Lou Myers has died, aged 76, according to Associated Press. Myers famously played the role of Mr Gaines on A Different World. Myers’ death was confirmed by Tonia McDonald, who works fro his non-profit organization Global Business Incubation Inc. He died Tuesday night (February 20, 2013) at Charleston Area Medical Centre in West Virginia, Associated Press have reported. An autopsy has been planned to determine the cause of death. The veteran actor had apparently been suffering with illness since before Christmas and had recently collapsed.

As well as appearing in A Different World, Myers also counted legendary shows such as The Cosby Show, NYPD Blue and ER amongst his acting credits. He also had a number of films under his belt, including How Stella Got Her Groove Back, The Wedding Planner and Tin Cup. A Different World ran from 1987 – 93 and starred Lisa Bonet (who also starred in The Cosby Show) and Myers thanked the comedian Bill Cosby for helping him to break into Hollywood.

Myers was recognized by his home state in 2005 when he was included in a coffee table book ‘Art & Soul’ when the Appalachian Education Initiative listed him as one of 50 Outstanding Creative Artists’ from the state of West Virginia. As well as being the chairman of the Global Business Incubation, helping small urban businesses, he was also chairman of the Lou Myers Scenario Motion Picture Institute / Theatre.