What happened to Malcolm-Jamal Warner? The Cosby star dies at 54 in tragic drowning in Costa Rica
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, star of The Cosby Show, has died at 54 after drowning in a swimming pool while on vacation in Costa Rica.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner died at the age of 54 after drowning in a swimming pool. According to reports, the tragic incident with The Cosby star occurred when he was in Costa Rica on a family vacation.
There is limited information about his death as Warner's representatives have not yet released an official statement. The news of his demise was first reported by TMZ and then People Magazine.
Warner, a New Jersey native, began performing at the age of nine, appearing in series such as “Fame.” He was a young teenager when he was chosen to play Heathcliff Huxtable, the only son of Bill Cosby's character on "The Cosby Show," which aired from 1984 to 1992.
Meanwhile, social media platforms like X got flooded with tributes to the late actor.
“RIP to the great Malcolm Jamal Warner, my generation grew up on him,” one fan wrote.
“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. ,” another commented.
“Malcolm‑Jamal Warner was so much more than a role actor, musician, director, podcaster. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us. You will be deeply missed,” a third person said.
Who was Malcolm-Jamal Warner? A look at his career
In the 1980s, Warner became well-known across the country for playing Cliff Huxtable's only son on The Cosby Show, which aired for eight seasons between 1984 and 1992. On the last day of NBC's nationwide casting call, Warner tried out for the part and was handpicked by Bill Cosby at the age of 14.
He was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his work.
Following The Cosby Show, Warner costarred with Eddie Griffin in the 1996–2000 UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie.
He appeared in Sons of Anarchy (FX), Reed Between the Lines (BET), and Jeremiah (Showtime) during his multi-decade career.
Warner was a gifted director in addition to being an actor. He directed music videos for The Cosby Show, Kenan & Kel, and the educational show Time Out: The Truth About HIV, AIDS, and You, which starred Magic Johnson and Arsenio Hall.
Warner was born in New Jersey, but his early love of acting brought him to a New York City performing arts school, launching a career that would have a significant impact on American television.
