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Quick Facts
- NAME: Bill Cosby
- OCCUPATION: Film Actor, Television Actor, Comedian, Television Producer
- BIRTH DATE: July 12, 1937 (Age: 75)
- EDUCATION: Temple University, University of Massachusetts (Amherst)
- PLACE OF BIRTH: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Full Name: William Henry Cosby Jr.
- AKA: Bill Cosby
- ZODIAC SIGN: Cancer
Best Known For
Bill Cosby is an American comedian, actor and producer, who has played a major role in the development of more positive portrayal of African-Americans on television.
Videos see all videos
Bill Cosby - Tragic Death of Cosby's Son
While filming the television series "Cosby," Bill Cosby received the tragic news that his son had been shot and killed.
Bill Cosby - The Face of Jell-O
Using his natural innocence and appeal, Bill Cosby became synonymous with the popular and fun treat, Jell-O.
Bill Cosby - Speaking Out on Racial Issues
After his iconic career had run its course, Bill Cosby took up more serious causes as he addressed issues in the African-American community.
Bill Cosby - "The Cosby Show"
Bill Cosby is best known for his time transforming television history as Heathcliff Huxtable on the hit television series "The Cosby Show."
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Play NowBill Cosby. (2013). The Biography Channel website. Retrieved 10:25, Jun 19, 2013, from http://www.biography.com/people/bill-cosby-9258468.
Bill Cosby. [Internet]. 2013. The Biography Channel website. Available from: http://www.biography.com/people/bill-cosby-9258468 [Accessed 19 Jun 2013].
"Bill Cosby." 2013. The Biography Channel website. Jun 19 2013, 10:25 http://www.biography.com/people/bill-cosby-9258468.
"Bill Cosby," The Biography Channel website, 2013, http://www.biography.com/people/bill-cosby-9258468 [accessed Jun 19, 2013].
"Bill Cosby," The Biography Channel website, http://www.biography.com/people/bill-cosby-9258468 (accessed Jun 19, 2013).
Bill Cosby [Internet]. The Biography Channel website; 2013 [cited 2013 Jun 19] Available from: http://www.biography.com/people/bill-cosby-9258468.
Bill Cosby, http://www.biography.com/people/bill-cosby-9258468 (last visited Jun 19, 2013).
Bill Cosby. The Biography Channel website. 2013. Available at: http://www.biography.com/people/bill-cosby-9258468. Accessed Jun 19, 2013.
Synopsis
Bill Cosby was born on July 12, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He dropped out of high school to join the U.S. Navy, and later dropped out of college to become a stand-up comedian. Cosby's first acting assignment, in the espionage series I Spy (1965-1968), made him the first black actor to star in a dramatic role on network television. Cosby's most successful work, The Cosby Show, appeared on NBC from 1984 to 1992, and was the highest-ranking sitcom for five consecutive years.
Quotes
"I guess the real reason that my wife and I had children is the same reason that Napoleon had for invading Russia: it seemed like a good idea at the time."
Background
Actor, comedian, writer and producer Bill Cosby was born William Henry Cosby Jr. on July 12, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With numerous awards to his credit, Bill Cosby is one of the top names in comedy. He also helped break down racial barriers on television in the 1960s with I Spy and, later, The Cosby Show.
Cosby, the oldest of four boys, grew up in Philadelphia's Germantown neighborhood. At first, the Cosbys were able to get by, financially, but the family's money began to slip when Cosby's father, William Cosby Sr., began drinking heavily. After his father enlisted in the U.S. Navy, Cosby became like a parent to his brothers. Cosby's mother, Anna, worked cleaning houses. He and his family ended up living in the Richard Allen Homes, a low-income housing project in his neighborhood. At the age of 8, Cosby suffered a great loss when his brother James, the second oldest of the boys, died.
With money very tight for his family, Cosby started shining shoes to help out when he was 9 years old. He also later found a job at a supermarket. Despite their hardships, Cosby's mother stressed the value of education and learning. She often read to Bill and his brothers, including the works by Mark Twain. A gifted storyteller himself, Cosby learned early on that humor could be a way to make friends and to get what he wanted. Cosby excelled at making things up. As one of his teachers once noted, "William should become either a lawyer or an actor because he lies so well.''
In school, Cosby was bright but unmotivated. He liked to tell stories and jokes to his classmates more than he liked to do his schoolwork. One of his teachers encouraged him to put his performing talents to use in school plays, not in her classroom. At home, Cosby listened to a variety of radio programs and started imitating such comedians as Jerry Lewis. He also watched such television performers as Sid Caesar and Jack Benny whenever he could.
While he was more interested in sports than academics—he was active on his school's track and football teams—Cosby was placed in a high school for gifted students after scoring high on an IQ test. But Cosby failed to apply himself, and ended up falling behind in his classes. He switched to Germantown High School, and even there he learned that he would have to repeat a grade. In frustration, Cosby dropped out of high school. He worked several odd jobs before joining the U.S. Navy in 1956.
During his military service, Cosby worked as a medical aide on ships, in several hospitals and at other facilities.
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Included In These Groups
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Black Comedians
View groupFrom the early comedy of Nipsey Russell, Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby to the contemporary routines of Steve Harvey, Mo'Nique, Chris Rock, Wanda Sykes and Dave Chappelle, black comedians have often used their wit to become the voice and face of the African-American experience. These legendary comedians have also set a very high bar—not only for African Americans, but for all comics trying to make it in show business. Learn more about these famous jokesters, from their early days to their comic beginnings, to their side-splitting performances and more.
Black Comedians 34 people in this group
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Celebrity Enlistees
View groupHollywood stars often get flack for their extravagant lifestyles, and sometimes they seem to be far removed from the rest of us. Not so for all celebrities, though—a surprising number of stars have taken on the big responsibility of serving in the United States Armed Forces. We know them as actors, athletes, musicians, and comedians, but these brave individuals have actually put their lives on the line for their country. Here's a look at celebrity enlistees.
Celebrity Enlistees 84 people in this group
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The Ed Sullivan Show Guests
View groupOriginally called Toast of the Town, The Ed Sullivan Show ran from 1948-1971 on CBS and was an American staple in the 50s and 60s. The American variety show featured the Who's Who of celebritydom over the decades, including Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Tony Bennett, Carol Channing, Lucille Ball, The Jackson 5, and The Doors.
The Ed Sullivan Show Guests 215 people in this group
