Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dies: Remembering the Career of The Cosby Show Star

Liputan6.com, Jakarta The entertainment world mourns the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, a multi-talented American actor, director, producer, writer, musician, and poet.

Warner passed away on July 20, 2025, at the age of 54, leaving behind an immeasurable artistic legacy.

This sad news came while Malcolm-Jamal Warner was vacationing in Costa Rica.

He died after a drowning incident at Playa Cocles, Limón Province, an event that shocked many.

The official cause of death for the star, best known for his role as Theodore "Theo" Huxtable on the NBC sitcom The Cosby Show, was asphyxia due to drowning.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner was pulled from the ocean by witnesses, but his life could not be saved.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on August 18, 1970, Malcolm-Jamal Warner was named in honor of Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal.

From the age of five, he grew up in Los Angeles, where his interest in the entertainment world began to grow.

At the age of nine, Warner showed a strong interest in acting, which led him to enroll in various acting schools.

His career as a child actor later led him to graduate from The Professional Children's School in New York City.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner began his professional acting career in 1982, at the age of 12.

This foundation later led him to iconic roles beloved by millions of audiences worldwide.

In addition to acting, Malcolm-Jamal Warner has also demonstrated his talent in music and poetry.

In 2003, he released his debut jazz-funk EP, The Miles Long Mixtape, followed by his second album, Love & Other Social Issues, in 2007.

The pinnacle of his musical career came in 2015, when he won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance. This award was given for his contribution to Stevie Wonder's cover of "Jesus Children of America.

"His work in poetry is equally impressive.

His 2022 spoken word poetry album, Hiding in Plain View, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album at the 65th Grammy Awards, a new category at the time.

Warner also frequently performs poetry readings, including at the National Black Theatre Festival.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner achieved widespread fame for his role as Theodore "Theo" Huxtable on the NBC sitcom The Cosby Show, which aired from 1984 to 1992.

This role not only catapulted him to fame but also earned him an Emmy Award nomination in 1985.

This nomination made him the youngest nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

This success attested to his exceptional acting talent from a young age.After The Cosby Show, Malcolm-Jamal Warner continued his career on the small screen.

From 1996 to 2000, he starred alongside comedian Eddie Griffin in the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie, showcasing his versatility in a variety of comedic genres.

He also played Kurdy Malloy in Jeremiah (2002–2004), voiced The Producer in The Magic School Bus, and appeared in the CBS sitcom Listen Up in 2004 alongside Jason Alexander.

One of his most recent roles was as AJ 'The Raptor' Austin on the medical drama series The Resident, where he has been part of the main cast since the second season.

Outside of the spotlight, Malcolm-Jamal Warner is known as a passionate social activist.

He frequently contributes to AIDS-related charities and directed the public health video "Time Out: The Truth About HIV, AIDS, and You" in 1992.

In June 2024, Warner launched the podcast "All Hood," a platform designed to address mental health barriers in the Black community.

This demonstrates his commitment to community well-being.

In his personal life, Malcolm-Jamal Warner was in a relationship with actress Regina King from 2011 to 2013.

He later married and had a daughter, but chose not to reveal the names of his wife and child to protect their family's privacy.

Throughout his career, Malcolm-Jamal Warner has received numerous awards and nominations that have cemented his position as an accomplished artist. Here are some of them:

• Young Artist Award:
  • 1985: Won Best Young Supporting Actor in a Television Comedy Series (The Cosby Show).
  • 1989: Won Best Young Actor/Actress Ensemble in a Television Comedy, Drama Series or Special (The Cosby Show).
  • 1990: Won Best Young Actor Supporting Role in a Television Series (The Cosby Show).
• Primetime Emmy Awards:
  • 1986: Nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (The Cosby Show).
• Image Awards:
  • 2012: Won Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series (Reed Between the Lines).
• Grammy Awards:
  • 2015: Won Best Traditional R&B Performance ("Jesus Children of America").
  • 2023: Nominated for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album (Hiding in Plain View).

Malcolm-Jamal Warner's passing leaves a deep sorrow for his family, colleagues, and fans worldwide. His contributions to various artistic fields will always be remembered.