Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role on The Cosby Show, passed away on Monday, July 21, according to his family. Warner was on vacation at the time of his death. Here’s everything we know so far about his passing, which has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world.
How Did Malcolm-Jamal Warner Die?
According to initial reports, Warner drowned while swimming in Costa Rica, where he had been vacationing with his family. The medical report states that he had no pre-existing health conditions, and his cause of death is believed to be an accidental drowning. No further details about the incident have been released at this time.
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How Old Was Malcolm-Jamal Warner?
Malcolm-Jamal Warner was 54 years old at the time of his death.
What Was Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Net Worth?
As of 2025, Warner’s net worth was estimated at $6 million, accumulated through years of work as an actor, director, musician, and spoken word artist. Among his assets was his main residence in the hills of Studio City, California, which he purchased in 1994 for $470,000. The home is now valued at approximately $3 million.
Who Was Malcolm-Jamal Warner?
Born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Malcolm-Jamal Warner was an accomplished American actor, director, and musician with a career that spanned over four decades. Named in honor of civil rights leader Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, Warner showed an early interest in the arts, aspiring to become either an actor or a poet. After his parents’ divorce, he moved to Los Angeles with his mother, Pamela—who later became his manager—and began taking acting classes at the age of nine.
He made his TV debut in 1982 in the mystery series Matt Houston. After appearing in various roles, Warner rose to fame as Theo Huxtable in The Cosby Show (1984–1992), playing the lovable teenage son of Cliff and Clair Huxtable. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination in 1986 for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He also directed several episodes of the show.
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Warner continued to shine in television with leading roles in Here and Now (1992–1993) and Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000), directing 17 episodes of the latter. He later starred in and produced Reed Between the Lines (2011–2015), winning a 2012 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series. His TV movie credits include The Father Clements Story (1987), Tyson (1995), and The Tuskegee Airmen (1995).
In the 2010s, Warner had recurring roles in hit shows like Community, Sons of Anarchy, Suits, and Major Crimes. He also appeared in American Horror Story: Freak Show and portrayed Al Cowlings in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016). From 2018 to 2023, he played a doctor on the medical drama The Resident. In 2023, he took on a darker role in Accused, and in 2024, he guest-starred in episodes of Grown-ish and 9-1-1.
Though primarily a television actor, Warner also appeared in films like Drop Zone (1994), Restaurant (1998), Fool’s Gold (2008), and Shot (2017). On stage, he was praised for his performances in Cryin’ Shame (2001) and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner at Washington D.C.’s Arena Stage (2013–2014).
Warner had a notable music career as well, particularly in spoken word. With his jazz band, Miles Long, he released The Miles Long Mixtape (2004), Love & Other Social Issues (2007), and Selfless (2015). His 2022 album Hiding in Plain View earned a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album. In 2015, he won a Grammy alongside Robert Glasper Experiment and Lalah Hathaway for their rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Jesus Children of America,” which featured Warner’s spoken word performance.
He was deeply committed to social causes, actively campaigning against teen drug use and supporting various charitable organizations. Warner also authored a memoir in 1988, Theo and Me: Growing Up Okay, co-written with Daniel Paisner.
Warner’s personal life attracted media attention over the years. He had a romantic relationship with actress Michelle Thomas, who also portrayed his girlfriend Justine on The Cosby Show. Though they ended their relationship in 1994, they remained close until her passing from a rare form of stomach cancer in 1998. Warner was reportedly by her side during her final moments.
He later had a long-term relationship with actress Karen Malina White and subsequently dated Regina King, a relationship that ended in 2013. At the time of his death, Warner was married and had a daughter, whose identities he chose to keep private.
