I remember listening to "Why is there Air" (1965) and "To Russell, My Brother, Whom I Slept With." (1968) on LP "33 rpm" records and literally falling out of my chair with laughter. Somewhere over the years in our many family moves, I lost both albums. I should buy them again but listening to them on CD just won't be the same as the original "33 rpm" experience. Bill's "Noah and the Ark" story will always be one of my favorites.

Bill began his career as a stand-up comedian and his humor appealed to all audiences. He is one of the very few comedians that never felt the need to use risqué material or tell off-color jokes to capture his audience. His humor was personal and all of us, black and white, could identify with the hilarious stories of his childhood.

William Henry Cosby, Jr. was born on July 12, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Bill's father was a Steward in the navy and was seldom around. Bill's mother worked as a maid to support the family. He grew up in poverty, dropped out of high school in the 10th grade and joined the Navy in 1956. He later earned his high school diploma through a correspondence course. He received an athletic Scholarship to Temple University in 1961. He left college in 1963 and began to do stand-up comedy at a club in Greenwich Village called the Gaslight Cafe. In 1965 he appeared on the Johnny Carson Show.

(Bill later earned his Masters (1972) and a Doctorate (1977) from the University of Massachusetts.)

Bill earned his first starring role in the TV series, "I Spy" in 1965. He won three Emmy Awards for that series. Some of Bill's other shows include:
"The Bill Cosby Show",  "Cos", "The Cosby Mysteries", "Cosby" and "The Cosby Show", (1984-1992). He also starred in numerous films.

"The Cosby Show" starring Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Malcolm Jamal-Warner, Sabrina LeBeauf, Lisa Bonet, Keisha, Knight Pulliam, and Tempsett Bledsoe was Bill's most successful show and it's run of 12 years rivaled "I Love Lucy" in popularity.

Tragedy struck the Cosby family on January 16, 1997, when their son Ennis was murdered in an apparent robbery attempt. The family established the "Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation" in his memory.

The Cosby Show is still entertaining audiences around the world in network reruns and despite their tragic loss, Bill and Camille remain involved with supporting charity and civil rights organizations,  supporting educational opportunities for African Americans, and other social organizations.  Bill has written several learning books, (The Little Bill Books) for children. They include: "The Meanest Thing to Say", "The Treasure Hunt", "My Big Lie", and "The Worst Day of My Life." 

Bill was honored by the Kennedy Center in 1998 for his lifetime achievements.