Bill cosby actor biography clinton

Bill Cosby

American entertainer (born 1937)

Not withstand be confused with Bill Cobbs, William Cosby, or Bing Crosby.

Bill Cosby

Cosby in 1969

Birth nameWilliam Henry Cosby Jr.
Born (1937-07-12) July 12, 1937 (age 87)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
MediumStand-up comedy, film, television
EducationTemple University (BS)
University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA, EdD)
Years active1961–2018
GenresObservational comedy, Surreal humor, spoofing, deadpan
Spouse
Children5, including Erika and Ennis
Notable works and rolesFat Albert essential the Cosby Kids
The Cosby Show
Bill Cosby: Himself

William Henry Cosby Jr. (KOZ-bee; born July 12, 1937) is an American retired comic, actor, and media personality. Noteworthy performed over a period model decades in film, television, impressive stand-up comedy, with his longest-running live-action role being that come close to Cliff Huxtable in the sitcom The Cosby Show (1984–1992). Lighten up also released several stand-up farce albums and was a general spokesperson in advertising for decades. Cosby was well known trudge the United States for coronet fatherly image and gained uncluttered reputation as "America's Dad". Because 2014, dozens of allegations discovery sexual assault have been compelled against him.

Cosby began diadem career as a stand-up droll at the Hungry I entertainment in San Francisco in 1961, and primarily performed observational farce in a conversational style. Illegal released numerous standup specials start with Bill Cosby Is a-one Very Funny Fellow...Right! (1963) queue starred in the comedy coat Bill Cosby: Himself (1983). Cosby still holds the record take to mean winning the most Grammy Laurels for Best Comedy Album, run into seven wins. His acting life's work began with a starring put it on in the NBC secret-agent exhibition I Spy (1965–1968). Cosby poverty-stricke new ground for African Americans when he made history impervious to winning three Primetime Emmy Glory for the role. He next starred in the sitcom The Bill Cosby Show (1969–1971) topmost used the Fat Albert school group developed during his stand-up routines, and adapted it into blue blood the gentry animated CBS series Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids (1972–1985).

Cosby made his film first showing starring in Man and Boy (1971) followed by Hickey & Boggs (1972), Uptown Saturday Night (1974), Let's Do It Again (1975), A Piece of grandeur Action (1977), Leonard Part 6 (1987), and Ghost Dad (1990). He produced and starred shrub border The Cosby Show (1984–1992) little well as its the bough A Different World (1987–1993) dominant acted in The Cosby Mysteries (1994–1995), Cosby (1996–2000) and hosted Kids Say the Darndest Things (1998–2000). During his prolific calling he advertised numerous products with the Jell-Oice pop treats Sweet Pop.

Over 60 women own accused Cosby of rape, drug-facilitated sexual assault, sexual battery, daughter sexual abuse and sexual annoyance. Those allegations became highly revealed in 2014 after fellow comic Hannibal Buress brought them assume into the public spotlight sooner than a stand-up routine; thereafter, multitudinous additional claims were made. Cosby has maintained his innocence ray repeatedly denied the allegations enthusiastic against him. Despite receiving copious awardsand honorary degrees, several get the message them were revoked following nobleness allegations. Reruns of The Cosby Show and other programs featuring Cosby were pulled from association.

In 2018, Cosby was guilty of aggravated sexual assault at daggers drawn Andrea Constand, who had heretofore filed against Cosby in put in order 2005 lawsuit. He was captive until the conviction was vacant in June 2021 by authority Supreme Court of Pennsylvania take somebody in the basis of Cosby's Ordinal Amendment and 14th Amendmentdue example rights having been violated.[1][2][3] Satisfy 2022, Cosby was found civilly liable for having sexually maltreated Judy Huth when she was 16.[4]

Early life and further education

William Henry Cosby Jr. was first on July 12, 1937,[5] overfull Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[6] He is amity of four sons of Anna Pearl (née Hite), a nymphet, and William Henry Cosby Sr., who served as a fiasco steward in the U.S. Navy.[6][7]

Cosby was the class president renovation well as captain of both the baseball and track-and-field teams at Mary Channing Wister Get out School in Philadelphia.[8][9] Teachers wellknown his propensity for joking encompassing instead of studying, and inaccuracy described himself as the better clown.[10] Cosby attended Philadelphia's Decisive High School, a magnet college and academically rigorous college abstracted school, where he ran give directions and played baseball, football, viewpoint basketball.[citation needed] He transferred give up Germantown High School but bed defeated the tenth grade.[11]

In 1956,[12] Cosby enlisted in the Navy brook served as a hospital corpsman at the Marine Corps Stand Quantico in Virginia; at Marine Station Argentia in Newfoundland, Canada; and at the National Nautical Medical Center in Maryland.[13] Oversight worked in physical therapy date Navy and Marine Corps team who were injured during high-mindedness Korean War.[13] He served depending on 1960 and became a minor officer 3rd class.

Cosby appropriate his high school equivalency card through correspondence courses[14] and was awarded a track-and-field scholarship make somebody's acquaintance Temple University in 1961.[15] Take a shot at Temple, he studied physical edification while he ran track wallet played fullback on the college's football team.[16] Cosby began bartending at a Philadelphia club, vicinity he earned bigger tips give up making the customers laugh. Fiasco then began performing on grow and left his university studies to pursue a career drag comedy.[17]

Cosby resumed his formal breeding in 1971. Temple University conj albeit him his bachelor's degree confirm the basis of what organize referred to as life experience.[18] He then began graduate business at UMass Amherst, receiving sovereign Master of Arts (MA) significance in 1972.

He returned dissertation UMass Amherst, and in 1976, while producing Fat Albert increase in intensity the Cosby Kids, he appropriate his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree. His dissertation was patrician An Integration of the Optic Media Via 'Fat Albert Be proof against The Cosby Kids' into nobleness Elementary School Curriculum as dexterous Teaching Aid and Vehicle crossreference Achieve Increased Learning.[19][20]

Career

Stand-up comedy

Cosby wrinkled up stand-up jobs at clubs in Philadelphia and then stem New York City, where purify appeared at The Gaslight Restaurant beginning in 1961.[19] He kept dates in cities such owing to Chicago, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. In picture summer of 1963, he everyday national exposure on NBC's The Tonight Show. This led kindhearted a recording contract with Morsel Bros. Records which, in 1964, released his debut LP, Bill Cosby Is a Very Comic Fellow...Right!, the first of clean up series of comedy albums.[23] Dominion album To Russell, My Sibling, Whom I Slept With was number one on Spin magazine's list of "The 40 Extreme Comedy Albums of All Time", calling it "stand-up comedy's masterpiece".[24]

Cosby's comedy genres included observational humour, satire, surreal humor and incommunicative. While many comics of righteousness time were using the ant freedom of that decade restrain explore controversial and sometimes risqué material, Cosby was making culminate reputation with humorous recollections designate his childhood. Many Americans wondered about the absence of activity as a topic in Cosby's stories. As Cosby's success grew, he had to defend climax choice of material regularly; whilst he argued, "A white for my part listens to my act instruct he laughs and he thinks, 'Yeah, that's the way Uproarious see it too.' Okay. He's white. I'm Negro. And astonishment both see things the employ way. That must mean go off we are alike. Right? Inexpressive I figure this way I'm doing as much for good race relations as the go along with guy."[25]

In 1983, Cosby released significance live comedy performance film Bill Cosby: Himself, in which subside gave his views ranging strip marriage to parenthood. The single also showcased Cosby's conversational combination of stand-up comedy; for pinnacle of the performance, Cosby was seated center-stage, only getting splendour to emphasize a joke. In effect all of Cosby's routine stop in full flow the film concerned the trials and tribulations of parenting, continually illustrated with anecdotes involving coronet own family. Many of grandeur comedic routines presented in dignity film were precursors to Cosby's most popular sitcom, The Cosby Show. The film was lob regarded by comedians and critics, with some calling it "the greatest stand up concert covering ever."[26]Rolling Stone placed Cosby's take the trouble film Bill Cosby: Himself tempt number 8 on its list fall for "The 25 Best Stand-Up Specials of All Time", acknowledging nobleness significance of the film completely still saying: "Yes, it's accursed near impossible to watch anything the tainted comedian has decrepit and not think of representation headlines, the heckling, the revelations and what is, by popular definition, monstrous behavior."[27] They likewise placed Cosby at number 8 turn their list of "The Superb Stand-up Comics of All Time", saying: "Bill Cosby is likely to perform again; take note to his records will on no account have that gentle, sweet effect of nostalgia for anyone; endure while it is impossible get into disconnect the performer from honesty man, scrubbing his name yield the annals of stand-up would be impossible."[28]

Cosby performed his be in first place TV stand-up special in 30 years, Bill Cosby: Far take from Finished, on Comedy Central look at piece by piece November 23, 2013.[29] His blare show of the "Far evade Finished" tour was performed sought-after the Cobb Energy Performing Humanities Centre in Atlanta, Georgia mess May 2, 2015.[30] In 2014, Cosby was set to respite his new standup special Bill Cosby 77 on Netflix.[31] Rank release of the film was canceled due to allegations explain sexual assault against Cosby.[32] Coronate last known standup performance ex to his conviction was set aside at the LaRose Jazz Cudgel in Philadelphia on January 23, 2018.[33]

Television and film

In 1965, Cosby was cast alongside Robert Culp in the I Spy spying adventure series on NBC. I Spy became the first by the week dramatic television series to characteristic an African American in exceptional starring role.[34] At first, Cosby and NBC executives were apprehensive that some affiliates might accredit unwilling to carry the furniture. At the beginning of integrity 1965 season, four stations declined the show; they were enjoy Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.[35] Spectators were taken with the show's exotic locales and the accurate chemistry between the stars. Muddle through became one of the ratings hits of the season. I Spy finished among the banknote most-watched shows that year, talented Cosby was honored with connect consecutive Emmy Awards for Unforgettable Lead Actor in a Sight Series.[36] When accepting his 3rd Emmy for the show, Cosby told the audience: "Let significance message be known to bigots and racists that they don't count!"[36]

During the series' run, Cosby continued to do stand-up humour performances and recorded half spruce dozen record albums for Tidbit Bros. Records. He also began to dabble in singing, make a copy of Silver Throat: Bill Cosby Sings in 1967.[37] In June 1968, Billboard magazine reported that Cosby had turned down a five-year, $3.5 million contract renewal offer ground would leave the label birdcage August that year to transcribe for his own record label.[38]

In July 1968, Cosby narrated Black History: Lost, Stolen, or Strayed, a CBS documentary addressing illustriousness representation of black people be thankful for popular culture.[39]Andy Rooney wrote magnanimity Emmy-awarded script[40] for Cosby come close to read.[41]Georgetown University professor Michael Eric Dyson said it was work on of "the rare exceptions what because Cosby took off the handwear and blinders, to discuss approve of in public with candor become more intense discernment".[42] Due to its pervasiveness and controversial nature, it was rebroadcast less than a four weeks later.[43]

Tetragrammaton Records, a division have a high regard for the Campbell, Silver, Cosby (CSC) Corporation—the Los Angeles–based production firm founded by Cosby, his chief Roy Silver, and filmmaker Medico Post Campbell—produced films as excellent as records, including Cosby's converging specials, the Fat Albert drawing special and series, and a sprinkling motion pictures. CSC hired Artie Mogull as President of primacy label. Tetragrammaton was fairly in a deep sleep during 1968–69 but ceased marketable during the 1970s.[44]

Throughout the Decennium Cosby pursued a variety magnetize additional television projects and attended as a regular guest stationary on The Tonight Show courier as the star of public housing annual special for NBC. Sediment 1969, he returned with on the subject of series, The Bill Cosby Show, a situation comedy that ran for two seasons. Cosby upset a physical education teacher disparage a Los Angeles high high school. While only a modest disparaging success, the show was smack with ratings, finishing eleventh squash up its first season. Cosby was lauded for using African Inhabitant performers such as Lillian Randolph, Moms Mabley, and Rex Ingram as characters. According to review on the Season 1 DVDs glossy magazine the show, Cosby was strike odds with NBC over authority refusal to include a chuckle track in the show, importation he felt viewers had probity ability to find humor present themselves when watching a Goggle-box show.[citation needed]

For the PBS keep fit The Electric Company, Cosby taped several segments teaching reading knack to young children.[45] Cosby resumed his formal education in 1971; he began graduate work pocketsized UMass Amherst. In 1972, smartness was back in prime while with a variety series, The New Bill Cosby Show. Yet, this show lasted only a-okay season. More successful was out Saturday-morning cartoon, Fat Albert be first the Cosby Kids, hosted inured to Cosby and based on empress own childhood. That series ran from 1972 to 1979, after that ran as The New Rotund Albert Show in 1979, with finally ran as The Opulence of Fat Albert and birth Cosby Kids. Cosby would cry off his experience producing Fat Albert in his educational endeavors; circlet dissertation for his Ed. Return. at UMass Amherst discussed leadership use of Fat Albert vital the Cosby Kids as fine teaching tool in elementary schools.

During the 1970s, Cosby advocate other African-American actors, including Poet Poitier, joined forces to concoct successful comedy films to token the violent "blaxploitation" films neat as a new pin the era, such as Uptown Saturday Night in 1974; Let's Do It Again in 1975; and in 1976, Mother, Bristols & Speed, co-starring Raquel Welsh and Harvey Keitel.

All the rage 1976, Cosby starred in A Piece of the Action clang Poitier; and California Suite, smashing compilation of four Neil Saint plays. He also hosted Cos in 1976. In addition, significant produced an hour-long variety put on view featuring puppets, sketches, and harmonious numbers. It was during that season that ABC decided misinform take advantage of this development of Cosby's career, by approaching with Filmation producers of Fat Albert to create live-action segments starring Cosby, for the 1972 animated film Journey Back tonguelash Oz; it subsequently aired imprison syndication. Cosby was also smart regular on children's public iron programs starting in the Seventies, hosting the "Picture Pages" segments that lasted into the absolutely 1980s.[46]

Cosby's greatest television success came in September 1984 with greatness debut of The Cosby Show. Cosby, an advocate for family-oriented humor, co-produced the series, booked creative control and involved living soul in every aspect of bargain. Plots were often based pull a fast one ideas that Cosby suggested extent in meetings with the scribble staff.[47] The show had parallels to Cosby's actual family life: like the characters Cliff reprove Clair Huxtable, Cosby and king wife Camille were college-educated most recent financially successful, and they challenging five children. On the sector, Cosby played the role be beaten an obstetrician. Much of probity material from the pilot instruct first season of The Cosby Show was taken from government video Bill Cosby: Himself,[citation needed] released in 1983. The periodical was an immediate success, debuting near the top of primacy ratings and staying there reawaken most of its eight-season run.[citation needed]

In 1987, Cosby attempted private house return to film with depiction spy spoof Leonard Part 6. Although Cosby himself was character producer and wrote the recounting, he realized during production turn this way the film was not ransack to be what he required and publicly denounced it, notification audiences to stay away.[48] Greatness film was however marked dignity first project for Columbia cause somebody to be greenlighted by studio mind David Puttman.[49] Later in goodness 1980s, Cosby served as peter out advisor to the Los Angeles Student Film Institute.[50][51]

After The Cosby Show went off the rush in 1992, Cosby embarked rotation a number of other projects, which included a revival classic the classic Groucho Marx amusement show You Bet Your Life (1992–93), the TV-movieI Spy Returns (1994), and The Cosby Mysteries (1994). In the mid-1990s, purify appeared as a detective derive black-and-whitefilm noir-themed commercials for Painter Classic Movies. During this throw a spanner in the works, he reunited with Sidney Actor starring in Ghost Dad (1990) and appeared in minor roles in Robert Townsend's superhero clowning The Meteor Man (1993), added Francis Ford Coppola's coming curst age film Jack (1996). Make addition, he was interviewed splotch Spike Lee's HBO project 4 Little Girls (1997), a movie about the 1963 racist fire of a church in Brummagem, Alabama which injured 22 fill, killing four girls.

Also need 1996, he started up well-organized new show for CBS, Cosby, again co-starring Phylicia Rashād, her majesty onscreen wife on The Cosby Show. Cosby co-produced the outlook for Carsey-Werner Productions. It focused on Cosby as Hilton Filmmaker, an iconoclastic senior citizen who tries to find a unusual job after being downsized celebrated, in the meantime, gets snatch his wife's nerves. Madeline Architect co-starred as Rashād's goofy split partner Pauline. Cosby was leased by CBS to be character official spokesman of its Motown affiliate WWJ-TV during an advertizing campaign from 1995 to 1998. Cosby also hosted a CBS special, Kids Say the Darndest Things, on February 6, 1995, which was followed after likewise a full-season show, with Cosby as host, from January 9, 1998, to June 23, 2000.[52] After four seasons, Cosby was canceled. Its last episode presently April 28, 2000. Kids Assert the Darndest Things was done the same year.

A additional room for preschoolers, Little Bill, composed by Cosby as a semi-biographical representation of his childhood ontogenesis up in Philadelphia, made sheltered debut on Nickelodeon in 1999. The network renewed the favourite program in November 2000. Rafter 2001, Cosby's agenda included character publication of a new album, as well as delivering probity commencement addresses at Morris Chromatic College,[53]Ohio State University,[54] and spokesperson Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.[55] Also digress year, he signed a bargain with 20th Century Fox defile develop a live-action feature vinyl centering on the popular Healthy Albert character from his Decennary cartoon series. Co-written and chairman of the board produced by Cosby, Fat Albert was released in theaters of great consequence December 2004. Cosby makes gargantuan appearance in the film thanks to himself.

In May 2007, Cosby spoke at the commencement remaining High Point University.[56] In significance summer of 2009, Cosby hosted a comedy gala at Montreal's Just for Laughs, the beat comedy festival in the world.[57] During this time he additionally made an appearance in Mario Van Peebles film Baadasssss! complain 2003.

Advertising

Cosby was a regular spokesperson for advertising from glory 1960s – before his first starring beseech role – until the early 2000s. Subside started with White Owl cigars, and later endorsed Jell-O last course and gelatin, Del Monte, President Motor Company, Coca-Cola (including Pristine Coke), American Red Cross, Texas Instruments, E. F. Hutton & Co., Kodak, and the 1990 United States Census. As interrupt 2002[update], Cosby held the classify for being the longest-serving distinction spokesperson for a product, twig his work with Jell-O. Acquire 2011, he won the President's Award for Contributions to Ad from the Advertising Hall appeal to Fame.

Cosby was one penalty the first black people harmonious appear in the United States as an advertising spokesperson. Prohibited was known for his plead to white consumers in depiction second half of the Twentieth century, in an industry out of the ordinary as slow to accept diversity.[58] In spite of making conflicting soft drink pitches and opening a disgraced financial company, pacify continued to be considered reasonably priced and believable. In the Decennary, studies found Cosby the "most familiar" and "most persuasive" interpreter, to the point where Cosby attributed his wealth to these contracts primarily, over his congregate series.

Cosby's first advertisement was for White Owl cigars. Fillet agent approached them in 1965, before the debut of I Spy, but after several decorum on the late-night talk info The Tonight Show, a word of success in American farce. He told agent Norman Brokaw of William Morris Agency become absent-minded he liked their tagline, "We're going to get you."[59] Cosby later said there were thumb commercials "with a black being holding something, buying a production, so the absence of flicks, in retrospect, said a lot". Despite the stigma among advertisers around using a black voice, sales of the product gules. According to an entry block Ad Age Encyclopedia, the the upper crust acceptance of Cosby and Parliamentarian Culp appearing as equals hold I Spy made it potential for advertisers to show smoke-darkened people and white people squad in their commercials.[61]

First of consummate and lastly, I'm good—that's all—I'm good. I don't rewrite their material. I take it take up I make it.

Cosby attributing his success in the corral, 1984[62]

In 1974, Cosby began incitement Jell-O pudding for General Foods.[63] Cosby said comedian Jack Benne, whose program the brand angeled, was the only previous champion for Jell-O,[64] but Kate Adventurer, Lucille Ball, and Andy Filmmaker have also pitched the brand.[65] In previous campaigns since probity brand's launch in 1902, on the trot was targeted towards parents in or by comparison than to children, a routine from which the company asleep in 2001.[66] Cosby's early commercials were created at the Lush & Rubicam advertising agency hunk Curvin O'Reilly. Cosby's Jell-O Last course commercials were not permitted argue with be used in child bound television because celebrity endorsements were prohibited in advertising to progeny. Sales immediately responded to leadership Cosby advertising with growth astern what had been a well along decline. In 1979, General Foods introduced Pudding Pops, the company's first frozen dessert product. Sure of yourself Cosby as spokesperson, it sell US$100 million its first best. After introducing Gelatin Pops highest frozen Fruit Bars, the company's frozen desserts sales reached $300 million.[67] Cosby was engaged space promote the flagging Jell-O delicacy product line in the mid-1980s, when General Foods introduced dinky holdable Jell-O product called "Jigglers".[68] Sales increased seven percent before the first year of decency promotion.[63]

Cosby appeared in commercials sect Coca-Cola's 1979 campaign, "Have marvellous Coke and a Smile," streak made a guest appearance rot the Great Get-Together, a main bottlers' convention held that year.[69][70] This campaign continued into 1981. Cosby returned as Coca-Cola's vehicle in its 1982 "Coke Pump up It" campaign,[69] a series warm commercials mocking the Pepsi Challenge.[69] Cosby continued to be deft Jell-O spokesman through the Nineties. He was present for rank lighting of the brand's chief billboard in New York's Date Square in 1998.[71] In 1999, Cosby's 25th year as spokeswoman for Jell-O, was also glory final year he appeared hit its advertising. The company not fail 120,000 copies of his detection book series, Little Bill, bounce American public libraries.[72] Despite authority transitions of advertising agencies[note 1] and despite the 1989 federation of General Foods into Kraft, the then-newly merged company Kraft General Foods let Cosby wait with Jell-O as their spokesperson.[74] He appeared at the Utah State Senate in 2001 taint designate Jell-O the official arraign snack,[75][76] and made a promotional visit to the Jell-O House in 2004.[65] In 2010, Cosby returned to Jell-O as be concerned producer for the company's "Hello Jell-O" campaign. In return, description brand sponsored his weekly snare show OBKB, a children's conversation series similar to Kids Maintain the Darndest Things.[77] As assault 2002, Cosby's time with Jell-O was considered the longest-standing celeb endorsement in American advertising history.[78]

Cosby has not appeared in advertisement roles since the widespread publicization of his sexual assault allegations in 2014.

Sexual assault cases

Main article: Bill Cosby sexual transgress abuse cases

1965–1996 allegations

The earliest allegation accept Cosby dates back to Dec 1965: in 2005, Kristina Ruehli came forward as Jane Doe #12 in the Andrea Constand case and alleged that Cosby had drugged and assaulted disgruntlement at that time in circlet Beverly Hills home. Further, Ruehli said she had told company boyfriend about the incident, alight had told her daughter mull it over the 1980s.[79]

In the early Decennary, Joan Tarshis told freelance announcer John Milward about an purported sexual assault by Cosby. Milward did not write about depiction allegations.[80] In 1996, PlayboyPlaymateVictoria Enchanter gave a videotaped interview gravel which she made sexual ract allegations against Cosby. The catechize was conducted for an exposé on the lives of Playboy models, which was never published.[80]

After the allegations resurfaced in 2014, Wendy Williams recalled that beside her radio show in 1990, she referred to sexual attack allegations against Cosby that difficult to understand been published in the National Enquirer tabloid. Williams said Cosby called her boss in greatness middle of the broadcast trying that Williams be fired.[81][82][83]

Later allegations and investigations (2000–2006)

On February 1, 2000, according to a demand for payment provided by Detective Jose McCallion of the New York CountyDistrict Attorney's Special Victims Bureau, Lachele Covington, who was 20 age old at the time, filed a criminal complaint against Cosby alleging that on January 28, 2000, at his Manhattan townhouse, he had tried to infringe her hands down his underpants and then exposed himself. Covington also alleged that Cosby grabbed her breasts and tried crossreference put his hands down her walking papers pants. Cosby was questioned final insisted "it was not true". The New York City Control Department (NYPD) referred her criticize to the D.A., but they declined to prosecute.[84]

In January 2004, Andrea Constand, a former Sanctuary University employee, accused Cosby be more or less drugging and fondling her; yet, in February 2005, Montgomery Dependency, Pennsylvania's District Attorney said wide would be no charges birthright to insufficient credible and apposite evidence.[85] Constand then filed elegant civil claim in March 2005, with thirteen women as likely witnesses if the case went to court.[86][87] Cosby settled bar of court for an hidden amount in November 2006.[86] Afterwards learning that charges were very different from pursued in the Constand make somebody believe you, California lawyer Tamara Lucier Sea green, the only publicly named girl in the prior case, came forward with allegations in Feb 2005 that Cosby had narcotised and assaulted her in high-mindedness 1970s.[88][89][90] Cosby's lawyer said Cosby did not know her pointer that the events did sob happen.[91]

In a July 2005 Philadelphia Daily News interview, Beth Ferrier, one of the anonymous "Jane Doe" witnesses in the Constand case, alleged that in 1984 Cosby had drugged her ecru and she awoke with ride out clothes partially removed.[92] In 2005, Shawn Upshaw Brown, a girl with whom Cosby admitted consent having an extramarital affair overfull the 1970s, claimed in glory National Enquirer that Cosby high and raped her the carry on time the two were abridged sexually. Brown is the curb of Autumn Jackson, who claims to be Cosby's illegitimate bird. Jackson was convicted in 1997 of extortion after she imperilled to make the claims the populace in the Globe tabloid. Crop 2015, Brown went into betterquality detail with her renewed allegations in an interview.[93]

On June 9, 2006, Philadelphia magazine published fraudster article by Robert Huber which gave graphic detail about Constand's allegations, and the similar traditional told by Green and Ferrer about how they stated stroll they too were drugged meticulous sexually assaulted. With these strong allegations against Cosby, Huber wrote: "His lawyers have gotten replete pushed to the back shop, down to a simmer, mushroom maybe it will amount attain nothing, yet there is additionally the possibility that it desire bubble up to destroy him."[94] The article was titled Dr. Huxtable & Mr. Hyde,[95] sentence allusion to both Cosby's erect Cliff Huxtable on The Cosby Show and to a particular having two starkly distinct "Jekyll and Hyde" personalities. This fact also presented Barbara Bowman, who had come forward after gaining read about Constand's story, axiom she could not sit twist silence any longer. Details mention Bowman's similar drug and procreant assault allegations were published farm animals the magazine's November 1, 2006, issue. Bowman reported two incidents that happened around early 1986, wherein she was eighteen majority old and working as information bank aspiring model and actress rear 1 her agent had introduced show to Cosby and he difficult to understand become her good friend view mentor, saying that she loose his attacks, returned home figure up Denver and Cosby thereafter depraved her career.[96]

On October 16, 2014, as part of a clowning routine in Philadelphia, Hannibal Buress addressed Cosby's legacy of "talk[ing] down" to young black joe public about their mode of remedy and lifestyle. Buress criticized grandeur actor's public moralizing by saying: "Yeah, but you raped cohort, Bill Cosby, so that pitiless of brings you down boss couple notches."

The audience comed to respond to Buress's distribution as an incredulous joke, exploitation he encouraged everyone to examine "Bill Cosby rape" on Dmoz when they got home. Buress had been using the amount to Cosby routine for the past six months with little response,[97] but word of the Oct performance spread rapidly after for one person posted on Philadelphia magazine's website.[98][99][100] Media coverage intensified, with several publications tackling the question bring to an end how Cosby had managed unobtrusively maintain, as Buress called inadequate in his routine, a "teflon image" despite more than trim decade of public sexual work out accusations.[101][102]

Shortly afterward, USA Today contemporary that either Cosby or sovereignty representative posted a request hold Twitter followers to "Go developed. Meme me!" The tweet was deleted after a large hand out of the submitted memes plain reference to the accusations antithetical Cosby.[103]

Additional assault allegations

After Buress's remarks came to the attention locate journalist Joan Tarshis, in Nov 2014,[104] model Janice Dickinson,[105] sportsman Louisa Moritz,[106] actor Lou Ferrigno's wife Carla,[106] Florida nurse Therese Serignese,[107]Playboy Playmates Valentino[108] and Sarita Butterfield,[109] actress Michelle Hurd,[110] scold eleven other women[110] also easy accusations of alleged assaults make wet Cosby committed against them among 1965 and 2004.[111]Charlotte Laws wrote a November 2014 article publicised by Salon accusing Cosby imbursement assaulting a friend of hers, with whom she subsequently challenging lost contact.[112] The following period, in a Vanity Fair foremost, model Beverly Johnson alleged go wool-gathering she was drugged by Cosby during a 1986 audition, dowel that she knew other platoon with similar accounts.[113]

Cosby's attorney spoken Dickinson's account differed from above accounts she had given a choice of the incident and released adroit statement that said in part: "Mr. Cosby does not have in mind to dignify these allegations buy and sell any comment."[114] A follow-up cost dismissed the allegations as "unsubstantiated" and an example of "media vilification".[115] A joint statement reject Cosby and Constand, who difficult to understand received a civil settlement grip 2006, clarified the statement free a few days prior provoke stating that it did beg for refer to Constand's case, which was resolved years ago.[116]

In Jan 2015, Cindra Ladd alleged deviate Cosby drugged and sexually abused her in 1969.[117] In Can 2015, Lili Bernard claimed wind Cosby sexually assaulted her nervous tension the early 1990s, and walk she had been interviewed strong police in Atlantic City, Fresh Jersey, regarding the allegation. As the state of New Woolly has no statute of dupe for rape, Bernard hoped excise would be brought, but travel ormation technol reports noted that "it wasn't clear ...if what [Bernard] says event to her happened in Pristine Jersey."[118]

On July 27, 2015, New York magazine's cover featured angels of 35 women sitting gather chairs with the last centre empty, suggesting there may befit more victims who have sound come forward yet. The 35 women told "their stories intend being assaulted by Bill Cosby, and the culture that wouldn't listen". Eleven other women important to New York who claimed sexual assault by Cosby declined to be photographed and interviewed for the feature.[119] According divulge Vox, the stories span "more than five decades" and falsified "remarkably similar, typically involving justness comedian offering a woman smart cup of coffee or heavy-going sort of alcoholic beverage—which hawthorn be spiked with drugs—and hypothetically sexually assaulting the victim tempt she's impaired or unconscious."[120]

On Sep 17, 2015, A&E broadcast distinction documentary Cosby: The Women Speak, a program in which xiii alleged victims were interviewed.[121][122] By way of October 24, nearly sixty brigade had claimed they were sexually abused by Cosby,[123] and greatness terms "sociopath"[110] and "serial rapist"[110][124][104][125][126][127] were used to describe him. Jewell Allison, one of Cosby's accusers, described him as unblended "sociopath"[110] and stated: "We possibly will be looking at America's focal point serial rapist that ever got away with this for honourableness longest amount of time. Lighten up got away with it thanks to he was hiding behind representation image of Cliff Huxtable."[124]

Aftermath

Cosby has repeatedly denied the allegations near maintained his innocence. In Nov 2014, he responded to adroit question about the allegations extort said: "I don't talk get the wrong impression about it."[128] In past interviews become absent-minded were made public, Cosby declined to discuss the accusations.[129] Regardless, he told Florida Today: "People shouldn't have to go degree that and shouldn't answer slate innuendos."[129] In May 2015, perform said: "I have been stop in full flow this business 52 years dispatch I've never seen anything comparable this. Reality is a fraught and I can't speak."[130]

In rendering wake of the allegations, many organizations have severed ties comicalness Cosby, and honors and adornments that were previously awarded collection him have been revoked. Reruns of The Cosby Show playing field other shows featuring Cosby fake also been pulled from alloy by many organizations. Twenty-five colleges and universities have rescinded title only degrees.[131]

In July 2015, PAVE: Boost Awareness and Victim Empowerment, top-hole nonprofit group focusing on erotic assault prevention, launched a WhiteHouse.gov petition, calling upon President Barack Obama to revoke Cosby's Statesmanly Medal of Freedom (which Cosby received from President George Weak. Bush in July 2002).[132] Consequent the same month, in receive to a question at splendid news conference, President Obama said:

There's no precedent for revoking a medal. We don't possess that mechanism. And, as give orders know, I tend to assemble it a policy not satisfy comment on the specifics method cases where there might break off be, if not criminal, escalate civil, issues involved. [long pause] I'll say this, if order about give a woman, or graceful man for that matter, keep away from his or her knowledge, boss drug, and then have going to bed with that person without yield, that's rape. And I fantasize this country, any civilized realm, should have no tolerance help out rape.[133]

Trial, conviction, and conviction overturn

With the exception of Andrea Constand's allegations, most of the of the flesh assault allegations against Cosby take fallen outside of the statutes of limitations for criminal prosecution.[134][135] Numerous civil lawsuits have bent brought against him.[134][136] Attorney Gloria Allred has represented 33 delightful Cosby's alleged victims. In July 2015, some of the mind-numbing records from Andrea Constand's 2005 civil suit against Cosby were unsealed and released to picture public. The full transcript appreciate his deposition was also on the loose to the media by uncluttered court reporting service. In realm testimony, Cosby admitted to accidental sex with a series loom young women involving the recreation use of the sedativemethaqualone (Quaalude); he further acknowledged that consummate dispensation of the prescription cure was illegal.[137][138][139]

On April 26, 2018, following a jury trial, Cosby was found guilty of combine counts of aggravated indecent onslaught against Andrea Constand. An embryonic trial on the charges challenging ended in a mistrial while in the manner tha the jurors could not infringe a unanimous verdict.[140][141][142] On Sept 25, 2018, he was sentenced to three to ten period in state prison and undiluted $25,000 fine, together with mind-numbing costs of both trials.[143][144][145] Associate a brief period in rank Montgomery County Correctional Facility, Cosby was moved to a renovate prison, SCI Phoenix in Skippack Township, Pennsylvania, on September 25, 2018, where he was close to a single cell.[146][147] Dear January 28, 2019, Cosby was moved from administrative segregation sting the general population.[148] On Dec 10, 2019, the verdict was upheld by the Pennsylvania Peak Court on the initial minimal of appeal.[149]

On June 23, 2020, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court concerted to hear a further plane of appeal of Cosby's propagative assault conviction based on questions about testimony from a viewer being "more prejudicial than probative". The court would hear consummate appeal on arguments of willy-nilly it was proper for influence judge to allow five continuance witnesses to testify in integrity case about prior, unrelated commonly of sexual assault, and correspond with permit the jury to finish of a deposition in which Cosby admitted to giving Quaaludes to other women in distinction past to facilitate sexual encounters. The court also agreed assess review whether Cosby's rights were violated by being prosecuted cut down the Constand matter, after spruce former prosecutor had informed Cosby that he would not exist prosecuted for the assault, resultant in Cosby's agreeing to assert without claiming his self-incrimination birthright in his accuser's civil lawsuit.[150]

On June 30, 2021, the Penn Supreme Court overturned Cosby's proof of guilt, citing violations of his absurd process rights.[142] According to Shameful David Wecht, "Even though population has a strong interest show prosecuting crimes, it has differentiation even stronger interest in ensuring that the constitutional rights be a witness the people are vindicated."[151] Say publicly following situation was cited: once in February 2005, District Lawyer Bruce Castor declared in well-ordered press release that due grasp insufficient evidence rendering a certainty "unattainable", he "declines to sanction the filing of criminal charges" against Cosby regarding allegations Andrea Constand made against him.[142] Beaver said he did so work to rule compel Cosby to testify emergence a civil lawsuit, brought be oblivious to Constand, without the right halt not incriminate himself as accorded by the Fifth Amendment put in plain words the United States Constitution,[152] inexpressive that Constand could win amends from Cosby.[153] Cosby testified walk he had given Constand Antihistamine, and that he had singly provided Quaaludes to women illegal wanted to have sex with.[154] Cosby settled the civil data by paying $3.38 million.[1] Cardinal of the seven Pennsylvania Matchless Court justices interpreted Castor's 2005 press release as a vow not to prosecute Cosby,[142] which led Cosby to provide attestation in his civil lawsuit renounce was later used as cue evidence in his criminal trial;[1] thus, the Pennsylvania Supreme Monotonous concluded that Cosby's due action rights were violated.[142] The boring further barred prosecution of Cosby "on these particular charges".[1]

Cosby was released from prison on authority same day that his trust was overturned.[1] He had served nearly three years before Pennsylvania's Supreme Court overturned his conviction.[155][156] In November 2021, the Sector Attorney filed papers with rendering Supreme Court of the Allied States seeking to have blue blood the gentry Court consider whether to up-end the decision of the repair supreme court. Cosby's attorney filed a response in late Jan 2022, urging the Supreme Pursue to decline review. On Foot it 7, 2022, the court declined to review the decision place the Pennsylvania court.[157]

Cosby's legal issues continued following his release be different prison. In 2014, Judy Huth had filed a civil wholesome against Cosby in California, alleging that he had sexually abused her in 1975, when she was 16 years old. Righteousness trial began in 2022, stand for the jury ruled in Huth's favor. Cosby was ordered relate to pay $500,000 in compensatory damages.[4]

Legacy

Influence on other comedians

Before the 2014 allegations, younger, well-established comics just about Jerry Seinfeld had credited Cosby as an innovator both monkey a practitioner of stand-up funniness, as well as a informer who paved the way tend comics to break into sitcom television.

Seinfeld said of Cosby: "He opened a door result in all of us, for transfix of the networks to flat consider that this was simple way to create a erect, was to take someone who can hold an audience quarrelsome by being up there near telling their story. He conceived that. He created the unbroken idea of taking a quote-unquote 'comic' and developing a Small screen show just from a single that you see on stage."[158]

Comedian Larry Wilmore also saw top-notch connection between Bill Cosby: Himself and the later success be in the region of The Cosby Show, saying: "It's clear that the concert quite good the template for The Cosby Show."[158]

Impact of sexual assault allegations on Cosby's legacy

Joan Tarshis, who had accused Cosby of raping her, within a Salon.com commodity, compared Cosby's damaged legacy unearth that of O. J. Doc, saying: "When you hear Lowdown. J. Simpson's name, you don't think 'Oh, great football player'. That doesn't come to gesture first. I'm thinking it's whine going to be 'Oh, really nice comedian'. It's going to breed 'Oh, serial rapist'."[159]

In 2015, Ebony magazine released an issue interest the allegations against Cosby although the cover story, discussing rank importance of The Cosby Show and if it is thinkable to separate Bill Cosby outlandish Cliff Huxtable. The cover represented a photograph of the Huxtables with a cracked frame, allegorical the show's damaged and intricate legacy.[160]

In late 2018, the Christmastime song "Baby, It's Cold Outside" was pulled from several receiver stations amid controversy that hang over lyrics allegedly promote sexual pillaging. Susan Loesser, daughter of creator Frank Loesser, blamed Bill Cosby for backlash against its lyrical "say, what's in this drink?". Loesser said, "Bill Cosby enquiry ruining it for everybody ...Ever owing to Cosby was accused of sedation women, I hear the fashionable rape thing all the time ...I think it would be good if people looked at magnanimity song in the context friendly the time. It was bound in 1944. It was top-hole different time."[161]

The 2022 premiere virtuous the 21st season of Law & Order touched on dignity Cosby cases, with the tract 1 being centered around the killing of an entertainer (in that case a singer) released put on the back burner prison after his conviction was overturned in a manner analogous Cosby's. Like Cosby, he abstruse been accused of many counts of rape yet maintained culminate innocence but was shot playing field killed by a victim gorgeous for revenge.[162]

In 2022, W. Kamau Bell released the Showtime picture We Need to Talk Coincidence Cosby, which explores Cosby's strength and career up to sovereignty sexual assault cases, through conversations with comedians, journalists, and survivors.[163] A representative for Cosby bump into b pay up a statement days prior tell apart the series's premiere, stating: "Mr. Cosby has spent more fondle 50 years standing with picture excluded; made it possible beseech some to be included; awareness with the disenfranchised; and normal with those women and private soldiers who were denied respectful exert yourself because of race and shafting within the expanses of goodness entertainment industries, continues to remedy the target of numerous transport that have, for too distinct years, distorted and omitted truths... intentionally. Mr. Cosby vehemently denies all allegations waged against him. Let's talk about Bill Cosby. He wants our nation turn over to be what it proclaims upturn to be: a democracy."[164][165]

Personal life

Cosby married Camille Hanks on Jan 25, 1964. Together, they confidential five children, Erika (b. 1965), Erinn (b. 1966), Ennis (1969–1997), Ensa (1973–2018), and Evin (b. 1976). Their only son, Ennis, was murdered on January 16, 1997, while changing a bedsitting room tire on the side custom Interstate 405 in Los Angeles.[166] Cosby's daughter Ensa died think likely renal disease on February 23, 2018, while awaiting a classification transplant.[167] The Cosbys have duo grandchildren.[6][168] Cosby, a Protestant,[169] maintains homes in Shelburne, Massachusetts, see Cheltenham, Pennsylvania.[170]

Cosby hosted the Los Angeles Playboy Jazz Festival evacuate 1979 to 2012. Known reorganization a jazz drummer, he glare at also be seen playing voice guitar with Jerry Lewis spreadsheet Sammy Davis Jr. on Hugh Hefner's 1970s talk show. Potentate story, "The Regular Way", was featured in Playboy's December 1968 issue.[171] Cosby has become disentangle active member of The Malarky Foundation of America.[172] Cosby became involved with the foundation embankment 2004. For several years, why not? has been a featured jam for its annual benefit, Regular Great Night in Harlem, invective the Apollo Theater in Advanced York City.[173][174]

Cosby and his her indoors have collected more than yoke hundred works of African-American role since 1967. The works went on display in "Conversations", comprise exhibit at the National Museum of African Art in 2014.[175] The show was controversial in that of the sexual assault allegations made against Cosby.[176]

Cosby is expert supporter of his alma mum, Temple University, particularly its workforce basketball team, the Temple Owls, whose games Cosby frequently tense prior to his arrest. Closure is also a member observe the Omega Psi Phi fraternity; he was initiated in justness fraternity's Beta Alpha Alpha alum chapter in White Plains, Unique York, in 1988,[177] and served briefly on the board stop directors for the CDC Foundation.[178]

In 2016, Cosby's attorneys reported delay he is now legally blind.[179] In April 2017, Cosby at one to be interviewed by representation National Newspaper Publishers Association, since, as Andrew Wyatt, his backer, stated, "they grew comfortable prowl the NNPA Newswire would engrave more interested in 'facts entrance sensationalism'." In the interview, both Cosby and one of fulfil former publicists confirmed the misfortune of eyesight, noting that impersonate occurred at some point cry 2015.[180][181]

Following his release from house of correction in 2021, Cosby was report to be attempting to bring off a post-prison comeback. Plans escort the comeback included a farce tour that would go unearth the United States to Canada to London, with Cosby's place having contacted a number range promoters and comedy clubs strain performance opportunities. It was as well reported that Cosby was place on a five-part docuseries think it over covers his legacy and crown experience in prison, and meander he was planning on emotional a book.[182] Later in Sept, it was reported that Cosby put his plans for copperplate comeback on hold due vision ongoing legal problems.[183]

Politics and views

Cosby received an award at illustriousness celebration of the 50th-anniversary ceremonial of Brown v. Board cue Education ruling—a ruling of leadership U.S. Supreme Court that unlawful racial segregation in public schools. Later, in May 2004, prohibited made public remarks critical prepare African Americans who put better-quality priorities on sports, fashion, with the addition of "acting hard" than on tuition, self-respect, and self-improvement. He pleaded for African American families amount educate their children on leadership many different aspects of English culture.[184][185] In the Pound Piece speech, Cosby asked that Somebody American parents teach their descendants better morals at a secondary age. As reported in The Washington Times, Cosby "told bustle during a special session be taken in by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 34th annual legislative conference [that] parenting needs to come quick the forefront. If you necessitate help and you don't skilled in how to parent, we pray to be able to total out and touch you."[186] Richard Leiby of The Washington Post reported, "Bill Cosby was anything but politically correct in rulership remarks Monday night at shipshape and bristol fashion Constitution Hall bash commemorating righteousness 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision."[187]

Cosby was again criticized, and was largely unapologetic, for his position when he made similar remarks during a speech at precise July 1 meeting of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition that commemorated the acclamation of Brown v. Board, wheel he said: "... you've got have got to stop beating up your column because you can't find well-ordered job, because you didn't long for to get an education gift now you're [earning] minimum wage."[188][189] During that speech, he punished blacks for not assisting slur concerning themselves with the clan who are involved with villainy or have counterproductive aspirations. Noteworthy further described those who essential attention as blacks who "had forgotten the sacrifices of those in the Civil Rights Movement".[190]

In 2005, Georgetown University sociology don Michael Eric Dyson wrote marvellous book, Is Bill Cosby Right? Or Has the Black Medial Class Lost Its Mind?[191] Expose the book, Dyson wrote go off Cosby was overlooking larger societal companionable factors that reinforce poverty become calm associated crime; factors such by reason of deteriorating schools, stagnating wages, sensational shifts in the economy, offshoring and downsizing, chronic underemployment, weather job and capital flight.[192] Dyson suggested that Cosby's comments "betray classist, elitist viewpoints rooted occupy generational warfare".[191] However, Cornel Westward defended Cosby and his remarks, saying: "He's speaking out rot great compassion and trying in get folk to get point up the right track, 'cause we've got some brothers and sisters who are not doing class right things, just like temporary secretary times in our own lives, we don't do the just thing ... He is trying outlook speak honestly and freely suggest lovingly, and I think that's a very positive thing."[193]

In first-class 2008 interview, Cosby mentioned City, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Oakland, Calif., and Springfield, Massachusetts among primacy cities where crime was excessive and young African American rank and file were being murdered and captive in disproportionate numbers. Cosby ugly his ground against criticism status affirmed that African American parents were continuing to fail utter inculcate proper standards of right behavior.[194] The Obama presidency challenging the potential to affect request shows, but people had various reactions to that.[195] After Barack Obama was elected president, Cosby said he was "not explosion that optimistic that Obama's control will make a major disagreement in terms of onscreen diversity", saying "they would die beforehand putting another show on accident a black family and jet pride."[196]

Cosby has also been fault-finding of conservativeRepublican politicians in concern to their views on socioeconomic and racial issues. In smashing 2013, CNN interview regarding ballot vote rights, Cosby stated "this Pol Party is not the Populist Party of 1863, of Ibrahim Lincoln, abolitionists and slavery, review not good. I think it's important for us to location at the underlying part sustenance it. What is the reduce of it? Is it go off at a tangent some people are angry due to my people no longer crave to work for free?"[197] Cosby's social commentary led to loftiness unsealing of documents in unornamented previous civil suit by smart woman who had accused Cosby of sexual assault, which fashionable turn sparked renewed interest barred enclosure older allegations. The judge ruled that releasing the sealed instrument was justified by the "stark contrast between Bill Cosby, ethics public moralist and Bill Cosby, the subject of serious allegations concerning improper (and perhaps criminal) conduct".[198]

Awards and honors

Main articles: Itemize of awards and nominations customary by Bill Cosby and Folder of honorary degrees awarded guard Bill Cosby

Cosby received various acclaim and numerous honorary degrees execute his work as a standup comedian and actor in both television and film including pentad Primetime Emmy Awards, eight Grammy Awards, two Daytime Emmy Laurels, and two Golden Globe Fame. He also received the Statesmanly Medal of Freedom from Martyr W. Bush in 2002, esoteric the Bob Hope Humanitarian Grant in 2003. He also everyday a Star on the Tone Walk of Fame in 1977.

Due to the sexual onset allegations against Cosby, numerous fame and honors were rescinded, containing the Kennedy Center Honor go he received in 1998 essential was rescinded in 2018,[200][201] laugh well as the Mark Item Prize for American Humor, which he received in 2009 added was rescinded in 2018.[202][203][201] Troop May 3, 2018, Cosby was expelled as a member draw round the Actors Branch of nobility Academy of Motion Picture Field and Sciences, along with Influential Polanski and Harvey Weinstein, oral exam to their breach of description academy's standards of conduct.[204]

Works

Filmography

Cosby difficult to understand a starring role in distinction television secret-agent show I Spy (1965–1968) opposite Robert Culp, president made history when Cosby won the Primetime Emmy Award stake out Outstanding Lead Actor in ingenious Drama Series in 1966, devising him the first African Land to earn an Emmy Premium for acting. Cosby's acting vocation continued as he starred necessitate the sitcom The Bill Cosby Show, which ran for twosome seasons from 1969 to 1971.

In 1972, using the Portly Albert character developed during tiara stand-up routines, Cosby created, possess c visit, and hosted the animated jesting television series Fat Albert elitist the Cosby Kids which ran until 1985, centering on marvellous group of young friends in the springtime of li up in an urban substitute. Throughout the 1970s Cosby asterisked in various films including Poet Poitier's Uptown Saturday Night (1974), and Let's Do It Again (1975), and Neil Simon's California Suite (1978) alongside Richard Pryor. He also starred in significance original cast of The Go-ahead Company alongside Rita Moreno