HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Robert Culp, best known for his secret agent role opposite Bill Cosby in the popular ’60s television series I Spy, has died. He was 79.
Culp suffered fatal injuries when he fell and hit his head Wednesday during a morning walk outside his Hollywood home, his agent told the Associated Press.
The actor was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital.
"The first born in every family is always dreaming of the older brother or sister he or she doesn’t have to protect, to be the buffer, provide the wisdom, shoulder the blows and make things right. Bob was the answer to my dreams," Cosby told Entertainment Tonight after learning of Culp’s death. "No matter how many mistakes I made on I Spy, he was always there to teach and protect me."
A native of Oakland, Calif., Culp began his TV career in the ’50s with the Western series Trackdown. Other the years, he landed roles on such popular television shows as The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Columbo and The Greatest American Hero.
On the big screen, Culp made memorable appearances in such films as The Raiders, Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice and The Pelican Brief.
More recently, Culp made a splash on the hit TV sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, where starred as Ray Romano’s father-in-law.
