Malcolm Jamal-Warner, "The Cosby Show" star, dies at 54

The actor, perhaps best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the 1980s sitcom, died from an accidental drowning, officials said.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner on TODAY.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who rose to fame as Theo Huxtable in the 1980s sitcom “The Cosby Show,” has died. He was 54.

The actor drowned while on vacation in Costa Rica, People reports. He was caught by a strong current and was found near a beach in Limon, Costa Rica, authorities told ABC News.

The actor’s death was first reported by TMZ.

Though perhaps best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on all eight seasons of "The Cosby Show," Warner maintained a productive acting career after the show’s end in 1992.

He starred in the UPN sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie” from 1996 to 2000, became a regular as AJ Austin on the FOX medical drama “The Resident,” and guest-starred in various series over the years.

In 1986, Warner earned an Emmy nomination for his role as Theo, the son of Bill Cosby’s character, for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series.

Tracee Ellis Ross paid tribute to her late "Reed Between the Lines" co-star Malcolm-Jamal Warner on social media.

"I love you, Malcolm. First I met you as Theo with the rest of the world then you were my first TV husband. My heart is so so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant. You made the world a brighter place. Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss," she wrote in a post on Instagram.