During my junior year in college, my resident advisor (RA) invited our dorm floor to pile into her room to watch Thursday night's "Must See TV" anchored by THE COSBY SHOW. For those who don't remember the '80s, check out this link,
The Cosby Show, one of the biggest surprise hits in American television history, dominated Thursday evenings from 1984 to 1992. Focusing on the everyday adventures of an upper-middle-class black family, the series revived a television genre (situation comedy), saved a beleaguered network (NBC), and sparked controversy about race and class in America.
I don't remember the controversy about race - I just enjoyed the show. Bill Cosby appealed to the entire family. Consider his bio at this link,
Despite their hardships, Cosby's mother stressed the value of education and learning. She often read to Bill and his brothers, including the works by Mark Twain. A gifted storyteller himself, Cosby learned early on that humor could be a way to make friends and to get what he wanted. Cosby excelled at making things up. As one of his teachers once noted, "William should become either a lawyer or an actor because he lies so well.''
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| Bill attended Temple Univeristy. |
I'm glad he became an actor. Comedian. Author. Children's Advocate. National Treasure. Today I am honored to spotlight America's Humorist to celebrate the release of his new book,
I DIDN'T ASK TO BE BORN (But I Am Glad I Was):
The world's most beloved funnyman is back with his first humor book since the bestselling Cosbyology. In this hilarious new collection of observations, Cosby brings us more of his wonderful and wacky insights into the human condition that are sure to become classics. In the tradition of Fat Albert, Cosby introduces a host of new characters, including Peanut Armhouse and Old Mother Harold. Not since Mushmouth, Dumb Donald, Bucky, and the Cosby Kids has there been such a memorable cast.
I posted my review on Amazon at this link. I am giving away a print copy of I DIDN'T ASK TO BE BORN (But I Am Glad I Was) to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about humor - has it helped you out of a tough spot? Or do you have a favorite Cosby moment?
2. This giveaway is open to all readers. I especially like to hear from our international readers on who are comedians from your countries.
3. Comments are open through Saturday, November 5, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Sunday, November 6.
Mahalo,
Kim in Hawaii
To learn more about Bill and his various forms of comedy, check out his website at www.billcosby.com.
Bill also served in the Navy at this link.
(I did not know this until I wrote this post).
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| Bill Cosby becomes an Honorary Chief. |
I grew up watching Fat Albert, so when the movie came out I was stoked. Then I saw it and was disappointed since it just didn't carry the same essence in Cosby's comedy.
ReplyDeleteWould LOVE to read this bio.
My favorite comedian at the present is Lisa Lampanelli. The Queen of Mean is hilarious!
I really enjoyed The Cosby Show. I can't remember something specific he said but he had a lot of gems of wisdom hidden in his humor. He also had a show where he did something like Kids say the Darndest things. It was so funny
ReplyDeleteI had his album "Why Is There Air?" and enjoyed his shows. After Cosby, most so-called comedy seemed to be of the shock variety, so I avoid.
ReplyDeleteI remember watching the show. I loved it. I think laughter can be so healing and helpful to us all.
ReplyDeleteKim, what a great post! I remember slumber parties in the sixties consisted of Bill Cosby albums and playing Monopoly. One of my favorite people!
ReplyDeleteToo, too many great moments from The Cosby Show to name them all. One I remember is when he explained how much it cost to live "like a regular person" to son Theo. He starts out with a wad of money that dwindles down to nothing.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed Bill Cosby through the years, even way back to his I Spy days with Robert Culp.
I love to laugh and Cosby has not lost his ability to make his audience laugh, despite the tragedies in his life. He can take commonplace things and create a great bit. We watched him at our local fair one year, he spent 10 minutes describing the faulty chair they had provided for him onstage and we were laughing so hard our sides were hurting.
ReplyDeleteI've always enjoyed Bill Cosby. Did you know that he still comes on The Late Show and does a small standup routine. He's still got it! I always try to look at the humor in things (it's better than crying about it).
ReplyDeletecatslady
I don't know if humour has ever gotten me out of a tough spot, but perhaps it has unknowingly. We had The Cosby Show showing here in Australia too.
ReplyDeletethere is 1 of his shows, i had recored on my dvr for lonnng time and i could watch it over and over and over and still laugh!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBill Cosby is a comedian our whole family can agree is funny. He attended and has promoted Temple University which many kids in our area commute to and which has become a very prestigious college to attend.
ReplyDeleteI used to watch reruns of The Cosby Show when I was younger, but it's been several years since I've watched it.
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