“The Cosby Show” veteran Malcolm-Jamal Warner has died at age 54, TMZ reports.
According to PEOPLE, Malcolm-Jamal was on vacation with his family in Costa Rica when he drowned while swimming.
Malcolm-Jamal was best known as Theodore Huxtable on “The Cosby Show” sitcom that aired on NBC from September 20, 1984, to April 30, 1992.
He was also known for his roles on the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000), Reed Between the Lines (2011, 2015), and on FX show Sons of Anarchy (2014).
Malcolm-Jamal was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He was raised by his mother, Pamela, who served as his manager. He was named after Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal.
His mother enrolled him in acting schools as a young child. He graduated from The Professional Children’s School in New York City.
Malcolm-Jamal auditioned for the role of Theo Huxtable on the final day of a nationwide search. He was hand-picked by Bill Cosby himself.
Most recently, Malcolm-Jamal hosted the podcast “Not All Hood.” His latest episode aired just 3 days ago.
Malcolm-Jamal was in a relationship with actress Regina King from 2011 until March 2013.
He also dated actress Michelle Thomas, who portrayed his girlfriend Justine Phillips on The Cosby Show. He was at her bedside when she died of cancer in 1998.
He leaves behind a wife and a daughter whose identities he kept secret from the public.
