RIP Malcolm-Jamal Warner: ‘The Cosby Show’ Actor’s Cause of Death Confirmed

RIP Malcolm-Jamal Warner: ‘The Cosby Show’ Actor’s Cause of Death Confirmed

  • Supporters are mourning the death of renowned TV star Malcolm-Jamal Warner
  • The actor, famous for his appearance on The Cosby Show, tragically passed away while on holiday
  • Tributes are pouring in from industry mates as social media users bid farewell to the fallen star

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Malcolm-Jamal Warner has sadly passed away
Authorities revealed Malcolm-Jamal Warner's cause of death. Images: Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images, Paras Griffin/Getty Images for SCAD aTVfest 2020
Source: Getty Images

It is a sad day in Hollywood as fans of The Cosby Show say their goodbyes to one of the show's brightest stars, Malcolm-Jamal Warner.

What happened to Malcolm-Jamal Warner?

American actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner tragically lost his life at the age of 54.

According to reports, the renowned actor, musician and poet died in a drowning accident on Sunday, 20 July 2025, while on holiday in Costa Rica at Cocles Beach in Cahuita.

Authorities reveal that he was pulled by a tide. The official cause of death was confirmed as asphyxiation.

"When the victim entered the sea, he was apparently pulled out by a current. The man was assisted by bystanders on the beach, but was pronounced dead by Red Cross lifeguards."

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Malcolm-Jamal Warner died in an accidental drowning
'The Cosby Show' star Malcolm-Jamal Warner died from asphyxiation from a drowning accident. Image: Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

Warner is famous for his role as Theodore Huxtable on the NBC sitcom, The Cosby Show. The role earned him a nomination at the 38th Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

He also acted alongside Kings of Joburg star, Malik Yoba, on Empire.

Warner's career spanned over four decades, where he explored his creative pursuits from acting and directing to music and poetry, and later podcasting. Briefly News shared one of his videos spreading goodness and positivity.

He is survived by his wife and daughter, whose names have not been disclosed.

Social media pays tribute to Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Fans and peers mourn and celebrate the actor's life. Read some of their tributes.

PettyLupone was shattered:

"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."

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glynderella_ said:

"Malcolm-Jamal Warner was not only Black television royalty; he was a Grammy Award-winning poet and talented musician in a jazz band. May he rest in peace."
Fans mourn Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Tributes poured out as fans and peers bid farewell to Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Image: Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

Tyrese Gibson mourned:

"Today, we lost a gentle giant. A man who won our hearts not by force, but by quiet grace. From the very beginning, Malcolm-Jamal Warner reminded us that being calm, classy, sophisticated, and soulful could carry you far in life. Rest well, Malcolm. You were everything we needed."

StephBMore was heartbroken:

"I think what hurts most about Malcolm Jamal Warner is that he was a GOOD person. A good human being. You never heard anything negative about him."

Connie Chiume remembered at film festival

In an earlier report, Briefly News shared the details behind Connie Chiume's tribute film festival in honour of the late actress.

Hoping to fulfil her passion for uplifting and encouraging young talents, the Connie Chiume Foundation earmarked the event to give budding actors and filmmakers a platform to share their talents.

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The late actress, whose decades-long career landed her in films such as Zone 14 and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, sadly passed away at the age of 72 while in hospital.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Moroba Moroeng avatar

Moroba Moroeng (Entertainment editor) Moroba Moroeng is an entertainment writer at Briefly News and a University of Johannesburg alumni (Public Relations and Communications, 2018). She was the content manager and, later, editor for HipHop Africa, where she honed her proofreading, leadership, and content management skills. Having begun her career as a content writer for Slikour OnLife, Moroba has over four years of experience as a writer specialising in music journalism and entertainment. She joined Briefly News in 2023 and passed a set of training courses by the Google News Initiative. Email: moroba.moroeng@briefly.co.za