Earle Hyman was an American actor who is best known for his role as Russell Huxtable on The Cosby Show, as well as his extensive theater work on Broadway and in Norway.
Personal and Family Life
Born on October 11, 1926, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Hyman grew up in Brooklyn after moving with his family. His interest in acting was sparked at the age of 13 when he attended a production of Henrik Ibsen’s “Ghosts” in Brighton Beach. Hyman learned to speak fluent Norwegian, inspired by his long-term partner, Rolf Sirnes, a Norwegian seaman.
Career Overview
Hyman began his career on Broadway in 1944 with Anna Lucasta and had a successful path that included performances in productions such as The Merchant of Venice and A Raisin in the Sun. He appeared on The Cosby Show from 1984, which gained him notable recognition, including an Emmy nomination. Throughout his career, he also acted in various film and television roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Death and Legacy
Earle Hyman passed away on November 17, 2017, in Englewood, New Jersey. His contributions to theater and television left a lasting impact, and his work in Norway was acknowledged with the St. Olav’s medal for his efforts to promote Norwegian culture. He is remembered for both his powerful performances and his trailblazing presence as an African American actor.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus | 1985-12-17 | King Awgwa (voice) |
| ThunderCats Ho! – The Movie | 1987-11-16 | Panthro / Pilot / Guard / Cruncher (voice) |
| The Bamboo Prison | 1954-06-15 | Doc Jackson, medic |
| The Ivory Ape | 1980-04-15 | Inspector St. George |
| The Lost Weekend | 1945-11-29 | Smoking Man (uncredited) |
| The Super Cops | 1974-03-20 | Police Detective (uncredited) |
| And the Bones Came Together | 1973-02-15 | Roy Lockhart |
| The Cosby Show: A Look Back | 2002-05-19 | Self / Russell Huxtable (archive footage) |
| The Possession of Joel Delaney | 1972-05-24 | Charles |
| Løven – Henrik Ibsen | 2006-10-20 | |
| Hijacked: Flight 285 | 1996-02-04 | Wayne Edwards |
| Coriolanus | 1979-03-31 | Cominius |
| The Moving of Sophia Myles | 2000-11-26 | Bishop Heath |
| ThunderCats: Exodus (The Movie) | 1985-01-02 | Panthro (voice) |
| Fighting Back | 1982-05-21 | Police Chief Freeman |
| John Brown’s Raid | 1960-10-25 | |
| Long Day’s Journey Into Night | 1982-11-23 | James Tyrone |
| The Cosby Show | 1984-09-20 | |
| ThunderCats | 1985-01-23 | Panthro (voice) |
| A Different World | 1987-09-24 | Russel Huxtable |
| A Man Called Hawk | 1989-01-28 | |
| Hallmark Hall of Fame | 1951-12-24 | Adam and Hezdrel |
| Twice in a Lifetime | 1999-08-25 | |
| ThunderCats | 1985-01-23 | Red Eye (voice) |