Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his iconic role as ‘Theo Huxtable’ on the 1984 American sitcom The Cosby Show, made a lasting mark on television history. His performance earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Tragically, on July 20, 2025, Warner passed away at the age of 54 after drowning during a family vacation in Costa Rica. He is survived by his wife and daughter, whose identities remained largely private.

Malcolm-Jamal had made headlines in the past for his high-profile relationships before settling down in secret and starting a family between 2016 and 2017. From Regina King to his Cosby co-star, Michelle Thomas, and more, his love life is tainted by some messy public fallouts and tragic ends.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s untimely death has shocked Hollywood and fans alike, sparking renewed interest in his low-key but meaningful romantic life. Here’s a glimpse inside the late actor’s secret marriage and star-studded dating history.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s secret marriage to his low-profile wife

While Malcolm-Jamal Warner never publicly revealed his wife’s name, sources close to the actor confirm that he has been married since around 2016 or 2017 to a Connecticut-based attorney. The name of his wife remains under wraps, but in a rare moment on the Hot & Bothered podcast, Warner opened up about how they met. 

The couple met in 2015 through a mutual friend and initially agreed to keep things platonic. However, over time, a genuine connection grew between them. Reflecting on how the relationship evolved, Warner admitted that he unexpectedly found himself wanting to start a family, saying:

“I was just really honest and frank, and candid about everything… I said, ‘What do you think about starting a family?’ At some point during this time, if I’m going to have a kid, this is the person I would like to have it with. This feels right, and this makes sense. When people say, ‘When you know you know,’ that’s what that feeling is.”

Warner’s wife has always maintained a low profile, staying completely out of the public eye. The couple welcomed their daughter in 2017, and while Warner occasionally shared heartfelt glimpses of fatherhood on social media, he never revealed their identities. On July 2, 2017, he posted a tender photo holding his newborn, captioned:

“Peaceful time with family takes on a whole new meaning now.”

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s tragic love story with Michelle Thomas

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s bond with Michelle Thomas was one of his earliest and most meaningful relationships. Michelle, who portrayed his on-screen girlfriend ‘Justine Phillips’ on The Cosby Show, dated Warner from around 1988 to the early 1990s. The two remained close friends until Michelle’s tragic death from stomach cancer in 1998.

Warner was reportedly at Michelle’s bedside during her final moments, and years later, in 2015, he paid tribute to her with a touching post on his Instagram. He wrote:

“If there was ever an angel who walked amongst us mere mortals, this woman was it. So powerful, even her haters would have to agree. She lit up the room like she lit up the screen! R.I.P., my love. We miss you.”

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s long-term romance with Cosby co-star Karen Malina White

Years after Michelle Thomas’ passing, Warner found himself attracted to another Cosby co-star, actress Karen Malina White, who played ‘Charmaine Brown’ in the sitcom. The two reportedly dated between 2000 to 2007, and were also reported to have married in secret. However, Karen later clarified that it was nothing more than a long-standing romantic partnership.

Warner’s highly publicised romance with Regina King, which ended in a messy split

Before settling in with his wife, Warner was involved in a public, high-profile relationship with Oscar-winning actress, Regina King. The two had known each other since the 80s, and in 2011, their decades-long friendship bloomed into a romance. They were quite serious about each other and allegedly even lived together at one point. Warren and King’s chemistry soon made them one of Hollywood’s most admired couples.

However, things took a turn in 2013 when the couple abruptly broke up. In a 2015 Us Weekly interview, Regina King revealed she was blindsided by Warner ending their relationship on Valentine’s Day. He later sent her flowers with a note saying, “I still love you,” but she admitted to throwing them in the trash.

Remembering Malcolm-Jamal Warner

While generations of fans know him as ‘Theo Huxtable’, Malcolm-Jamal Warner has had a successful career post The Cosby Show. His acting portfolio includes several impressive credits, from Malcolm & Eddie to The Resident. Warner even launched his own podcast, Not All Hood, in 2024, whose latest episode was featured on his IG handle on July 18, 2025, only two days before his tragic demise. Now, the post has become a tribute wall for his heartbroken fans.

Despite his star-studded dating history, Warner cherished being a husband and father above all. Though he kept his family private, his words spoke volumes about his love for them. His passing leaves a deep void. Rest in peace, Malcolm-Jamal Warner.

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