Malcolm-Jamal Warner, star of The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54.
Costa Rican National Police confirmed that the actor had died on Sunday afternoon (July 20).
The star is best known for his character Theo Huxtable, who he played for all eight seasons of The Cosby Show, which ran from 1985-1992.
Warner even received an Emmy nomination for the role in 1986.
The star recently recalled, in a 2023 interview, how he was handpicked for his breakout role by Cosby, on the final day of auditions that had spanned across America.
He said: “I was literally the last person they saw.”
But it wasn’t the actor’s only big role during his star-studded career.
Warner also had guest appearances on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Sesame Street.
Fox Entertainment released a statement following the tragic news.
They wrote: “Everyone at Fox is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
“While his iconic roles – from comedic to dramatic – are unforgettable and timeless, Malcolm will be remembered most for his warmth, kind heart and the lasting impact he had on his friends, family and fans everywhere.”
And acting wasn’t his only gift.
Warner also won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance in 2015, alongside pianist Robert Glasper, and producer Lalah Hathaway.
The trio made a cover of Stevie Wonder’s song, Jesus Children of America.
Speaking on a radio show about the legacy of The Cosby Show in 2023, he said: “There’s a generation of us who went to college, they sought out higher education because of that TV show.
“There’s a generation of us that went and got married and had loving relationships with each other and their children because of that show.”
He added: “That impact is irreversible.”
Tributes from fans of the star have flooded in following the sad announcement.
One said: “Shocking and heartbreaking we grew up with him.”
“I’m so sorry for his family and loved ones,” another added.
“What a tragic and young age to die. Rest in peace.”
A third wrote: “I’m an 80s kid, we are all crying.
“He was everyone’s big brother, we grew up with him. Thank you for being you. Rest easy.”
Police confirmed that the 54-year-old had died after drowning at the weekend, while on holiday in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency has noted that the actor has allegedly been dragged out to sea by a strong ocean current, while swimming at Playa Grande around 14:00 local time in Cocles, a town in Limón.
Bystanders did manage to rescue him from the water and bring him to shore, where the Costa Rican Red Cross tried to treat him.
But the star was declared dead at the scene.
Warren is survived by his wife and their eight-year-old daughter.
