Actor Earle Hyman famously known from ‘The Cosby Show’ passes away at 91

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Tony and Emmy Nominated actor, Earle Hyman has died. He was 91.

Earle Hyman was an acclaimed actor

Hyman was best known for playing the voice of Panthro on Thundercats and various other characters. He also played on The Cosby Show as Cliff’s father, Russell Huxatable.

R.I.P. Earle Hyman (Best Featured Actor nominee @thetonyawards 1980 for ‘The Lady from Dubuque’) #YouAreBroadwayBlack
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W/ over 15 Broadway credits to his name he was an American stage, TV, & film actor most notably known for his role on #TheCosbyShow as Russell Huxtable pic.twitter.com/oqVKivo3F0

— Broadway Black (@BroadwayBlack) November 18, 2017

Hyman was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina then moved to Brooklyn, NY where he primarily grew up.

Acting credits

He became interested in acting during his teenage years making his debut in 1943 in the play Run, Little Chillun, and later joined the American Negro Theater. His phenomenal acting earned him a Tony nomination for his role in The Lady from Dubuque in 1980.

A life member of the Actor’s Studio, Hyman appeared in many plays in the United States and Norway; where he owned a home.

After years of doing theater work, Hyman moved into television and film including roles in MacBeth, Julius Ceaser, Thundercats, and The Cosby Show as Cliff Huxtable’s father Russell, which earned him an Emmy nomination in 1986.

He was also the first cousin of singer Phyllis Hyman.