Among those we honor is Earl Hyman, who portrayed the wise and humorous patriarch Russell Huxtable. Hyman’s death at 91 in 2017 marked a significant loss for the arts community, as he was celebrated not just for his role on the show but for his powerful stage presence. Clarice Taylor, who played the nurturing Anna Huxtable, passed away in 2011 at 93, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and support that resonated with fans.