• Malcolm-Jamal Warner died at age 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica.
• Officials reported he was pulled out to sea by a rip current while swimming.
• Warner portrayed Theo Huxtable on 'The Cosby Show,' a role that earned him an Emmy nomination.
• Tributes poured in from colleagues, including Bill Cosby, who reflected on their close relationship.
• Warner was widely respected for his contributions to television and music.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theodore "Theo" Huxtable on "The Cosby Show," tragically died at age 54 due to an accidental drowning in Costa Rica. Warner was reportedly swimming at Playa Cocles when he was caught by a strong current and unable to be revived by first responders, according to CBS News and ABC News.

Warner's death was confirmed by Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department, which reported he drowned Sunday afternoon. Fellow beachgoers attempted a rescue, but he was pronounced dead by the Costa Rican Red Cross shortly thereafter, as reported by Channel News Asia and HuffPost.

Known for his significant role in the hit sitcom from 1984 to 1992, Warner's portrayal of Theo Huxtable was central to the show's impact on television. He earned an Emmy nomination for his work and was part of a groundbreaking portrayal of a Black family during that era, reflecting on its cultural significance in various interviews, including one with NPR and Le Monde.

In the wake of his passing, co-stars and friends have expressed their condolences, with Bill Cosby reminiscing about their relationship during an interview, describing Warner as a professional who dedicated himself to his craft. Cosby noted, “Malcolm was always embracing relationships with everybody he worked with,” as covered by HuffPost and ABC News.