Earle Hyman, a veteran actor of stage and screen who was widely known for playing Russell Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died.
Hyman died Friday at the Lillian Booth Actors Home in Englewood, New Jersey. He was 91.
His death was confirmed by Jordan Strohl, a representative for The Actors Fund.
Veteran actor Earle Hyman, who played Grandpa Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died age 91
He is best known for The Cosby Show where he played the father to Bill Cosby’s Cliff Huxtable, despite being only 11 years his senior.
His character was also wise grandfather to Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner), Denise (Lisa Bonet), Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe), Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) and Sondra (Sabrina Le Beauf).
The TV and film star appeared in 40 episodes over the show’s nine-season run and earned a guest performer Emmy nomination for the role in 1986.
Hyman also voiced Pathro in the 1980s cartoon Thundercats in 125 episodes, and also appeared in All My Children and The Defenders.
TV gold: He is best known for The Cosby Show where he played the father to Bill Cosby’s Cliff Huxtable, despite being only 11 years his senior
Much loved: Hyman also voiced Pathro in the 1980s cartoon Thundercats in 125 episodes
A North Carolina native, Hyman made his Broadway debut as a teenager in 1943.
He would go on to become a charter member of the American Shakespeare Theater.
In 1980 Hyman received a Tony nomination for his role in Broadway show The Lady From Dubuque.
He also appeared on stages throughout Europe during his career.
The actor is survived by several nieces and nephews.