Entertainment
Remembering Malcolm‑Jamal Warner: A Life of Purpose, Talent, and Impact
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Malcolm‑Jamal Warner, beloved for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the age of 54. His death was confirmed to be the result of accidental drowning while vacationing with family in Costa Rica. Authorities reported that Warner was caught in a strong current while swimming at Playa Cocles in the Limón Province. Despite efforts by local swimmers and emergency services, he died from asphyxia before rescue teams could revive him.
Warner rose to national fame as a teenager with his performance on The Cosby Show, which ran from 1984 to 1992. His portrayal of Theo, the affable and relatable teenage son of Cliff and Clair Huxtable, made him one of the most recognizable faces of 1980s television. For this role, he received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Over the years, Warner built a diverse and respected acting career, with appearances in numerous television shows across multiple genres. Some of his most notable work includes:
The Cosby Show (1984–1992) – Theo Huxtable
Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000) – Malcolm McGee
Reed Between the Lines – Dr. Alex Reed
Community – Andre Bennett (Shirley’s ex-husband)
Sons of Anarchy – Playing Sticky, a biker gang associate
American Horror Story: Freak Show – Character role
Suits – Julius Rowe, a former therapist
Sneaky Pete – Guest role as a criminal informant
The Resident (2018–2023) – Dr. AJ “The Raptor” Austin
9-1-1 – Recurring role alongside Angela Bassett
The Magic School Bus – Voice of The Producer
These roles showcased Warner’s incredible range, from sitcoms to gritty dramas and even animation. His performances in more recent roles, especially as Dr. AJ Austin on The Resident, were particularly acclaimed for their emotional complexity and strength.
In addition to acting, Warner was an accomplished musician, director, and spoken-word artist. He led a funk-rock band called Miles Long, played bass, and released two albums. In 2015, he won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Jesus Children,” and in 2023, he earned a Grammy nomination for a spoken-word album. His commitment to storytelling and cultural awareness extended to his podcast Not All Hood, which he launched in May 2024. The show explored nuanced experiences within Black American communities.
Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Warner was raised by his mother, Pamela, who also served as his manager early in his career. He valued privacy throughout his life, especially when it came to his marriage and daughter. He had previously been in public relationships with actresses Michelle Thomas, Karen Malina White, and Regina King, but chose to keep his later family life out of the spotlight.
The circumstances of his death have left fans and the entertainment industry in shock. He was swimming in seemingly calm waters when a strong ocean current pulled him under. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as drowning by asphyxia.
Warner’s sudden passing marks the end of a career defined by intelligence, talent, and purpose. From groundbreaking sitcoms to critically acclaimed medical dramas, he left an indelible mark on television and culture. His legacy endures through the stories he brought to life, the music he shared, and the dignity with which he carried himself both on and off screen.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Central Florida News
“Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker” Brings Diversity and Magic to Orlando’s Holiday Stage
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – When you hear the word “disability,” it’s easy to imagine limits, restrictions, and barriers. But for Jeffery Lorenzo Williams, those words have no place in his vocabulary. Paralyzed at 13, Williams identifies as a person of determination — a term that reflects strength and capability, not limitation. His life has become a masterclass in turning adversity into empowerment, proving that the most powerful movement begins in the mind.
During an exclusive interview with FNN News, Williams reflected on the event that changed his life and the mindset that carried him forward.
“I never focused on what I couldn’t do,” Williams said. “I focused on what I could and I just kept moving forward.”
That perspective has shaped a career defined by reinvention. Today, Williams is an accomplished New York City real estate broker, motivational author, pilot, and footwear designer. Each title tells part of the same story — one of perseverance, creativity, and purpose.
Through his footwear brand JLorenzo’s, Williams designs adaptive sneakers that merge fashion with motivation. His collections feature empowering inscriptions such as “Be somebody nobody thought you could be.” He laughs as he recalls me being his first customer. “Each inscription represents walking not just physically, but walking in purpose,” he said.
His work has not only built a stylish, inclusive brand but has also redefined what representation in fashion can look like. Earlier this year, Williams brought that message to Daniel’s Leather’s Inclusive Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week 2025, joining nearly 40 wheelchair-using models, including Ms. Wheelchair America 2026, Latavia Sturdivant. The event was more than a showcase — it was a celebration of visibility and empowerment. “The energy was incredible,” Williams said. “It wasn’t about being different, it was about being seen.”
Kareen Kennedy wearing her JLorenzos in 2019
Beyond fashion, Williams takes his passion for breaking barriers to the skies. As a licensed pilot, he flies glider planes, something he calls the ultimate expression of freedom.
“Flying gives me freedom,” he said. “It’s proof that even when life grounds you, you can still soar.”
His memoir, “My Feet Are Off the Ground: Turning Tragedy Into Triumph,” chronicles his remarkable journey from paralysis to success. Proceeds from the book fund nursing scholarships, extending his lifelong commitment to giving back. Looking ahead, Williams plans to bring his story to new audiences through a documentary and a stage play, with his son, Jeff Jr., potentially portraying him on screen.
Photo Courtesy of Jeffery Williams
When asked if he would change his past, Williams paused thoughtfully before answering.
“Of course, I’d love to walk,” he said. “But if I hadn’t gone through what I did, I wouldn’t have been able to touch and change lives the way I have. That’s worth more than anything.”
Jeffery Lorenzo Williams doesn’t just live with determination — he embodies it. Through his work, his story, and his example, he continues to challenge the world’s perception of ability. His life is a vivid reminder that real barriers often exist only where others place them, and that courage, when paired with purpose, can truly move mountain.
In a world quick to define people by their obstacles, Jeffery Lorenzo Williams is a compelling reminder that true limitation exists only where we allow it.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Business
Maria del Carmen Rodriguez Joins Florida National News as Spanish-Speaking Reporter and Co-Host
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News (FNN) is proud to announce the addition of Maria del Carmen Rodriguez as a Spanish-speaking on-camera reporter and co-host, marking another major step in the network’s statewide expansion and celebration of its 11th anniversary.
Rodriguez joins the growing team at FNN News en Español, where she will bring her bilingual communication skills and cultural insight to the forefront of FNN’s Spanish-language news and lifestyle programming. Her arrival underscores FNN’s commitment to serving Florida’s rapidly growing Hispanic and Latino communities with trusted, relevant, and inspiring storytelling.
FNN President J. Willie David, III stated, “Maria del Carmen Rodriguez represents the next generation of diverse storytellers who connect authentically with our audiences. Her addition reflects FNN’s continued mission to expand across Florida while elevating Hispanic voices in broadcast journalism. We are proud to welcome her as part of our 11th anniversary and our vision for the next decade of growth.”
FNN Vice President Jenny Rosario shared, “Maria brings a natural warmth and professionalism to every story she tells. Her passion for community-driven journalism and ability to connect with Spanish-speaking viewers make her a valuable asset to our team. She will help us continue producing content that truly reflects Florida’s diversity and the stories that matter most.”
FNN Managing Editor Monica Hoyos added, “We’re excited to have Maria join the newsroom and our on-camera team. Her bilingual storytelling ability and dedication to authentic, people-centered reporting will strengthen both our English and Spanish platforms. She embodies the spirit of connection and inclusion that defines Florida National News.”
As Florida National News moves into its next decade, the network is expanding its presence across Florida with enhanced on-camera reporting, bilingual programming, and original digital content through FNN News Network, FNN Sports Network, and FNN News en Español — continuing its mission to inform, inspire, and empower communities statewide.
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News@FloridaNationalNews.com
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