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Bill Cosby

What is bill cosby?

· Emily Grant

Key facts

Full name William Henry Cosby Jr.[1]
Birth date July 12, 1937[1]
Birth place Philadelphia, Pennsylvania[2]
Occupation Comedian, actor, producer[2]
Known for The Cosby Show[1]

Bill Cosby is an American former comedian, actor, and media personality, best known for his role as Cliff Huxtable on *The Cosby Show*.

Context

Bill Cosby is an American former comedian, actor, and media personality, best known for his role as Cliff Huxtable on *The Cosby Show* [1]. He was a major figure in the development of a more positive portrayal of African Americans on television [2]. His career was overshadowed by numerous sexual assault allegations and a 2018 conviction that was later overturned [2].

Documented claims

  • Bill Cosby gained fame in the 1960s with *I Spy* and became one of the first Black actors in a lead role on television. [3]
  • His reputation was damaged by dozens of accusations of sexual assault over many decades. [2]
  • He was convicted in 2018 on charges of aggravated indecent assault, but the conviction was overturned in 2021. [2]

Questions and answers

What happened to Bill Cosby?

Bill Cosby faced dozens of sexual assault accusations, was convicted in 2018, but the conviction was overturned in 2021 [2].

Why was Bill Cosby jailed?

He was convicted of aggravated indecent assault in 2018, but the conviction was overturned in 2021 [2].

What is Bill Cosby known for?

He is best known for his role as Cliff Huxtable on *The Cosby Show*, which aired from 1984 to 1992 [1].

Sources

  1. Bill Cosby | Emmy Awards and Nominations — televisionacademy.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Bill Cosby: The rise, fall and release of 'America's Dad' — bbc.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Bill Cosby Movies & TV Shows List — rottentomatoes.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in People