Malcolm-Jamal Warner, beloved for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died. He was 54.

According to TMZ, a source close to the actor confirmed the news, citing an accidental drowning as the cause of death.

While the circumstances have not been publicly confirmed, his passing marks a major loss for the entertainment world.

No official statement has been released by Warner’s family or representatives at this time.

From Teen Star to TV Fixture

Warner rose to fame in 1984 as the witty, relatable Theo — the only son of Bill Cosby’s character, Heathcliff Huxtable — and quickly became one of the most recognizable young stars of the decade.

READ MORE: Television Viewers’ Favorite TV Dad of All Time Might Surprise You

The Cosby Show ran until 1992 and remains a permanent fixture in pop culture history.

Life After ‘The Cosby Show’

Warner’s career flourished well beyond his breakout role. He went on to co-lead Malcolm & Eddie with Eddie Griffin, and later starred as Alex Reed in Reed Between the Lines alongside Tracee Ellis Ross.

He also brought emotional depth to key roles in Major Crimes, The Resident, 9-1-1, and Alert: Missing Persons Unit, proving his staying power across genres and generations.

A Legacy That Shaped Generations

To many, Warner wasn’t just a TV actor — he was the face of a new era.

Warner represented intelligence, vulnerability, and warmth in a young Black male lead during a time when visibility mattered deeply.

READ MORE: Michael Madsen, ‘Kill Bill’ and ‘Reservoir Dogs’ Star, Dies at 67

He will be remembered not just for his talent, but for the heart and impact he brought to every role across his decades-long career.