Bill Cosby

NAME William Henry Cosby Jr.

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Comedian, actor, and television personality. Cosby’s reputation was severely damaged by over 60 sexual assault allegations. 

FAMILY BACKGROUND  Bill Cosby, was born on July 12, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the eldest of four sons born to William Henry Cosby Sr. and Anna Pearl Hite. His father worked various jobs, including as a welder and a mess steward in the U.S. Navy, while his mother worked as a maid.

CHILDHOOD Cosby's childhood was marked by both hardship and ambition. Growing up in a working-class African American neighborhood in Philadelphia, he faced financial challenges. His father's frequent absences due to military service during World War II further impacted his family. The tragic loss of his brother James to rheumatic fever at the age of six was a significant blow.

Despite these challenges, young Cosby excelled in academics and athletics. He was captain of his baseball and track and field teams and even served as class president. However, his playful nature often overshadowed his academic pursuits, as he preferred making jokes to studying. To help support his family, he took on various jobs, including shining shoes, selling produce, and stocking shelves at a supermarket.

EDUCATION Cosby's educational journey was unconventional. He attended FitzSimons Junior High School and Central High School, but his academic career was interrupted by a stint in the U.S. Navy. After completing his military service, he enrolled at Temple University on a track and field scholarship. However, he left during his sophomore year to pursue a career in comedy.

Later in life, Cosby returned to his education, earning a Master of Arts degree and, eventually, a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His doctoral degree, which was granted based on his life experience and work on educational television shows, has been the subject of some controversy.

CAREER RECORD Cosby made history in 1965 as the first African-American co-star in a dramatic television series, I Spy.

His sitcom The Cosby Show (1984–1992) became a cultural phenomenon and was the number-one show in America for five straight years.

APPEARANCE Bill Cosby, a towering figure in American entertainment, possessed a distinctive physical presence. Standing at 6 feet tall (1.83 meters), his above-average height contributed to his commanding stage and screen presence. His weight, while fluctuating over the years, was generally around 88 kg (194 lbs).

Cosby was known for his expressive face, a key tool in his comedic arsenal. His dark brown eyes and, in his younger years, dark hair, combined with a warm, engaging smile, created a public persona that was both authoritative and endearing. As he aged, his hair turned gray, further solidifying his fatherly image.

Like everyone, Cosby's appearance changed over time. His hair gradually grayed and thinned, and his face naturally developed lines and wrinkles. However, he maintained a relatively consistent weight throughout his adult life.

While Cosby's physical appearance was once a source of admiration and affection, it has become inextricably linked to a darker side of his legacy. Numerous sexual assault allegations have significantly impacted public perception of his image. His once-beloved status as "America's Dad" has been irrevocably tarnished by these accusations.

Cosby in 1969

FASHION A significant part of Cosby's public image was his signature style. He was often seen wearing colorful sweaters, which became synonymous with his character on The Cosby Show. Additionally, he frequently wore glasses, both on and off-screen. This combination of elements contributed to his iconic look.

CHARACTER Cosby projected a warm, paternal figure on screen, known for his emphasis on family values and education.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Bill Cosby's comedic style was a unique blend of observational humor, storytelling, and family-centric themes. He was renowned for his ability to find the funny in ordinary life, particularly the experiences of family life and parenting. His conversational delivery style, coupled with his masterful timing and facial expressions, made his comedy both relatable and engaging.

A significant aspect of Cosby's humor was its cleanliness. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he avoided explicit language and offensive material, making his comedy accessible to a wide audience. This family-friendly approach earned him the title "America's Dad."

While Cosby often shied away from overtly racial humor in his mainstream work, he did incorporate elements of satire and surrealism into his routines. His versatility allowed him to tackle a variety of topics, from parenting to social commentary.

Cosby's legacy as a comedian is complex. While his comedic genius is undeniable, his personal scandals have cast a shadow over his public image. Nonetheless, his impact on the world of comedy remains significant, inspiring generations of comedians to follow in his footsteps.

RELATIONSHIPS Bill Cosby married Camille Hanks on January 25, 1964. They first met when he was performing stand-up in Washington, DC and she was University of Maryland student. Their marriage has endured through various life events, including Cosby's successful career in entertainment and his later legal troubles. 

Together, they had five children, all with names starting with "E" to symbolize "excellence." Ennis, their only son, was tragically murdered on January 16, 1997. He was shot and killed during a robbery attempt while changing a flat tire on a Los Angeles freeway. Another child Ensa died of renal disease on February 23, 2018, while awaiting a kidney transplant.

MONEY AND FAME Cosby became one of the highest-paid entertainers of his time, with multiple endorsements and a lucrative career spanning television, music, and publishing. He has an estimated $400 million net worth.

FOOD AND DRINK Cosby has enjoyed rich, flavorful dishes throughout his life. His mother's love for fried lamb chops suggests that such foods may have been a part of his upbringing. Cosby's humorous approach to his eating habits is evident in the title of his book, I Am What I Ate...and I'm Frightened!!! He acknowledged the challenges of maintaining a healthy diet, describing himself as "just one of us who still wants his cake and to eat it too."

Cosby's public image was also linked to specific food and beverage brands. He served as a spokesperson for Coca-Cola and was famously associated with Jell-O products.

As Bill Cosby aged, he faced health challenges related to his diet. At the age of 65, he discovered he had high cholesterol, prompting him to reflect on his lifestyle choices.

MUSIC AND ARTS Cosby is also a dedicated music lover, with a particular fondness for jazz. He has often incorporated jazz elements into his comedy and children’s programming. 

His musical comedy single "Little Ole Man" peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967.

Additionally, he admires classic comedians such as Jack Benny, Burns & Allen, Jimmy Durante, and Fred Allen.

LITERATURE Cosby authored several books, including Fatherhood (1986), which became the fastest-selling hardcover book at the time and remained at #1 on the New York Times Best Seller List for over half of its 54-week run. He is also the creator of the popular children's book series, Little Bill.

NATURE Cosby frequently mentioned the importance of family outings and nature in his stand-up routines and books.

PETS Cosby occasionally referenced pets in his comedy, often using them as metaphors for parenting.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Cosby has developed a keen interest in collecting, particularly fountain pens. He is a frequent visitor to renowned pen stores and even serves as a spokesperson for Fountain Pen Hospital.

Cosby was a talented athlete in his youth. He excelled in baseball, track and field, and football, captaining his elementary school teams in both baseball and track. His athletic prowess continued into his college years, where he played football at Temple University. Even as an adult, Cosby remained a passionate sports fan, particularly of the Philadelphia Eagles.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Through his educational advocacy, Cosby emphasized the value of science and math education for children.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Bill Cosby's philosophical and theological views are multifaceted and often contradictory. Raised in a household with both Methodist and Baptist influences, Cosby identifies with both denominations but maintains a somewhat distant relationship with organized religion. He has described himself as an "absentee voter" in matters of faith, suggesting a casual approach to religious practice.

Despite his personal stance, Cosby acknowledges the positive impact of religion on society. He has cited Islam as an example of a faith that actively addresses social issues like drug abuse. However, he is critical of evangelical approaches, believing they often miss the core message of faith. Interestingly, Cosby has incorporated religious themes and biblical stories into his comedy, suggesting a deeper engagement with spiritual concepts.

The stark contrast between Cosby's public persona and the numerous sexual assault allegations against him highlights a significant moral contradiction. While he publicly championed family values and moral behavior, his alleged actions reveal a darker side to his character. This dichotomy raises profound questions about the nature of human morality and the potential for individuals to compartmentalize their behavior.

Through his iconic television show, The Cosby Show, Cosby promoted a positive image of African American families, emphasizing black excellence and individual achievement over systemic oppression. This portrayal aligns with a belief in human potential for goodness and success. However, the allegations against him suggest a more cynical view of human nature, one that aligns with theological concepts of inherent sinfulness.

POLITICS Cosby is a strong advocate of "respectability politics," emphasizing education, family values, and personal accountability within the African American community. He is critical of what he perceives as a victim mentality in marginalized groups.

SCANDAL Bill Cosby's career and reputation were severely tarnished in the mid-2010s following numerous sexual assault allegations made against him by over 60 women. These accusations spanned several decades, with some dating back to the 1960s.

On September 25, 2018, Cosby was convicted of three counts of aggravated indecent assault and sentenced to three to ten years in prison. This conviction was a significant moment in the #MeToo movement, shedding light on the widespread issue of sexual assault and harassment.

However, in 2021, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned Cosby's conviction, leading to his release from prison. The court ruled that a previous prosecutor had made an agreement not to charge Cosby, a decision that violated his due process rights. 

The following year, Cosby was found civilly liable for having sexually assaulted Judy Huth when she was 16. 

MILITARY RECORD Cosby served in the Navy from 1956 to 1960, working in physical therapy with injured Korean War veterans.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Cosby maintained an active lifestyle during his early career and often spoke about health and wellness.

HOMES Bill Cosby has owned several homes throughout his life, with properties in various locations.

Elkins Park, Pennsylvania: This 5,835-square-foot stone Colonial home, built in 1800, sits on a 3-acre property. Purchased in 1983 for $225,000, it's now estimated to be worth over $775,000. After his release from prison in 2021, Cosby returned to this estate.

Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts: This expansive 21-acre compound, acquired in 1971, includes multiple buildings, a swimming pool, and a tennis court. Cosby has spent significant time here, particularly during his legal battles.

Cosby owns a home in Los Angeles.

TRAVEL Cosby’s career took him around the globe, performing stand-up and filming on location.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Cosby appeared in numerous television shows, films, and commercials, most famously for Jell-O pudding. He also created and voiced characters in the children’s series Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids.

ACHIEVEMENTS

First African-American co-star in a dramatic series (I Spy).

Creator of The Cosby Show, a television milestone.

Winner of multiple Emmy and Grammy awards.

Author of record-breaking books like Fatherhood.

Advocate for education and recipient of over a dozen honorary degrees.