Bill Cosby might find himself embroiled in allegations and controversy today, but his influence on Hollywood has always been impressive. If you don’t know the man from his self-titled show that ran for years on network television, then his Jell-O commercials are undoubtedly coming to mind. Born in 1937 in Philadelphia, he still continues to tour with stand-up comedy to this day.
1. E Stands for Excellence
Cosby and his wife have 5 children. Each of their children’s names begin with the letter E because it represents the excellence that they will achieve one day. That excellence was brought forth when his acting would be on display and he’s considered the first African American to win an Emmy Award. It was for his work on I Spy. He’d win three years in a row.
2. A Military Veteran
Cosby always emphasized that kids should stay in school, but he was actually a high school dropout. His reason for dropping out was noble – he joined the US Navy and served for 4 years. Cosby also made sure to take the time to complete his education while serving, eventually earning his high school diploma through correspondence courses.
3. Fast In More Than Wit
Cosby often talked about his time working as a bartender as the inspiration for his career, but how he got into bartending isn’t often talked about. After he was released from his obligations in the military, he was able to win a track and field scholarship to attend Temple University. He’d wind up leaving school again in 1962 to pursue his career, but this time in comedy at the Gaslight.
4. A Spiraling Snowball
Since November 2014, Cosby has been experiencing a public relations nightmare. Multiple women have come forward to state that he sexually assaulted them in some way. Cosby has denied every allegation, but the costs have been great for him. His alma mater has cut ties with him, the US Navy revoked an honorary rank of Chief Petty Officer, and there is a pending defamation lawsuit.
Bill Cosby rose quickly to fame and has fallen from grace equally as fast, whether the allegations are true or not. One thing is for certain: Cosby could make people laugh. That’s what made him one of the most popular comedians of his generation.
