Robert Culp, who starred with Bill Cosby in groundbreaking series ‘I Spy,’ dead at 79

Robert Culp, who starred in ‘I Spy,’ dead at 79

LOS ANGELES — Robert Culp, the versatile actor who teamed with Bill Cosby in the groundbreaking comedy-adventure TV series “I Spy,” has died. He was 79.

The actor’s agent Hillard Elkins says Culp died after collapsing Wednesday on a sidewalk outside his Hollywood home. Los Angeles police say he hit his head while on a walk and was pronounced dead after arriving at a hospital.

A preliminary investigation found that his death is accidental.

“I Spy,” which aired from 1965 to 1968, was a television milestone. Its combination of humor and adventure broke new ground, and it was the first integrated television show to feature a black actor in a starring role.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Robert Culp, the versatile actor who teamed with Bill Cosby in the groundbreaking comedy-adventure TV series “I Spy,” has died. He was 79.

The actor’s agent Hillard Elkins says Culp died after collapsing Wednesday on a sidewalk outside his Hollywood home. Los Angeles police say he hit his head while on a walk and was pronounced dead after arriving at a hospital.

A preliminary investigation found that his death is accidental.

“I Spy,” which aired from 1965 to 1968, was a television milestone. Its combination of humor and adventure broke new ground, and it was the first integrated television show to feature a black actor in a starring role.