deeply saddened by this loss.”

Meanwhile, Taraji P. Henson honored the late star with a heartfelt post featuring several photos and a message that read, “This one hurt. Malcolm, we grew up with you. Thank you for the art, the wisdom, the grace you gave us!!!!! You left the world better than you found it. Rest easy, king!!!! Your legacy lives far beyond the screen.”

Fans Flood Final Post With Heartfelt Messages

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In the wake of Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s tragic passing, fans have turned his final social media post into a virtual memorial, pouring out messages of love, grief, and admiration for the late actor.

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“I’m completely heartbroken by all the news,” one follower wrote. “May your soul rest in peace.”

Another paid tribute with a nod to Warner’s iconic “Cosby Show” wardrobe, saying, “No one will ever wear a Gordon Gartrelle T-shirt as good as him. But he was a phenomenal actor. Please rest in peace.”

Many also remembered his more recent work, particularly his powerful performance as Dr. AJ Austin on “The Resident.” “Gonna miss you. You were my favourite character in ‘The Resident,'” a fan shared.

“I only finished watching ‘The Resident’ recently and had thought how much I enjoyed watching him and his character,” another wrote. “Gosh, life throws some curve balls, doesn’t it? I felt so sad reading that he’d passed. May he rest in peace, and my thoughts go out to his family, friends, and all those that loved him.”

In One Of His Final Interviews, Warner Reflected On ‘The Cosby Show’ Legacy

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Just three months before his untimely death, Malcolm-Jamal Warner sat down with Sherri Shepherd for what would become one of his final television interviews. According to The Sun, during the heartfelt conversation, Warner opened up about the cultural legacy of “The Cosby Show.”

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While the series was once universally embraced, with Bill Cosby hailed as “America’s Dad,” its legacy has since become clouded following dozens of sexual assault allegations against Cosby that emerged in 2014. Despite the controversy surrounding its former lead, Warner maintained that the show’s core values and influence remained timeless.

“So I watch with my daughter, and I go, ‘This show is still relevant,'” Warner said at the time, earning applause from the studio audience.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner Remembered As A Trailblazer For Black Voices In Entertainment

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Warner’s career began at just 14 years old, when he captivated audiences as the charming, often-mischievous Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show.” Over the years, he continued to earn praise for his range, professionalism, and dedication to uplifting Black voices through his work in television, music, and activism.

He even launched a podcast called “Nah Not All Hood,” designed to break down mental health stigmas in the Black community while fostering honest conversations around identity, healing, and representation.

As the industry reflects on Warner’s profound impact, it’s clear that his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him and by generations of fans who grew up watching him shine.

Underwood, who declared he was a virgin during his stint on The Bachelorette and came out as gay in 2021, will be at the helm of the reality show that claims to have the “largest, hottest group of virgins ever assembled” as they “search for intimacy, love — and maybe their first — in a tropical paradise designed just for them,” the official logline reads.

It continues, “For the first time, they’re free to explore their connections without judgment, allowing these sexy young singles to embark on a heated yet heartfelt journey packed with romantic dates, revealing challenges, and new love interests eager to find ‘the one.’ Who will find that special someone? And who will go home hot, bothered, and heartbroken?”

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The show comes from the producers behind Queer Eye and Love Island, so fans can expect some drama. Are You My First? also marks Underwood’s first time on the hosting side of reality television, after his prior stint as a contestant.

He will have help from his co-host, who at least has one hosting gig under her belt after co-hosting Season 17 and The Bachelorette alongside fellow former Bachelorette Tayshia Adams. Underwood took time off to focus on building his relationship with his husband, Jordan C. Brown, after their marriage in 2023, and in October 2024, the couple welcomed their first child, Bishop.

This article originally appeared on Out: Colton Underwood to co-host new dating show about virgins

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In a recent YouTube interview with Hot and Bothered, Malcolm-Jamal Warner told the story of how he knew his wife was “the one.”

“When we first started dating,” Warner said in the interview, “I told her I didn’t want kids. She said she definitely wanted kids. So we were not on the same page at all.”

However, after dating for just five months, Warner told Hot and Bothered that he had a change of heart when he realized that “even if something happened and we weren’t together romantically anymore, she’d still be the person I’d want to raise children with.”

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Warner has now died tragically while on a family vacation to Costa Rica. He was 54.

It was just a short time ago that his life was going well, and that was in part due to his loving relationship with his wife.

Warner also told the interviewer that since then, he’s never second-guessed his relationship with his wife. “When people say, when you know, you know. That’s what this feeling is. We’ve been together almost ten years. We’ve never had a fight, an argument, a raised voice, or a harsh word. Not that we’ve always agreed. We’re just at a point where we have a way of communicating.”

: Malcolm Jamal-Warner as Theo Huxtable NBC/Getty Images

According to TMZ, Warner chose to keep the details about his personal life private. As a result, his wife and daughter have not yet been publicly named.

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It’s not clear who was with the actor when he died while on a family vacation in Costa Rica on July 20. According to the New York Post, Warner “drowned near Cocles, a beach in Limon, Costa Rica. He was caught by a high current in the water.”

Warner’s cause of death was asphyxia, the article states.

Warner was known for his time on The Cosby Show, where he played Theodore “Theo” Huxtable, son of Bill Cosby’s Cliff Huxtable, according to IMDb. His work on the show earned him a Primetime Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

After The Cosby Show, Warner continued working as an actor and director.

Related: Malcolm Jamal Warner Cause of Death: ‘Cosby’ Star Dies Tragically at 54

Malcolm-Jamal Warner Never Wanted to Marry – Until He Met His Wife first appeared on Men’s Journal on Jul 21, 2025

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Kelly Clarkson is single, and she’s not looking to change that any time soon. The talk show host spilled on her current relationship status during a recent performance of her Las Vegas residency, and now we know why Kelly doesn’t date: she just doesn’t want to!

“Dating can be very difficult,” she told the audience at one of her shows, adding in a sing-song voice, “Which is why I don’t!” The brief dating confession was filmed by a member of the audience and posted to TikTok, where I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before the audio goes viral.

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“I’m like, it’s hard anyway. Add a spotlight, and it’s like—,” she paused to mime a bomb explosion before continuing, “—a dumpster fire.”

Not to be derivative, but as a single woman who has used dating apps in New York City, I can confirm, dating is hard and that does contribute to why I don’t either. Celebrities, they’re just like us!

Of course, Kelly’s single status doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Since finalizing her divorce from Brandon Blackstock in 2022, the singer has talked openly about her desire to remain unattached. “I was single until I was, like, 30, and I forgot how really good at that I am,” she said in a 2024 interview with People. “I told a friend [that a potential partner] would have to be an individual that brings their own life to the table without needing anything from me. It’s far more romantic to say, ‘I want you, but I don’t need anything.’”

The topic of dating also came up during a 2024 episode of The Kelly Clarkson when guest Hoda Kotb asked if Kelly ever thinks about dating. “Not at all,” Kelly said without missing a beat. “Not even a little bit. I am really loving not having a man in my life.” She continued, calling dating while being a single mother, hosting a talk show, and being a global pop star would just be “just too hard.” Fair!

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