News Summary
Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, renowned for his role as Theo Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show,’ has drowned in Costa Rica under tragic circumstances. Local authorities have deemed the incident accidental, leaving fans and the entertainment community in shock. Warner, who enjoyed a successful career in various sitcoms including ‘Malcolm & Eddie,’ is remembered for his talent and versatility as an actor. His contributions to television and acting have left a lasting impact, and he will be sorely missed by many.
Kansas City – Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” tragically drowned in Costa Rica on Sunday. Local authorities have ruled the incident as an accident, sending shockwaves through the entertainment community and fans alike.
Warner gained fame portraying Theo Huxtable, the son of Bill Cosby’s character Cliff Huxtable, in the iconic sitcom that aired from 1984 to 1992. Following his success on “The Cosby Show,” he starred in “Malcolm & Eddie,” a sitcom set in Kansas City that aired for four seasons from 1996 to 2000. This ensemble cast included fellow actor Eddie Griffin, a Kansas City native who expressed deep sorrow over Warner’s passing. Griffin acknowledged Warner’s significant impact on his life through a heartfelt message shared on social media.
“Malcolm & Eddie” was notable for depicting contrasting personalities, with Warner’s calm and collected character, Malcolm McGee, paired with Griffin’s more eccentric and goofy persona. The show featured familiar Kansas City sights in its opening credits, showcasing the city skyline and landmarks such as a Kansas City Chiefs pennant and signage from the distinct 18th and Vine district. Eddie Griffin, who grew up in the Washington Wheatley neighborhood of Kansas City, played a pivotal role in conceptualizing the show’s Kansas City setting.
Throughout his career, Warner was recognized for his versatility as an actor, earning an Emmy nomination for his work across various genres, including action, drama, and comedy. Most recently, he starred in the medical drama series “The Resident,” where he portrayed surgeon August Jeremiah “AJ” Austin for nearly 100 episodes. Warner’s extensive experience also included a romantic comedy alongside Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson centered on treasure hunting, and a role in the post-apocalyptic series “Jeremiah” with Luke Perry.
In addition to his television work, Warner lent his voice to a character in the beloved educational animated series “The Magic School Bus.” He was also involved in independent films, including a drama with Adrien Brody that followed aspiring artists working in a restaurant. His early career included significant roles, such as one in a 1995 biopic about boxer Mike Tyson, for which he received an NAACP Image Award nomination.
Warner also made his mark on the USA Network’s legal drama, portraying a recurring character, Julius Rowe, and appeared in the FX series “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” in which he played Al Cowlings. His ability to adapt to various roles and genres showcased his broad talent and passion as an entertainer.
As the news of Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s passing continues to resonate, fans and colleagues remember him not just for his work on television, but also for his contribution to the fabric of the entertainment industry. His legacy lives on through his numerous performances, and he will be greatly missed by those who admired his work and the joy he brought to audiences around the world.
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Additional Resources
- Kansas City Star
- Wikipedia: Malcolm-Jamal Warner
- The Wrap
- Google Search: Malcolm-Jamal Warner
- Fox 4 Kansas City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Malcolm-Jamal Warner
- USA Today
- Google News: Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.

