
Warner died in a drowning accident in Costa Rica, where he was on vacation with his family, the source said.
Warner was swimming at Playa Grande near the town of Cahuita in the province of Limón on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica around 2:30 p.m. (July 20, 2025) local time Sunday, when a current pulled him deeper into the ocean, according to the Associated Press.
Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police told CNN on Monday people who were on the beach tried to help Warner, but he was declared dead by the Red Cross.
CNN has reached out to representatives for Warner for further information.
A native of New Jersey, Warner started acting at age 9, making appearances in shows like “Fame.” He was a young teen when he was cast as the only son of Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad’s characters, Heathcliff and Claire Huxtable, in “The Cosby Show,” which ran from 1984 to 1992.
Born: Aug 18, 1970, Jersey City, NJ
Died: July 20, 2025
🎬 Major Television Roles
Theo Huxtable – The Cosby Show (1984–1992)
Warner became a household name portraying the charming and relatable eldest son of Cliff and Clair Huxtable. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination in 1986.
Alexander “A.J.” James – Here and Now (1992–1993)
Following The Cosby Show, he headlined this NBC sitcom as a young psychologist returning to his Harlem roots. Though short-lived, he also worked behind the scenes as an executive consultant.
Malcolm McGee – Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000)
Starring alongside Eddie Griffin, this UPN sitcom showcased Warner in a comedic lead role for four seasons, earning him an NAACP Image Award nomination.
Dr. Alex Reed – Reed Between the Lines (2011–2015)
In this BET family sitcom, he co-starred and served as a producer, playing an English professor raising a blended family with his psychologist wife.
Dr. AJ Austin – The Resident (2018–2023)
Warner played a gifted and confident cardiothoracic surgeon in this Fox medical drama. He started in a recurring role and later became a main cast member.
Amir Casey – 9‑1‑1 (2024)
He took on a recurring role in this emergency procedural series, appearing alongside Angela Bassett as part of a dramatic storyline.
🎭 Other Notable Appearances
Guest and Recurring Roles:
Warner has appeared in a wide variety of shows, including Community, Sons of Anarchy, American Horror Story: Freak Show, Suits, American Crime Story (as Al Cowlings), Sneaky Pete, Major Crimes, Key & Peele, The Michael J. Fox Show, Dexter, and HawthoRNe.
Voice Work:
He voiced "The Producer" on The Magic School Bus and contributed to animated shows like Static Shock and holiday specials.
Hosting & Directing:
Warner hosted shows such as CBS Storybreak and Saturday Morning Videos. He also directed episodes of The Cosby Show, Kenan & Kel, Malcolm & Eddie, and more. He’s been involved in public health and social message programming as well.
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