Malcolm-Jamal Warner – a star of the 1980s TV classic The Cosby Show - has died aged 54 after an accidental drowning, according to reports.
American actor Warner played Bill Cosby’s affable son Theodore Huxtable on the ground-breaking sitcom.
Warner was vacationing in Costa Rica with his family near Playa Cocles in Limon, a law enforcement source confirmed.
The Central American nation’s judicial investigation department said a US citizen with the last name Warner had drowned while swimming after being pulled deeper into the ocean by a rip current.
He was declared lifeless at the scene by Red Cross lifeguards, the department added.
Representatives for Warner did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Actor Tracee Ellis Ross, who later played Warner’s wife in the BET sitcom Reed Between the Lines wrote on Instagram: “I love you, Malcolm.
“First I met you as Theo with the rest of the world then you were my first TV husband.
“My heart is so, so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant.
“You made the world a brighter place. Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.”
Magic Johnson added on X, formerly Twitter: “Cookie and I are sad to hear about the passing of our dear friend Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
“Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life and business. He will truly be missed.”
Actress and singer Jennifer Hudson said: “Devastated by this news. Truly heartbroken! Rest well, king.”
The Cosby Show aired from 1984 to 1992 and was one of the earliest portrayals of a successful, stable and wholesome black American family on television, which challenged negative stereotypes. Cosby portrayed Dr Heathcliff Huxtable.
Warner, who was born on August 18, 1970, grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey, with his mother, Pamela, who eventually became his acting manager.
He was named after civil rights leader Malcolm X and jazz musician Ahmad Jamal.
At an early age, Warner found he was interested in acting, which launched his career as a child performer and set him on the path to attend The Professional Children's School in New York.
While he had some small television roles early in his career, playing Theo served as Warner’s breakout role.
The actor received an Emmy nomination in 1986 for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series for his role on the NBC series.
The actor also had roles in The Cosby Show’s spin-off series A Different World, Jeremiah, Sons of Anarchy, Suits and hosted Saturday Night Live in 1986.
He has a wife and daughter but never publicly disclosed their names.
