The tragic death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner has shocked longtime fans of the actor and thespian, who lived in Atlanta in recent years.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner lived in Atlanta during his multi-season run on the TV show The Resident, where he played Dr. AJ “The Raptor” Austin.
His ties to the city began while filming the show, which used Atlanta’s High Museum of Art as a filming location.
Shameka Coleman, an Atlanta resident who worked as an extra on The Resident, said that Warner was ever the professional on set.
”He was kind to everyone who met him,” she said. “It was almost like he was a calming influence to the whole cast. What I remember is that he was just real classy.”
After The Resident ended in 2023, Warner maintained a strong connection to Atlanta, frequently returning for performances, speaking engagements, and community advocacy.
Soon he put down roots here. His last video on social media was of him driving around Atlanta, musing about his daughter and how thankful he was for life.
How and When Did Malcolm-Jamal Warner Die?
Warner died on July 20, 2025, at the age of 54, in an accidental drowning while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica.
According to reports, he was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limón Province when he was caught in a strong ocean current.
Bystanders attempted to rescue him, but he was declared lifeless by the Costa Rican Red Cross upon reaching the shore. The official cause of death was confirmed as asphyxia by submersion due to drowning.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner: Early Years
Malcolm-Jamal Warner began his acting career at a young age, driven by a combination of natural talent, early exposure to the arts, and encouragement from his family.
Born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Warner was raised by his mother, Pamela Warner, who recognized his creative potential early on. She enrolled him in acting classes and workshops as a child, fostering his interest in performance.
Warner’s entry into professional acting came through his participation in community theater and school productions.
His charisma and stage presence caught the attention of casting directors, leading to early roles in television. At age 9, he made his TV debut in a 1980 episode of the series Trapper John, M.D. This small role marked his entry into the industry.
His big break came in 1984 when he was cast as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show at age 14. The role was secured after a nationwide casting search, where Warner stood out for his natural comedic timing and relatability.
The success of The Cosby Show propelled him to fame, cementing his career in acting. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he continued to build on this foundation, taking roles in TV shows like Malcolm & Eddie and guest appearances in various series, while also exploring theater and directing.
His early start and breakout role on The Cosby Show were pivotal in establishing his long-term career in entertainment.
As he grew, Warner explored his creativity with spoken word and music, even releasing an album and performing with a band.
Atlanta Years
Warner had been coming to Atlanta for years for acting roles.
He was cast as co-lead on Reed Between the Lines opposite Tracie-Ellis Ross. Craig Johnson, an extra on the short lived show, which was filmed in Atlanta, remembers Warner as a gracious actor.
“He didn’t treat you any different no matter if you were an extra, a grip or a producer. Just a real humble person.”
Later cast on the hit show The Resident, Warner moved to Atlanta for filming and fell in love with the place.
Becoming a husband and father, Warner lived in a quiet personal life around metro Atlanta while stepping out for creative purposes.
He was often seen performing around town, including at coffee shop Buteco in Grant Park.
He was deeply involved in the city’s arts scene, performing with his bands Biological Misfits and Miles Long, and participating in events like the Atlanta Jazz Festival and the Beloved Community Awards.
Information related to his funeral and memorial services have yet to be announced.
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