Veteran actor Bill Cosby, best known for his iconic sitcom The Cosby Show, is mourning the loss of his on-screen son, ‘Theodore Huxtable’, aka ‘Theo’, played by Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who tragically died in an accidental drowning on July 20, 2025. Cosby lost his real son years ago and often referred to Warner as his own child. As the industry slowly comes to terms with the untimely passing of their beloved ‘Theodore Huxtable’, Cosby has broken his silence. Warner, 54, reportedly drowned after being caught in a strong ocean current while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica.

Bill Cosby reflected on his long-standing bond with Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Following Warner’s tragic demise, his on-screen father for eight years, Bill Cosby, reflected on their long-standing bond over the years. Speaking to ABC News, the 88-year-old veteran described his relationship as that of a mentor, similar to how his grandfather was for him. Reflecting on Warner’s focus and dedication to his role in The Cosby Show, Bill shared:

“He was always a great studier, and I enjoyed working with him very much… He was very professional. He always knew his part… He always knew his lines, and he always knew where to go.”

Speaking to CBS News, Cosby shared how, all these years, Warner had stayed in regular contact with him, and their phone calls were consistent. In an interview with New York’s 6ABC, the I Spy actor talked about his reaction to Malcolm-Jamal’s passing and said:

“You could depend on Malcolm always going to the shelter, to learn his lines, to gather his character to come out and be ready. When the news came, it was shocking. Of course, my thoughts went straight to his mother, who worked so hard. She was so wonderful with him.”

Cosby shares his final conversation with Warner

The Cosby Show ended in 1992, but the on-screen father-son bond between Bill Cosby and Malcolm-Jamal Warner remained strong long after the show ended. Warner frequently kept in touch with Cosby, sharing personal milestones and creative successes. Just weeks before his untimely death, Warner had performed with the Minnesota Orchestra and proudly called Cosby. Reflecting on their final exchange, longtime spokesperson Andrew Wyatt told USA Today:

“He had just done a concert in Minnesota and called Mr. Cosby and talked about it. They spoke all the time. He said Malcolm was changing humanity.”

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s demise reminded Bill Cosby of his son’s death

Cosby, now 88, has had his share of tragedy and losses in his life. The unexpected demise of Warner at 54 has once again stirred the haunting memories of the passing of his only son, Ennis William Cosby, who was tragically murdered in 1997 during an attempted robbery as the 27-year-old tried to change a flat tire. Now, with his on-screen son gone, it hits a little too close to home, as Cosby’s son used to play with Malcolm.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner: A bright star, dimmed too soon

Malcolm-Jamal Warner was more than just an actor; he was a director, poet, musician, and activist who began his career at 13. He rose to fame as ‘Theo Huxtable’ on The Cosby Show, eventually earning an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. In 2015, he won a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance. Younger audiences also recognised him from The Resident.

On July 20, 2025, Warner tragically drowned while swimming during a family vacation in Costa Rica. He was declared dead from asphyxia. He is survived by his wife and daughter, whose identities he had always kept away from the public eye. His colleagues and fans from the industry mourn his untimely passing.

Rest in peace, Malcolm.

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