Magic Johnson Reacts To Tragic Death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner

NBA legend Magic Johnson was a close friend of actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who died over the weekend of a reported drowning.

Warner, best known for starring at Theo Huxtable on the hit 1980s sitcom The Cosby Show, was reportedly on a family vacation in Costa Rica when he died while swimming. Warner was only 54 years old and left behind a wife and a daughter.

Since news of Warner's death broke earlier this afternoon, tributes have been pouring in on social media. Johnson authored one of them on X/Twitter, sending condolences along with his wife Cookie.

"Cookie and I are sad to hear about the passing of our dear friend Malcolm-Jamal Warner," Johnson wrote. "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. 

"Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life, and business. He will truly be missed. Cookie and I are praying his family and close friends during this difficult time."

Cookie and I are sad to hear about the passing of our dear friend Malcolm-Jamal Warner. 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. Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun…

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 21, 2025

According to Deadline, via ABC News, Costa Rican authorities said Warner was found near Cocles, a beach in Limon, after being caught in a high current while swimming in the ocean. 

The Emmy-nominated actor “was rescued by people on the beach" but first responders found no vital signs and he was pronounced dead. The official cause of death is asphyxia.

Warner, who had major roles in shows such as Malcolm & Eddie, Major Crimes, Suits, Jeremiah, Reed Between The Lines and The Resident after his run with The Cosby Show ended, also won a Grammy in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance for his song "Jesus Children."

Most recently, Warner was co-hosting the "Not All Hood" podcast alongside Weusi Baraka and Candace Kelley. The show's most recent episode premiered last Friday.

Warner's untimely passing has left a major hole for fans of his work, and most importantly his family and friends.

We'd like to offer our prayers and condolences during this difficult time.