Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on the hit series The Cosby Show, has sadly passed away at the age of 54. Costa Rican officials shed light on the matter, revealing that the actor had passed away by drowning while vacationing in the country over the weekend. Sources say the authorities in the country were confident that Warner was carried off to sea by powerful currents. He was reportedly swimming at Playa Grande on Sunday in Cocles.

The 54-year-old was brought back to the shore thanks to people in the area who rushed in to help, who were joined by the Puerto Rican Red Cross, trying to bring him back to life. Sadly, however, it was too late for Warner, and he passed away. After the news came out, Mike Tyson was saddened by the tragic passing of the TV star. And he quickly took to social media earlier today, sharing a farewell message for Warren.

“Sad to hear about Malcolm-Jamal Warner,” Tyson wrote on X after Warner’s passing became public knowledge. “RIP to someone [who] has filled our homes with so much joy. Another reminder, tomorrow isn’t promised.” Warren’s first claim to fame came from his iconic role as Theo Huxtable in The Cosby Show, which was on from 1984 to 1992. But the show gave him something much more important than fame—an Emmy nomination! He was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1986.

What’s even more interesting, though, is that he was made for the role. Sources say he was picked for the role by Bill Cosby himself during auditions, which were done countrywide in America. And what a fit it was! The Cosby Show, which portrayed a warm and relatable middle-class African-American family, went on to become the number one TV show in America for five consecutive seasons, from 1985 to 1990. After the show’s success, Warner continued his television career with several notable appearances, including a starring role alongside Eddie Griffin in the sitcom Malcolm & Eddie.

But his accolades don’t end there. Guest appearances on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Sesame Street, and, coming to the modern age, The Resident. He also won a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance in 2015. And his 2023 album Hiding In Plain View got him a Grammy nomination. Regardless, it’s not just Mike Tyson who is mourning Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s unfortunate passing.

NBA legend joins Mike Tyson in paying tribute to Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Basketball legend Magic Johnson once appeared in an AIDS awareness video directed by Warner. Upon learning of his death, Johnson admitted that the news deeply saddened him and his wife. “We were both super fans of the hit Cosby Show and continued to follow his career on shows like Malcolm and Eddie and The Resident,” he added.

Johnson fondly recollected their encounters over the years, while appreciating the conversations they had. “Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life, and business. He will truly be missed,” he wrote. “Cookie and I are praying [for] his family and close friends during this difficult time.”

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, 54, leaves behind a loving wife and daughter, as well as a lasting legacy on television—one that secured him a place in the hearts of thousands, if not millions, around the world. Do you have any final words for the actor?