Malcolm-Jamal Warner dead at 54: Deep ties to Atlanta

The Brief

  • Malcolm-Jamal Warner, beloved for his role as Theo Huxtable, has reportedly died, leaving Atlanta and the entertainment world in shock.
  • Warner had deep ties to Atlanta’s arts scene, regularly performing with his bands, supporting local events, and using his platform for community advocacy.
  • His recent projects included the podcast NAH (Not All Hood), which explored Black identity and culture; the latest episode was posted just days before his reported death.

ATLANTA Many people in Atlanta and around the country are reeling after hearing the unexpected news that actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, 54, reportedly died while on vacation with his family in Costa Rica.

What we know:

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, built a deep and lasting connection with Atlanta after he moved to Atlanta while filming FOX’s The Resident, which turned the High Museum into a hospital. Even after the series ended, Warner continued to be a frequent and active presence in the city’s cultural and creative scenes.

A Home Away From Home

Warner lived in Atlanta during his multi-season run on The Resident, where he played fan-favorite Dr. AJ “The Raptor” Austin. Although it is currently unknown if Warner lived in Atlanta full-time after The Resident ended, the city remained a hub for his artistic and personal endeavors, and he returned regularly for performances, speaking engagements, and collaborations.

Music, Poetry, and the Atlanta Stage

A passionate musician and spoken word artist, Warner was deeply woven into Atlanta’s live music scene. He played bass in the Atlanta-based band Biological Misfits (formerly We Got the Jazz) and he performed with them in June at Buteco in Grant Park. He is also the frontman for the jazz-funk group Miles Long, which headlined two sold-out shows at City Winery over Valentine’s Day weekend 2025, followed by a solo spoken word set the next night.

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