Bill Cosby is a popular standup comedian and made his name in this field. The not only comedian, but he is also a musician, writer, and actor. Her made his first performance as a standup comedian in San Francisco in the 1960s.
He was best known for his work on the NBC sitcom The Cosby Show, earning him the nickname “America’s Dad.” He has been honored with several awards and honorary degrees during his professional journey.
Further, Cosby was accused of sexual assault by multiple women. The allegations led to his television show and stand-up comedy tour cancellation.
This article will give you all the essential information you need about him.
Quick Information
| Real Name | William Henry Cosby Jr. |
| Date of Birth | July 12, 1937 |
| Age | 86 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Comedian, Actor, and Media Personality |
| Spouse | Camille Hanks (m. 1964) |
| Children | 5, including Erika and Ennis |
| Height | 6 feet |
| Weight | 80kg |
| Net Worth | $400 million |
Early Life
The real name of Bill Cosby is William Henry Cosby Jr, but he is well known as Bill Cosby. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His date of birth is 12th July 1937. His father was a mess steward in the United States Navy, and his mother was a housewife. He grew up with three brothers.
He always has a good sense of humor, and therefore, his class fellows gave him the name class clown. After 10th grade, he left school and tried other things. The very first shop Bill Cosby was repairing shoes, and then he wanted to join the Navy.
After four years, he did a job as a Hospital Corpsman. After that, he went to Temple University received a scholarship in 1961, and studied physical education. During his university days, he started playing football and constantly joking with his friends.
Professional Life
Bill began his career in the 1960s and performed in the clubs of New York and Philadelphia. He became very popular and started performing across the United States. After the stand-up comedy, he tried his skills in acting and appeared in movies and TV shows.
In 1965, Cosby achieved a significant breakthrough in his career when he was cast as Alexander Scott in the NBC TV series “I Spy.” This made him the first African American to co-star in a dramatic television series, and his performance earned him three consecutive Emmy Awards.
Cosby enjoyed success throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, appearing in several television shows and hosting the children’s game show “Kids Say the Darndest Things.”
In his notable work, the Darndest Things, You Bet Your Life, The Cosby Show, Cos, Fat Albert & The Cosby Kids, The New Bill Cosby Show, and The Bill Cosby Show.
Additionally, he was charged because of sexual assault with a couple of women in the 2000s. It had a great impact on his career, and many performances were canceled. In April 2018, he was convicted of sexual assault first time and remained in prison in September 2018. Now he is again in the sentence at the Phoenix State Correctional Institution in Pennsylvania.
Other Projects
During the peak of his career, Bill Cosby was heavily involved in advertising and politics. He utilized his immense popularity and public persona to endorse products and support political candidates. Let’s discuss his projects in detail.
Advertising
Cosby was a popular figure in the advertising industry, and his career primarily focused on endorsing Jell-O Pudding Pops. He appeared in commercials promoting the product from the 1970s to the 1990s, using his signature humor and relatable charm to connect with audiences. His association with Jell-O Pudding Pops became so strong that it significantly boosted the product’s sales and popularity.
Apart from Jell-O, Cosby also endorsed other products such as Coca-Cola, Kodak film, and American Airlines. His endorsements were highly sought after due to his ability to influence consumer decisions and connect with audiences.
Politics
Cosby was not directly involved in politics but publicly supported specific candidates and causes. He openly endorsed Democratic presidential candidates such as Jimmy Carter (1976) and Barack Obama (2008). Cosby also spoke out on social issues, advocating for education, civil rights, and children’s welfare.
Awards and Honors
Cosby is one of the most celebrated comedians of his generation, having won eight Grammy Awards, five Primetime Emmy Awards, two Daytime Emmy Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards.
His stand-up comedy albums, television shows, and educational initiatives have consistently resonated with audiences, earning him critical acclaim and widespread popularity.
These prestigious awards solidified his position as a highly accomplished and respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Following sexual assault allegations, various awards and honors, including the Kennedy Center Honor and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, have been rescinded.
Relationship
On January 25, 1964, Cosby married Camille Hanks. Together, they had five children. Erika, Erinn, Ennis(1969–1997), Ensa (1973–2018), and Evin. Their son, Ennis, was murdered on January 16, 1997, while changing a flat tire. His daughter, Ensa, died because of renal disease on February 23, 2018. Now, he has three grandchildren.
Bill Cosby’s Net Worth
The major source of income for Bill Cosby is his sense of humor. He always performed amazing and so many performances in the United States. Bill Cosby’s Net worth in 2023 is almost $400 million.
Interesting Quotes By Bill Cosby
Here are some popular quotes from Bill Cosby
‘ A word to the wise is not necessary; it is the stupid ones that need all the advice.’
‘I don’t know the key to success; however, the key to failure is when we try to please everyone.’
‘Women do not want to hear what you think; they actually want to hear what they think in a deeper voice.’
‘Every closed eye is not sleeping, and every open eye is not seeing.’
FAQ’s
What happened to the Cosby?
He was imprisoned until the conviction was vacated in June 2021 by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, for violations of Cosby's 5th Amendment and 14th Amendment due process rights. Cosby's legal issues have continued following his release from prison.
Why was The Cosby Show important?
The Cosby Show depicted a stable, prosperous Black family Cosby's character was a doctor whose wife was a lawyer and avoided racial stereotypes. The show had broad cross-cultural appeal and won several major awards.
Why did The Cosby Show get Cancelled?
But in 2014, networks and streaming platforms began pulling the show as a backlash grew against Bill Cosby, who was facing renewed allegations of sexual misconduct. The cultural impact of “The Cosby Show,” centered on an upper-middle class Black family living in Brooklyn, is hard to overstate.
