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Remembering Malcolm‑Jamal Warner: A Life of Purpose, Talent, and Impact

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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

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Florida National News Podcast en Español — Tuesdays at 6:30 PM EST!

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Florida National News Podcast en Español — Tuesdays at 6:30 PM EST!

Join Co-Hosts Monica Hoyos and Javier Garcia, along with Special Guest Host Maria del Carmen Rodriguez and the production team, for a show filled with fun, excitement, and powerful conversations that inform, inspire, and empower Hispanic and Latino communities in Florida and beyond.

Tune in weekly on FNN News en Español, Florida National News , FNN News TV Facebook Channels and social media platforms for stories that celebrate Latino voices, leadership, and culture.

Photo by J Willie David, III | Florida National News

 

SPANISH Florida National News Podcast en Español
FNN News Podcast en Español — Martes a las 6:30 PM EST

Únete a las Coanfitrionas Monica Hoyos y Javier Garcia, junto a la Anfitriona Invitada Especial Maria del Carmen Rodriguez y el equipo de producción, en un programa lleno de diversión, emoción y conversaciones poderosas que informan, inspiran y empoderan a las comunidades hispanas y latinas en Florida y más allá.

Sintoniza cada semana en los canales de FNN News en Español, Florida National News y FNN News TV en Facebook y en las plataformas de redes sociales para disfrutar de historias que celebran las voces, el liderazgo y la cultura latina.

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Monica Hoyos and Javier Garica | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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OIFW Fall 2025 Brings Fashion, Art, and Entertainment to Downtown Orlando with Exclusive Rooftop and Runway Events

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN)Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) has officially announced its Fall 2025 event lineup, promising an extraordinary week of fashion, art, and entertainment across Downtown Orlando. Known for merging creativity, culture, and community, OIFW will showcase local and international designers, celebrity hosts, and captivating live performances at some of Orlando’s most iconic venues.

Sunday, November 9, 2025 – Opening Night at CityArts

Location: CityArts, Downtown Orlando
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Sponsor: Downtown Arts District

Event Host:

  • Chad Pitt – Radio Personality, “Chad and Leslye in the Morning Show,” Magic 107.7

Fashion Designers:

  • Tenique Designs

  • Ellie Paisley Art

  • Avor + Pazniak

Entertainment:

  • K.She’ – Singer/Songwriter

  • London Simone – Contortionist

OIFW kicks off opening night at CityArts, bringing together the best of Orlando’s visual and fashion arts scene in a creative fusion of color, texture, and performance.

Saturday, November 15, 2025 – Rooftop Fashion Experience

Location: Altira Rooftop Pool + Lounge, Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Autograph Collection
Time: 1:00 p.m.

Event Host:

  • Christina Carmona – Award-Winning Actress and Filmmaker

Fashion Designers:

  • Betta Novais Designs

  • Sim Allure

Event Highlights:
Guests will enjoy a luxurious rooftop day party and fashion showcase, complete with live music, curated runway presentations, and the city’s trendsetters mingling under Orlando’s skyline. Drinks and food will be available for purchase.

Sunday, November 16, 2025 – Family and Finale Fashion Events

Location: Eola View, Downtown Orlando
Times: 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

3:00 PM Event Host:

  • Mimi Mala – Radio Personality, Model, and Host

Fashion Designers:

  • My Little Matilda

  • Dillard’s Children

  • Davenport Fashion Lab

  • Dillard’s Youth

Celebrity Style Showcase Models:

  • Pao Pati | Mayra Uribe | Azela Santana | Julia Goolia | Kairy Lopez

Entertainment:

  • Alyssa Herrera – Singer/Songwriter

  • Moova Dance – Dance Studio Performance

6:00 PM Event Host:

  • Sierra Rainge – Media Powerhouse and Brand Strategist

Fashion Designers:

  • Roszuar | Culture Trees | Artelio | Constella Designs | Dillard’s | Jezra | BAmoryProductions | Sim Allure

Celebrity Style Showcase Models:

  • Bethany Worley | Mimi Mala | Azela Santana | Daniela Droz | Anntwan Fredrick

Entertainment:

  • Zaycuatro – Singer/Songwriter

  • Scott Barnhill – Singer/Songwriter

These closing events at Eola View highlight both family-oriented fashion and Orlando’s rising stars in music, art, and design, offering a grand finale to an unforgettable fashion week.

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Mayors Buddy Dyer and Jerry Demings Join Tribute to James H. Pugh’s Legacy at Dr. Phillips Center

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Dr. Phillips Center Honors Founding Chairman James H. Pugh with Bronze Sculpture. Mayors Buddy Dyer and Jerry Demings Join Ceremony Celebrating His Life and Legacy, October 9, 2025, Orlando, Florida, USA (Florida National News). Photo: Despina McLaughlin / Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts unveiled a stunning new bronze relief sculpture honoring Chairman Emeritus James H. Pugh, Jr., the visionary leader whose commitment and leadership helped turn the dream of a world-class performing arts center into reality. The piece, created by world-renowned sculptor Paul Day, was revealed during a heartfelt ceremony attended by community leaders, including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, both of whom shared remarks celebrating Pugh’s remarkable contributions.

A Visionary Who Shaped Orlando’s Cultural Landscape

From 2003 to 2022, James H. Pugh, Jr. served nearly two decades as chairman of the Dr. Phillips Center, guiding the project from concept to completion. His leadership, expertise, and steadfast vision were instrumental in creating one of Orlando’s most iconic cultural institutions.

Alongside his wife, Alexis Pugh, he became the first donor to the project, helping establish the 294-seat Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, a beloved venue that has hosted thousands of regional artists and performances. Under his direction, the Center also opened the 2,700-seat Walt Disney Theater and the acoustically acclaimed Steinmetz Hall, which Architectural Digest named one of the 11 most beautiful theaters in the world.

A Masterpiece by Renowned Artist Paul Day

Commissioned by longtime friend and arts center donor Neal Dempsey, the bronze relief sculpture was crafted by internationally recognized artist Paul Day, whose works include The Meeting Place at St. Pancras Station in London and A Beautiful Day for a Neighbor at Rollins College.

This new artwork captures the essence of Pugh’s leadership, perseverance, and dedication to the arts, symbolizing the collective effort that brought the Dr. Phillips Center to life. “Jim has been instrumental in bringing this dream and our promise of Arts for Every Life to the region,” said Kathy Ramsberger, President & CEO of the Dr. Phillips Center. “His vision and generosity shaped every step of our journey. This sculpture ensures he will always remain part of our story.”

A Lasting Legacy for Future Generations

During the unveiling, Ed Timberlake, Chairman of the Dr. Phillips Center Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of Pugh’s contributions: “Today, we celebrated three powerful forces—transformative vision, unwavering perseverance, and the magic that happens when a community rallies behind a dream. Jim proved that with enough determination and heart, you can turn an ambitious dream into a living, breathing cultural cornerstone.”

Ticketed guests can now view the sculpture on the first tier of the Della Phillips Lobby. The installation was made possible through generous support from Jan & Neal Dempsey, with additional contributions from Valeria & Jim Shapiro and Bill Forness.

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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