Latest news with #CliffHuxtable
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The Cosby Show star dead at 54: Malcolm-Jamal Warner passes away after shock 'drowning incident'
The Cosby Show alum Malcolm-Jamal Warner has tragically passed away at the age of 54, the Daily Mail can confirm. The actor died in Costa Rica on Sunday after drowning while swimming off the coast, according to local authorities who spoke with ABC News. The Costa Rican National Police reported that Warner's body was discovered near Cocles, a beach in the Limon province. He was reportedly caught by a strong current, and his official cause of death has been listed as asphyxia. Daily Mail has reached out to Warner's representatives for comment, but they have not yet responded. While the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, experts note that some beaches in Costa Rica can pose serious risks depending on conditions. Though many areas are safe for swimming, others are known for powerful currents and rip tides that demand caution. Warner was best known for his iconic role as Theodore Huxtable, the only son of Cliff Huxtable, on the beloved NBC sitcom The Cosby Show. He appeared in all eight seasons from 1984 to 1992, earning widespread acclaim and becoming a household name. According to WedMD, Asphyxia 'happens when your body doesn't get enough oxygen to keep you from passing.' Breathing impairment, due to water inhalation, can cause the condition, which can result in unconsciousness or death. Although it is unknown what caused him to drown, the waters in Costa Rica can be dangerous, depending on the specific beach and conditions. While many beaches offer safe swimming, some have strong currents and rip tides that require caution. The actor, best known for his role as Theodore Huxtable on the beloved NBC sitcom, appeared in all eight seasons from 1984 to 1992. At the time, Warner was just a teenager, but his performance earned widespread acclaim, including a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 1986 Primetime Emmy Awards. Warner is survived by his wife and young daughter, born in 2017. While he occasionally shared glimpses of his family life on social media, he chose to keep their identities private, opting not to publicly reveal their names. His character, Theo, was based on Bill Cosby's real-life son, Ennis Cosby, and was portrayed with depth and sensitivity. In the show, Theo is diagnosed with dyslexia after struggling academically during his freshman year at New York University—an arc that resonated with many viewers. Beyond The Cosby Show, Warner carved out a successful and diverse career in both comedy and drama. He starred as Malcolm McGee in the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000) opposite Eddie Griffin, and later headlined BET's Reed Between the Lines from 2011 to 2015 as Dr. Alex Reed. His television credits also included recurring roles and guest appearances on shows like Sons of Anarchy, Jeremiah, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Community. Warner also voiced the Producer character on the educational children's series The Magic School Bus. Prior to his breakout role, Warner, who was born in New Jersey, he attended a performing arts school in New York City. Cosby personally selected Warner to play his son. In 2023, Warner insisted he and the rest of the cast of The Cosby Show 'still very proud of' their hit series. 'We share a unique experience that keeps us lovingly bonded no matter how much time goes between seeing or hearing from each other,' he told People. 'Regardless of how some people may feel about the show now, I'm still proud of the legacy and having been a part of such an iconic show that had such a profound impact on — first and foremost, Black culture — but also American culture,' Warner explained, nodding to the rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment claims against his former onscreen dad. News of Warner's sudden death has left fans and colleagues in shock. '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,' one fan wrote on X. Another tweeted: 'Rest in power to Malcolm-Jamal Warner (1970–2025), who passed away on July 21, 2025, at age 54 from an accidental drowning. Forever our Theo Huxtable, a symbol of Black excellence, grace, and artistry. Your legacy shines on.' Jamie Foxx was among the first Hollywood stars to pay tribute to Warner. 'Speechless on this one rest in power, my brother,' he wrote on Instagram, almost immediately after the news broke.
CNN
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
Is Coca-Cola with cane sugar healthier?
Malcolm-Jamal Warner's impact on Black community Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Cliff Huxtable on 'The Cosby Show,' has died at age 54 in a drowning accident in Costa Rica where he was on vacation with family, according to authorities. Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Department told CNN that Warner was swimming Sunday at Playa Grande de Cocles in Limon province when a current pulled him deeper into the ocean, where the Red Cross later declared him dead. CNN's Lisa Respers France reports.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Cosby Show actor Warner dies in Costa Rica drowning
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor who played teenage son Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica, local authorities say. Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Department said on Monday that Warner drowned on Sunday afternoon on a beach on the country's Caribbean coast. He was swimming at Playa Grande de Cocles in Limon province when a current pulled him deeper into the ocean. "He was rescued by people on the beach," the department's initial report said but first responders from the Red Cross found him without vital signs and he was taken to the morgue. Warner featured in a pilot-episode argument with Bill Cosby's Cliff Huxtable about money and an ear piercing he tries to hide from his dad. His Theo was the only son among four daughters in the household of Cliff Huxtable and Phylicia Rashad's Clair Huxtable on the NBC sitcom, and he would be one of the prime representations of teenage boyhood on a show that was the most popular in the United States for much of its run from 1984 to 1992. He played the role for eight seasons in all 197 episodes, winning an Emmy nomination for supporting actor in a comedy in 1986. For many the lasting image of the character, and of Warner, is of him wearing a badly botched mock designer shirt sewed by his sister Denise, played by Lisa Bonet. Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor who played teenage son Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica, local authorities say. Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Department said on Monday that Warner drowned on Sunday afternoon on a beach on the country's Caribbean coast. He was swimming at Playa Grande de Cocles in Limon province when a current pulled him deeper into the ocean. "He was rescued by people on the beach," the department's initial report said but first responders from the Red Cross found him without vital signs and he was taken to the morgue. Warner featured in a pilot-episode argument with Bill Cosby's Cliff Huxtable about money and an ear piercing he tries to hide from his dad. His Theo was the only son among four daughters in the household of Cliff Huxtable and Phylicia Rashad's Clair Huxtable on the NBC sitcom, and he would be one of the prime representations of teenage boyhood on a show that was the most popular in the United States for much of its run from 1984 to 1992. He played the role for eight seasons in all 197 episodes, winning an Emmy nomination for supporting actor in a comedy in 1986. For many the lasting image of the character, and of Warner, is of him wearing a badly botched mock designer shirt sewed by his sister Denise, played by Lisa Bonet. Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor who played teenage son Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica, local authorities say. Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Department said on Monday that Warner drowned on Sunday afternoon on a beach on the country's Caribbean coast. He was swimming at Playa Grande de Cocles in Limon province when a current pulled him deeper into the ocean. "He was rescued by people on the beach," the department's initial report said but first responders from the Red Cross found him without vital signs and he was taken to the morgue. Warner featured in a pilot-episode argument with Bill Cosby's Cliff Huxtable about money and an ear piercing he tries to hide from his dad. His Theo was the only son among four daughters in the household of Cliff Huxtable and Phylicia Rashad's Clair Huxtable on the NBC sitcom, and he would be one of the prime representations of teenage boyhood on a show that was the most popular in the United States for much of its run from 1984 to 1992. He played the role for eight seasons in all 197 episodes, winning an Emmy nomination for supporting actor in a comedy in 1986. For many the lasting image of the character, and of Warner, is of him wearing a badly botched mock designer shirt sewed by his sister Denise, played by Lisa Bonet. Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor who played teenage son Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica, local authorities say. Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Department said on Monday that Warner drowned on Sunday afternoon on a beach on the country's Caribbean coast. He was swimming at Playa Grande de Cocles in Limon province when a current pulled him deeper into the ocean. "He was rescued by people on the beach," the department's initial report said but first responders from the Red Cross found him without vital signs and he was taken to the morgue. Warner featured in a pilot-episode argument with Bill Cosby's Cliff Huxtable about money and an ear piercing he tries to hide from his dad. His Theo was the only son among four daughters in the household of Cliff Huxtable and Phylicia Rashad's Clair Huxtable on the NBC sitcom, and he would be one of the prime representations of teenage boyhood on a show that was the most popular in the United States for much of its run from 1984 to 1992. He played the role for eight seasons in all 197 episodes, winning an Emmy nomination for supporting actor in a comedy in 1986. For many the lasting image of the character, and of Warner, is of him wearing a badly botched mock designer shirt sewed by his sister Denise, played by Lisa Bonet.
West Australian
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- West Australian
The Cosby Show star Malcolm-Jamal Warner dies at age 54
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor who played teenage son Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at age 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica, authorities there said. Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Department on Monday said Warner drowned Sunday afternoon on a beach on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. He was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limon province when a current pulled him deeper into the ocean. 'He was rescued by people on the beach,' the department's initial report said, but first responders from Costa Rica's Red Cross found him without vital signs and he was taken to the morgue. Warner created many TV moments etched in the memories of Generation X children and their parents, including a pilot-episode argument with Bill Cosby's Cliff Huxtable about money and an ear piercing he tries to hide from his dad. His Theo was the only son among four daughters in the household of Cliff Huxtable and Phylicia Rashad's Clair Huxtable on the NBC sitcom, and he would be one of the prime representations of American teenage boyhood on a show that was the most popular in America for much of its run from 1984 to 1992. He played the role for eight seasons in all 197 episodes, winning an Emmy nomination for supporting actor in a comedy in 1986. For many the lasting image of the character, and of Warner, is of him wearing a badly botched mock designer shirt sewed by his sister Denise, played by Lisa Bonet. The Gordon Gartrell shirt later became a memeable image. Anthony Mackie wore one on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and the profile picture on Warner's Instagram shows a toddler sporting one. Like the rest of the show's cast, Warner had to contend with the sexual assault allegations against its titular star, whose conviction in a Pennsylvania court was later overturned. Warner told The Associated Press in 2015 that the show's legacy was 'tarnished'. 'My biggest concern is when it comes to images of people of color on television and film,' Warner said. 'We've always had The Cosby Show to hold up against that. And the fact that we no longer have that, that's the thing that saddens me the most because in a few generations the Huxtables will have been just a fairy tale.' Representatives for Cosby declined immediate comment. Warner later appeared on the sitcom Malcolm & Eddie, co-starring with comedian Eddie Griffin in the series on the defunct UPN network from 1996 to 2000. And in the 2010s he starred opposite Tracee Ellis Ross as a family-blending couple for two seasons on the BET sitcom Read Between The Lines. He also had a role as OJ Simpson's friend Al Cowlings on American Crime Story and was a series regular on Fox's The Resident. His film roles include the 2008 rom-com Fool's Gold with Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. A poet and a musician, Warner was a Grammy winner, for best traditional R&B performance, and was nominated for best spoken word poetry album for Hiding in Plain View. Warner was married with a daughter, but chose to not publicly disclose their names. Warner's representatives declined immediate comment.
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
The Cosby Show star Malcolm-Jamal Warner dies at age 54
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor who played teenage son Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at age 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica, authorities there said. Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Department on Monday said Warner drowned Sunday afternoon on a beach on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. He was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limon province when a current pulled him deeper into the ocean. 'He was rescued by people on the beach,' the department's initial report said, but first responders from Costa Rica's Red Cross found him without vital signs and he was taken to the morgue. Warner created many TV moments etched in the memories of Generation X children and their parents, including a pilot-episode argument with Bill Cosby's Cliff Huxtable about money and an ear piercing he tries to hide from his dad. His Theo was the only son among four daughters in the household of Cliff Huxtable and Phylicia Rashad's Clair Huxtable on the NBC sitcom, and he would be one of the prime representations of American teenage boyhood on a show that was the most popular in America for much of its run from 1984 to 1992. He played the role for eight seasons in all 197 episodes, winning an Emmy nomination for supporting actor in a comedy in 1986. For many the lasting image of the character, and of Warner, is of him wearing a badly botched mock designer shirt sewed by his sister Denise, played by Lisa Bonet. The Gordon Gartrell shirt later became a memeable image. Anthony Mackie wore one on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and the profile picture on Warner's Instagram shows a toddler sporting one. Like the rest of the show's cast, Warner had to contend with the sexual assault allegations against its titular star, whose conviction in a Pennsylvania court was later overturned. Warner told The Associated Press in 2015 that the show's legacy was 'tarnished'. 'My biggest concern is when it comes to images of people of color on television and film,' Warner said. 'We've always had The Cosby Show to hold up against that. And the fact that we no longer have that, that's the thing that saddens me the most because in a few generations the Huxtables will have been just a fairy tale.' Representatives for Cosby declined immediate comment. Warner later appeared on the sitcom Malcolm & Eddie, co-starring with comedian Eddie Griffin in the series on the defunct UPN network from 1996 to 2000. And in the 2010s he starred opposite Tracee Ellis Ross as a family-blending couple for two seasons on the BET sitcom Read Between The Lines. He also had a role as OJ Simpson's friend Al Cowlings on American Crime Story and was a series regular on Fox's The Resident. His film roles include the 2008 rom-com Fool's Gold with Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. A poet and a musician, Warner was a Grammy winner, for best traditional R&B performance, and was nominated for best spoken word poetry album for Hiding in Plain View. Warner was married with a daughter, but chose to not publicly disclose their names. Warner's representatives declined immediate comment.
