THE Cosby Show star Malcolm-Jamal Warner shared a now-tragic message about remembering to smile weeks before reportedly drowning to death.
The 54-year-old actor also made a heartwrenching promise as he gushed about his family and always staying positive despite the twists and turns of life.
Warner died off the coast of Costa Rica on Sunday in an accidental drowning incident, the Costa Rican National Police told ABC News.
His cause of death was listed as asphyxia.
The actor was swimming at a beach in Limon when he was caught by a current and pulled out to the deep waters, Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department said, according to the Associated Press.
Bystanders rescued him, but Costa Rica’s Red Cross said he didn’t have any vital signs by the time they arrived.
The actor was taken from the shores to the morgue.
Warner is most known for playing Theodore ‘Theo’ Huxtable, the only son of main character Dr Heathcliff Huxtable, on The Cosby Show from 1984 to 1992.
The program was consistently the number one show on television and made Cosby “America’s Dad” for his lovable portrayal of the patriarch.
Warner went on to have an illustrious career in TV and film, and when he wasn’t on the silver screen, he could often be found sharing encouraging messages with his fans online.
In May, he recorded a clip of himself driving around while he had a dandelion behind his ear, which he said his daughter had put there.
The actor said that he wanted to “spread some love” and remind his followers that “no matter what’s going on, there’s always a reason to smile.”
“I guarantee you can find at least one reason to smile,” said the former child star.
Warner went on to say that if you can’t find a reason to smile, then you should try to be someone else’s reason for cheer.
The actor then closed his video with a now-haunting promise for his fans.
“I’ll be back soon,” he told his followers.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s life
Warner began his stardom on “The Cosby Show” as character Theodore Huxtable, earning him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
He then went on to play Malcolm McGee in the sitcom Malcolm & Eddie, and starred in shows like Reed Between the Lines, Sons of Anarchy, American Horror Story: Freak Show, and Suits.
Alongside acting, Warner was a poet and a bass player, earning his first Grammy in 2015 for “Best Traditional R&B Performance as a Featured Performer.”
ACTOR REMEMBERED
Warner is survived by a wife and a daughter, whom he kept anonymous to protect them from unwanted publicity.
The actor had a robust working career up until his death, starring in beloved TV shows like Suits, Community, and The Resident.
He was in many shows created by hit producers Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, including American Crime Story and American Horror Story.
His last role was as Amir Casey in the ABC drama series 9-1-1.
Warner remembered his days on The Cosby Show fondly and often voiced his gratitude for being a part of such an important TV show.
In 2023, Warner told People, “I know I can speak for all the cast when I say The Cosby Show is something that we are all still very proud of.
“We share a unique experience that keeps us lovingly bonded no matter how much time goes between seeing or hearing from each other.”
He also defended the program despite some viewers being soured by the dozens of sexual assault allegations made against Cosby.
Warner said two years ago, “Regardless of how some people may feel about the show now, I’m still proud of the legacy and having been a part of such an iconic show that had such a profound impact on — first and foremost, black culture — but also American culture.”
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