Hero? He was never funny and his show sucked. Why was he a hero to you?
I thought he was damn funny. His timing was spot on and no other comedian came close in terms of ease and polish imo. I also dug his material. I'm sure there are other black performers whose act isn't at least 1/3 about race but none come to mind at the moment. Anyway, that well is poisoned. Now I won't be able to laugh at his standup anymore.

Something I enjoyed is gone forever.
I didn't watch much of his sitcom so really can't say. But it was an 80s sit-com. They all sucked. I'm not sure how the debate would go? "Cosby Show? Growing Pains and Family Ties were way better." I guess.
He seemed like a hardworking guy of good character who deserved his success. Turns out he was a guy of bad character who abused his success and quite a few women into the bargain. It's disappointing. Of course, if you're not a fan then it isn't and you get to tell everyone how you always hated Cosby and were right all along, lol. I was a fan tho.