Malcolm-Jamal Warner

 

Malcolm-Jamal Warner (August 18, 1970 – July 20, 2025) was an American actor, musician and poet. He rose to prominence for his role as Theodore Huxtable on the NBC sitcom The Cosby Show (1984–1992), which earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 38th Primetime Emmy Awards. He was also known for his roles as Malcolm McGee on the sitcom Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000), Dr. Alex Reed in the sitcom Reed between the Lines (2011, 2015), Julius Rowe in Suits (2016–2017) and Dr. AJ Austin in the medical drama The Resident.

In 2015, Warner received a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for the song "Jesus Children" alongside Robert Glasper Experiment and Lalah Hathaway.

Early life

Warner was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on August 18, 1970. He was named after Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal. He was raised in Los Angeles from age five. At the age of nine, he demonstrated an interest in show business that led to enrollment in acting schools. His career as a child performer later led him to graduate high school from The Professional Children's School in New York City, New York.

Career

Acting

With appearances and roles on many television shows and films, he landed his most successful role as Theo Huxtable, the only son of Heathcliff Huxtable, who was played by Bill Cosby on the NBC sitcom, The Cosby Show from 1984 to 1992. Warner auditioned for the role on the final day of the nationwide search. In 1986, he was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 38th Primetime Emmy Awards.

Warner guest starred in an episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, playing the role of Hilary Banks' boyfriend. Warner hosted the literacy-promoting children's show CBS Storybreak in 1993 and 1994. In 1995, Warner appeared as a homeless man on Touched by an Angel. He also portrayed U.S. Marshal Terry Nessip in the film Drop Zone with Wesley Snipes (1994), and Leroy Cappy in the HBO film The Tuskegee Airmen (1995).

From 1996 to 2000, Warner co-starred with comedian Eddie Griffin on the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie. He went on to co-star as Kurdy Malloy in Jeremiah (2002–2004), was the voice of The Producer character on The Magic School Bus, and appeared in the 2004 CBS sitcom Listen Up with Jason Alexander.

In 2008, he portrayed Cordell in the Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson rom-com film Fool's Gold.

In 2009 he guest starred in an episode in the TNT series HawthoRNe. In 2011 and 2012, he guest starred in four episodes of the NBC series Community as Andre, the ex-husband of Shirley Bennett (Yvette Nicole Brown). His character subtly referenced his Cosby Show past by wearing a "Cosby sweater" that he stated was from his dad.

Warner co-starred in BET's 2011 scripted comedic television series Reed between the Lines. He played the role of Alex Reed, an English professor married to Carla Reed, a psychologist played by former Girlfriends star Tracee Ellis Ross. The couple had three children: Kaci and Kenan Reynolds, Carla's children from a previous relationship, and Alexis Reed, their child together. The show highlighted the couple's ups and downs together as a blended family. In 2012, Warner was nominated for Outstanding Actor in a comedy series at the NAACP Image Awards for his role in Reed between the Lines.

On the third season (2014–2015) of TNT police procedural Major Crimes, Warner portrayed Lt. Chuck Cooper, a member of the LAPD's Special Investigation's Section. Warner portrayed Al Cowlings in the 2016 crime series American Crime Story production The People v. O.J Simpson, based on the events of the O. J. Simpson trial. Warner played prison counselor Julius Rowe on the sixth season (2016–2017) of USA's Suits. He also played the role of parole officer James Bagwell on Amazon Prime's show Sneaky Pete. In 2018, he appeared as Dr. AJ "The Raptor" Austin on FOX's The Resident.

Directing

During his tenure on The Cosby Show, Warner turned his hand to directing, making music videos including New Edition's "N.E. Heart Break" (1989), rapper Special Ed's "I'm the Magnificent" (1989) and British R&B group Five Star's "I Love You For Sentimental Reasons" (1994). He directed episodes of sitcoms including The Cosby Show, All That, Kenan & Kel, Malcolm & Eddie, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Warner also directed the teen-oriented public health video Time Out: The Truth About HIV, AIDS, and You (1992), which featured Arsenio Hall and Earvin "Magic" Johnson discussing the realities of HIV and AIDS and the best ways to prevent its spread.

Music and poetry

In 2003, Warner released his debut jazz-funk EP, The Miles Long Mixtape. In 2007, Warner followed up with his second CD entitled Love & Other Social Issues. In 2015, he received a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for his contribution to a cover of Stevie Wonder's "Jesus Children of America". Warner performed a poem on the track, dedicated to the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, along with musicians Robert Glasper Experiment and Lalah Hathaway.

Warner played bass guitar, performing in a band where he recited his poetry over the music.

Warner performed at the National Black Theatre Festival from 2003 onwards, in addition to hosting its Poetry Jam. Warner's 2022 spoken word poetry album Hiding in Plain View was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album in the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, the first year the category was included in the awards.

Podcasting

In June 2024, Warner and cohosts Weusi Baraka and Candace Kelley created the Not All Hood (NAH) podcast to discuss the lives and experiences of Black Americans.

Personal life and death

Warner had several high-profile relationships, including with actress Michelle Thomas, who played his girlfriend Justine Phillips on The Cosby Show, until her death in 1998. He later dated actress Karen Malina White for seven and a half years and actress Regina King from 2011 to 2013. He later married and had a daughter, though he kept their identities private.

Death

On July 20, 2025, Warner died at age 54 while swimming at Playa Cocles in Limón Province, Costa Rica. According to the Costa Rican Red Cross, emergency responders arrived at approximately 2:10 p.m. after reports of a water-related incident involving two adult men. One individual was transported to a clinic in critical condition, while Warner was pulled from the water by bystanders and received CPR. The Red Cross stated both individuals had been removed from the water before paramedics arrived, and the case was referred to local police.

On July 21, 2025, the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) confirmed Warner had been caught in a strong current while swimming. He was pronounced dead at the scene, with the official cause of death determined to be asphyxia by submersion (drowning).

Tributes

Following Warner's death, tributes were paid by colleagues and public figures. Bill Cosby compared the news to learning of his son Ennis's death. Actor Morris Chestnut described Warner as "kind and genuine."

Raven-Symoné posted an Instagram tribute calling Warner "the big brother" and "a beacon," praising his talent and kindness. Former partner Karen Malina White shared a photo with the caption, "What a profound Karmic Relationship my friend... Love you Always in All Ways," extending condolences to Warner’s family. Gary LeRoi Gray, who worked with Warner as a child actor, credited him as a mentor and wrote, "Someone like you leaves, and all of a sudden there are holes... But also how infinite something like your spirit and work can be."

Filmography

Film

1986 Show Off! How to Be Cool at Parties Himself Video

1987 The Father Clements Story Joey TV movie

1989 Mother's Day Cullen Sturgis TV movie

1990 The Earth Day Special Theo Huxtable TV movie

1991 The Real Story of Itsy Bitsy Spider Spinner (voice) TV movie

1994 Drop Zone Deputy U.S. Marshal Terry Nessip

1995 Tyson Rory Holloway TV movie

The Tuskegee Airmen Leroy Cappy TV movie

1998 Restaurant Steven

1999 A Fare to Remember Winter Valen

2001 Legend of the Candy Cane Rusty (voice) TV movie

2004 Reflections: A Story of Redemption Samuel Short

2007 The List Randy

There's Hope Lead Short

2008 Fool's Gold Cordell

2009 Contradictions of a Heart Miles Long Band Video

2011 King of the Underground Malcolm

2014 Muted Curtis Gladwell Short

2015 Megachurch Murder Rev. Hamilton Spears

2016 Wannabe Luther Short

2017 You Can't Hear Me The Voice Short

Shot EMT Jones

Television

1982 Matt Houston Johnny Randolph Episode: "Stop the Presses"

1983 Fame Lucas Boyd Episode: "Ending on a High Note"

1984 Call to Glory - Episode: "A Nation Divided"

1984–92 The Cosby Show Theodore "Theo" Huxtable Main cast

1985 Body Language Himself recurring role

1986 ABC Afterschool Special Charlie Curtis Episode: "A Desperate Exit"

Saturday Night Live Himself/Host Episode: "Malcolm-Jamal Warner/Run-DMC"

1985–88 Sesame Street Himself Guest (season 17 & 19)

TV's Bloopers & Practical Jokes Himself Guest (seasons 3-4)

1987 The New Hollywood Squares Himself/Panelist Episode: "April 27, 1987"

Matlock Himself Episode: "The Network"

1988–89 A Different World Theo Huxtable Guest (seasons 1-2)

1989 Tour of Duty SPC Sweet Episode: "The Volunteer"

1990 Saturday Morning Videos Himself Host

1990–91 The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Himself/Eric Guest (seasons 1-2)

1992–93 Here and Now Alexander "A.J." James Main cast

1993–94 CBS Storybreak Host

1994–97 The Magic School Bus The Producer (voice) Recurring role

1995 Touched by an Angel Zack Episode: "There But for the Grace of God"

1996–2000 Malcolm & Eddie Malcolm McGee Main cast

1997 Adventures from the Book of Virtues Henry (voice) Episode: "Faith"

Moloney Frank Preston Episode: "The Ripple Effect"

1999 Sliders R.J. Episode: "My Brother's Keeper"

2002 Static Shock Lester Biggs (voice) Episode: "Duped"

Lyric Cafe Himself Host

2002–04 Jeremiah Kurdy Malloy Main cast

2004 Stripperella Robber (voice) Episode: "The Bridesmaid"

2004–05 Listen Up Bernie Widmer Main cast

2006 Dexter Rita's Lawyer Episode: "Seeing Red"

2008 The Cleaner Jason Anders Episode: "Lie with Me"

2009 HawthoRNe Fred Episode: "Healing Time"

Sherri Kevin Main cast

2010 Special Agent Oso Braden's Dad (voice) Episode: "The Living Holiday Lights"

2011–12 Community Andre Bennett Recurring role (season 1); guest (season 2)

2011–15 Reed between the Lines Dr. Alex Reed Main cast

2012 Hard: Life of a Bondservant Jerry Hampton Episode: "Know God"

2013 Friends in Therapy Tae'Quon Jones Episode: "Extra Bacon"

2013–14 Key & Peele Arthur Washington/Dad #3 Guest (seasons 3-4)

2013–16 Major Crimes Lt. Chuck Cooper recurring role (seasons 2-5)

2014 The Michael J. Fox Show Russel Episode: "Party"

Sons of Anarchy Sticky Recurring role (season 7)

2014–15 American Horror Story: Freak Show Angus T. Jefferson Recurring role

2016 The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story Al "A.C." Cowlings Recurring role

House of Lies Yurgen Celebi Episode: "Holacracy"

2016–17 Suits Julius Rowe Recurring role (season 6)

2017 Lethal Weapon David Reed Episode: "Lawmen"

Detroiters Sebastian Episode: "Hog Riders"

White Famous Nelson Youngblood Episode: "Scandal"

Ten Days in the Valley Matt Walker Main cast

2017–18 Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce Darrell Recurring role (seasons 3-4); guest (season 5)

2017–19 Sneaky Pete James Bagwell Recurring role (seasons 1-2); guest (season 3)

2018–23 The Resident Dr. AJ Austin recurring role (season 1); main cast (seasons 2-6)

2020 Puppy Dog Pals Floyd (voice) Episode: "Pups in the Apple/Won't you be my Puppy"

2021 The Chicken Squad Lieutenant Scruffy (voice) Recurring role

2023 Accused Kendall Gomillion Episode: "Kendall's Story"

The Wonder Years Melvin Williams Episode: "Happy Birthday, Clisby"

The Irrational Dustin Atwood Episode: "Point and Shoot"

Carol & the End of the World Guest Performer (voice) Episode: "The Beetle Broach"

2024 Grown-ish Darnell Episode: "Hard Times"

9-1-1 Amir Casey Recurring role (season 7)

2025 Alert: Missing Persons Unit Chief Inspector Bill Houston Recurring role (season 3)

Discography

The Miles Long Mixtape (2003)

Love & Other Social Issues (2007)

Selfless (2015)

Hiding in Plain View (2022)

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

2015: Won, "Best Traditional R&B Performance" – "Jesus Children" (with Robert Glasper Experiment featuring Lalah Hathaway)

2022: Nominated, "Best Spoken Word Poetry Album" – Hiding In Plain View

MD Theatre Guide Readers' Choice Awards

2013: Winner 1st Place, "Best Performance by Lead Actor in a Play" – Doctor John Prentice in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner at Arena Stage

BET Comedy Awards

2005: Nominated, "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series" – Listen Up

Emmy Awards

1986: Nominated, "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series" – The Cosby Show

Image Awards

1996: Nominated, "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series" – Touched by an Angel

2001: Nominated, "Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series" – Malcolm & Eddie

2012: Won, "Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series" – Reed between the Lines

TV Land Awards

2006: Nominated, "Favorite Singing Siblings" – The Cosby Show (shared w/co-stars)

Young Artist Award

1985: Won, Best Young Supporting Actor in a Television Comedy Series – The Cosby Show

1988: Nominated, Best Young Male Superstar in Television – The Cosby Show

1989: Won, Best Young Actor/Actress Ensemble in a Television Comedy, Drama Series or Special – The Cosby Show (shared w/co-stars)

1990: Won, "Best Young Actor Supporting Role in a Television Series" – The Cosby Show

Book

Theo and Me: Growing up Okay (1988) – ISBN 0-525-24694-0 (with Daniel Paisner)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm-Jamal_Warner