Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for playing Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, kept his personal life very private. But after his tragic death in July 2025, fans learned more about his marriage, daughter, and past relationships with Regina King, Michelle Thomas, and Karen Malina White.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Private Marriage and Family
Warner was married to a Connecticut-based attorney, though he never publicly revealed her name. They met in 2015 through a mutual friend and married between 2016 and 2017.
“I met my wife at 45. It’s ok to wait. You don’t have to be in your 20s looking for your soulmate when you don’t really know who the f-ck you are.” – Warner on the Hot & Bothered podcast.
The couple had a daughter, whose name and birthdate were also kept private. Warner often shared his joy about fatherhood on social media, posting photos with his wife and child’s faces hidden.
His Past High-Profile Relationships
Before settling down, Warner had several public relationships:
1. Regina King (2011–2013)
Warner and King, both former child stars, dated for two years and even lived together with King’s son, Ian Alexander Jr. However, their relationship ended abruptly in 2013 when Warner reportedly told King he “wasn’t feeling it anymore.”
“Someone broke up with me on Valentine’s. Yeah. I’m serious. Then he actually sent me flowers that said, ‘I still love you,’ and I threw the flowers in the trash.” – King hinted this was about Warner.
Despite the breakup, they remained friends.
2. Michelle Thomas (1988–1994)
Thomas played Justine Phillips, Theo’s girlfriend on The Cosby Show. She and Warner dated off-screen for six years before splitting in 1994. Thomas tragically died in 1998 from stomach cancer at age 30.
“If there was ever an angel who walked amongst us mere mortals, this woman was it.” – Warner’s tribute to Thomas on Instagram.
3. Karen Malina White (2000–2007)
White, who played Charmaine Brown on The Cosby Show, dated Warner for seven years. Some rumors claimed they married, but White clarified they were only in a long-term relationship.
Warner’s Tragic Death in Costa Rica
On July 20, 2025, Warner drowned while swimming in Costa Rica. His death was ruled an accident caused by asphyxia due to strong ocean currents. He was 54.
Fans and celebrities mourned his passing, remembering him not just as Theo Huxtable but as a private family man who valued love and fatherhood.
“Life is but a moment. May he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to live on.” – Fan tribute on Instagram.
May his soul rest in peace.
Credits: Compiled from verified reports by US Magazine, Hindustan Times, Daily Mail, and IMDb.
