Cosby Show Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner Drowns at Playa Cocles - Stab Mag

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Warner was reportedly on vacation with family at the time. He was 54. Photo: Amy Sussman

Cosby Show Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner Drowns at Playa Cocles

Surfers reportedly rescued his 8-year-old daughter, but couldn’t reach him in time.

news // Jul 24, 2025
Words by Jack O'Neill Paterson
Reading Time: < 1 minute

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, remembered by many as Theo from The Cosby Show, drowned over the weekend while swimming at Playa Grande near Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. 

Reports say that after getting a surf lesson earlier in the day, Malcolm was in the water with his 8-year-old daughter when a rip pulled them off their feet. Surfers spotted the struggle, got to them fast, and managed to save the daughter. Paddled her in on a board, but Warner didn’t make it back. His body was found the next day.

Playa Grande is a relatively playful Caribbean beachie, but can have serious rips and powerful surf on the right tide and swell — the waves on the day in question were reportedly 4-6 feet. Warner was on vacation with family at the time. He was 54. 

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