Legendary heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson has paid tribute to Malcolm-Jamal Warner after the actor drowned in Costa Rica.
His passing at the age of 54 was announced Monday, with the Costa Rican National Police saying Warner’s body was discovered near a beach in the Limon province.
Warner was best known for his iconic role as Theodore Huxtable, the only son of Cliff Huxtable, on the beloved NBC sitcom The Cosby Show. He appeared in all eight seasons from 1984 to 1992, earning widespread acclaim and becoming a household name.
‘Sad to hear about Malcolm-Jamal Warner,’ the 59-year-old Tyson wrote on X after the news broke.
‘RIP to someone that has filled our homes with so much joy. Another reminder tomorrow isn’t promised.’
Tyson’s comments are particularly striking given he has endured his own health issues recently.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner has tragically died after drowning in Costa Rica at the age of 54
Mike Tyson paid a poignant tribute to Warner after the tragic news emerged on Monday
Sad to hear about Malcolm-Jamal Warner. RIP to someone that has filled our homes with so much joy. Another reminder tomorrow isn’t promised.
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) July 21, 2025
In May 2024, Tyson was taken ill on a flight when an ulcer flare-up required paramedics to board the plane upon landing. It delayed the controversial fight Tyson had scheduled against Jake Paul, who at the time was 27 years old, from July to November last year.
Tyson wasn’t the only sports icon paying tribute to Warner – NBA great Magic Johnson was quick to remember the actor, too.
The Lakers hero posted on X: ‘Cookie (Johnson’s wife) 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 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.’
At present, it is not known what caused Warner to drown but waters in Costa Rice can sometimes be dangerous.
Warner is survived by his wife and young daughter, born in 2017. He has never revealed their identities.
