Actor Robert Culp, best known for his role in the 1960s series "I Spy," died on Wednesday morning at the age of 79 following a head injury he suffered while walking outside his Hollywood Hills home. Though Culp was rushed to the hospital, he later died at Hollywood-Presbyterian Medical Center.
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Bill Cosby, who co-starred in "I Spy," spoke to The Los Angeles Times about his special bond with Culp.
"My mind wants to flow into sadness, but I want to stay above that," Cosby said.
"Those of us who are the firstborn always dream of that imaginary brother or sister who will be their protector, the buffer, the one to take the blows," Cosby added.
"I'm a firstborn, and Bob was the answer to my dreams. He was the big brother that all of us wish for."
"I Spy" was a secret-agent adventure series created in 1965. The show broke racial barriers on television, with a white and black actor featured as equal partners who genuinely liked and respected one another.
The series was a critically acclaimed hit, too, earning Culp and Cosby multiple Emmy nominations. Only Bill Cosby was fortunate enough to walk away victorious, however, winning three consecutive Emmy awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1966, 1967 and 1968.
Robert Culp is survived by his sons Joseph, Joshua, Jason and daughters Rachel and Samantha, as well as his five grandchildren.
For those who have never seen "I Spy"--it's hardly ever seen in syndication these days--check out the video below of Robert Culp discussing how he "trusted" Bill Cosby.
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Michael Langston Moore also writes for the BOSTON TV EXAMINER column.
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