Malcolm-Jamal Warner: Theo Huxtable of The Cosby Show Dies at 54

Malcolm-Jamal Warner was an American actor, director, poet and musician, best known as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show. Born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, he was named after Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal.

Warner played Theo on The Cosby Show from 1984 to 1992 and earned an Emmy nomination in 1986. He later starred in Malcolm & Eddie, Reed Between the Lines and The Resident, and directed music videos and television episodes. He won a Grammy in 2015 as a featured artist on "Jesus Children" and was nominated again for his spoken-word album Hiding in Plain View (2022).

Warner wrote the 1988 memoir Theo and Me: Growing up Okay. He married Tenisha Hancock in 2022 and had a daughter. He died on July 20, 2025, at age 54, after being caught in a strong current while swimming at Playa Cocles, Costa Rica. Authorities ruled it accidental asphyxia by submersion.

Achievements: Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show (1984-1992), Emmy nomination (1986), Grammy (2015), NAACP Image Award for Reed Between the Lines.

Birth: August 18, 1970 - Jersey City, New Jersey.

Profession: Actor, director and poet.

Interesting Facts: He played bass in a band and recited his poetry. He auditioned for Theo on the final day of a nationwide casting search.