Malcolm-Jamal Warner has two first names; his parents named him after Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal. That sounds like the kind of thing his television parents on “The Cosby Show” might do. We watched Malcolm-Jamal grow up on the number one hit series, playing Theodore Huxtable for eight seasons, his first at the age of fourteen. Playing Theo was a blessing and a curse, as he was forever typecast as Theo despite being a working actor the rest of his life. He starred in “Malcolm & Eddie” for four seasons, from the ages of 26 to 30. I just finished binge-watching “Sneaky Pete,” in which Warner played a parole officer, classifying his parolees as either an eagle or a shitbird.
Warner kept his personal life private. After dating multiple high-profile actresses until his early forties, he married and had a daughter that he kept private. Warner died on July 20, 2025, at the age of 54, while swimming at Playa Cocles in Limón Province, Costa Rica. Authorities reported he was caught in a high current and drowned. Bystanders pulled him from the ocean, but he was declared lifeless upon reaching shore. The official cause of death was confirmed as asphyxia by submersion due to drowning.
Warner played Cliff and Claire Huxtable’s only son on The Cosby Show. My only son was born during the first season of the show and was included in the generations of children influenced by the show indirectly through their parents. Bill Cosby was a role model then, which didn’t age well. Warner, in his later years, transitioned from comedy to playing professionals. When he first appeared on Sneaky Pete, my first thoughts were still of Theo.
Although I enjoyed Warner in his later roles, I’ll never forget him as Theo and a particular scene which I shared with my son more times than he’d like to remember. Theo’s grades had come home containing Cs and Ds, which in the Huxtable home was unacceptable. After a lecture from his parents, he went to his room. Theo came back to talk to his father, crediting his parents for being successful professionals but suggesting maybe he was born to be a regular person and have a regular life. Theo said if Cliff weren’t a doctor, he wouldn’t love him any less, “Because you’re my dad!” Theo suggested that instead of being disappointed, his father might accept him for who he was and love him anyway, “Because I’m your son.” Cliff responded:
Theo, that’s the dumbest thing I've ever heard in my life!
This scene will always be my favorite, featuring Malcolm-Jamal Warner. It leads you to believe that the shift is acceptance of mediocrity but Cliff Huxtable weaves and delivers a body blow that reminds Theo and the audience that Black excellence is the goal. It's television at its most powerful.
Rest in peace, Malcolm-Jamal.