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Bill Cosby Biography

Birth Name:William Henry Cosby

Birth Place:Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Profession Actor, Producer, Writer, Soundtrack, Music department, Director

Fast Facts

Was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame in 1991
Has received several honorary doctorates, including ones from Berklee College, Boston University, Baylor University, and the University of Southern California
Began honing his talent for comedy while bartending at a Philadelphia club during college
Was influenced by comics like Jack Benny, George Burns and Gracie Allen
Quote: "A word to the wise ain't necessary․ It's the stupid ones who need the advice․"
Quote: "I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is to try to please everyone․"
Often integrates stories of his childhood and fatherhood into his work onscreen
Is a former part-owner of the NBA's Golden State Warriors, which he bought for sentimental reasons because the team originated in Philadelphia
The character Dr․ Hibbert on "The Simpsons" was inspired by his character Dr․ Cliff Huxtable from "The Cosby Show․"
Wanted "The Cosby Show" to be filmed in New York because he disliked working in Hollywood

Awards

1966Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Series: winner
1967Golden Globe-Best TV Star - Male: nominated
1967Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Series: winner
1968Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Series: winner
1970Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Variety or Musical Program - Variety and Popular Music: nominated
1970Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series: nominated
1970Primetime Emmy-Outstanding New Series: nominated
1970Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Comedy Series: nominated
1971Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture: nominated
1973Golden Globe-Best TV Actor - Comedy or Musical: nominated
1975Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture: nominated
1976Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture: winner
1981Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Individual Achievement in Children's Programming - Performers: winner
1985Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical: winner
1985TCA Award-Outstanding Achievement in Comedy: nominated
1985Q Award-Best Actor in a Quality Comedy Series: winner
1986Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Animated Program: nominated
1986Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical: winner
1986Q Award-Best Actor in a Quality Comedy Series: winner
1987BMI TV Music Award-BMI TV Music Award: winner
1987Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical: nominated
1987Stinker Award-Worst Picture: nominated
1988BMI TV Music Award-: winner
1988BMI TV Music Award-: winner
1988Blimp Award-Favorite TV Actor: nominated
1988Razzie Award-Worst Picture: winner
1988Razzie Award-Worst Actor: winner
1988Razzie Award-Worst Screenplay: winner
1989BMI TV Music Award-: winner
1989BMI TV Music Award-: winner
1990BMI TV Music Award-: winner
1990BMI TV Music Award-: winner
1991BMI TV Music Award-: winner
1991BMI TV Music Award-: winner
1992BMI TV Music Award-: winner
1992BMI TV Music Award-: winner
1992Blimp Award-Favorite TV Actor: winner
1993Image Award-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: winner
1993Blimp Award-Favorite TV Actor: winner
1997BMI TV Music Award-: winner
1998BMI TV Music Award-: winner
1999TV Guide Award-Favorite Actor in a Comedy: nominated
2000TV Guide Award-Favorite Actor in a Comedy: nominated
2001Image Award-Outstanding Performance in a Youth or Children's Series/Special: winner
2002Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Special Class Animated Program: nominated
2004Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Children's Animated Program: winner
2011Impact Award-: winner