LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bill Cosby says the late Robert Culp was like an older brother to him.

Culp, who starred with Cosby in the racially groundbreaking TV series "I Spy," died today after collapsing outside his Hollywood home. He was 79.

Cosby says the first born in every family dreams of having an older brother or sister, "to protect, to be the buffer, provide the wisdom, shoulder the blows and make things right." He says Culp was the answer to his dreams.

Cosby says that no matter how many mistakes he made on the series, Culp was always there to teach and protect him.

Police say Culp apparently fell and struck his head. Culp's manager says the actor's son was told he died of a heart attack.