GA Mourns Atlanta's Malcom-Jamal Warner After Drowning

ATLANTA, GA — Actor Malcom-Jamal Warner, a 54-year-old who recently lived in Atlanta, was more than a performer to some mourners in Georgia; he was a friend and brother.

Warner, who cemented himself in the acting world as Theo Huxtable on "The Cosby Show" in the 1980s, died of an accidental drowning Sunday afternoon in Costa Rica while on vacation with his family.

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department said Warner drowned on a beach on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. He was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limon province when a current pulled him deeper into the ocean, read an Associated Press report.

“He was rescued by people on the beach,” the department’s initial report said, but first responders from Costa Rica’s Red Cross found him without vital signs and he was taken to the morgue, the Associated Press reported.

Warner recently lived in Atlanta, where the husband and father had a jazz band and performed spoken word, People reported.

Atlanta's top official remembered Warner as a man with talents that outstretched television. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said Warner was a "gifted musician, an inspiring speaker and a cultural force who left a lasting mark on Atlanta."

He continued: "We were honored to welcome Malcolm to our city many times over the years and he even had a residence in metro Atlanta. From his soulful set at the Mayor’s After the Masked Ball to his powerful presence during a creative workshop at this year’s Atlanta Jazz Festival, Malcolm brought authenticity, artistry and heart to everything he touched. His impact was also felt on the screen as a star of 'The Resident,' which filmed in Atlanta for six seasons. Our prayers are with his family, friends, and fans around the world."

In "The Resident," Warner brought to life AJ Austin. The Fox series aired from 2018-2023 and also starred Morris Chestnut, Andrew McCarthy, Matt Czuchry and Bruce Greenwood.

After Warner's nearly 200-episode run on "The Cosby Show," he went on to star in "Here and Now," "Malcolm and Eddie," "Fool's Gold" and "Reed Between the Lines."

He also narrated 41 episodes of "The Magic School Bus" and directed several episodes of "Malcolm and Eddie" and few for "All That" and "Kenan and Kel."

Though Warner was a man of many talents, Warner was more than an entertainer but a friend to fellow actor Lamman Rucker, WAGA-TV reported.

Rucker, who is often seen in Georgia-set Tyler Perry productions among others, reportedly knew Warner since age 13 and said the two of them were brothers.

"You want to look to the heavens and be like ‘anybody but him,’" Rucker told WAGA-TV. "... If I could’ve had another brother, biologically and vice versa, we would have both agreed we would have grown up together in the same household."

In her tribute, Atlanta talk show host Portia Bruner shared clips of Warner on her namesake show in December 2023.

"Giving thanks for the life of this dear father, son, husband, poet, musician, actor, activist and griot," Lake said. "Malcolm-Jamal Warner was a fearless model of self-love and vulnerability...even in the face of uncertainty. May the soul he shared with all of us rest well."

More tributes from Georgia prominence:

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center: "The King Center mourns the tragic passing of our dear friend, #MalcolmJamalWarner. Malcolm was a brilliant, multi-faceted artist and an inspiring giver. We are grateful for his love for #TheKingCenter and the King legacy. And for the ways he showed his support, including as co-host of our 2023 Beloved Community Awards (see photos in graphic). Our thoughts and prayers are with Malcolm’s family during this very difficult time."

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The Associated Press contributed reporting and writing.