2008 Woodie Awards
Black History Month
Bill Cosby ( 1937- present )
Megan Obright
Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: Culture
Everyone's favorite dad who sports the crazy sweaters and has a fetish for Jell-o, Bill Cosby was and still is a star who has contributed to reversing stereotypes and providing clean cut humor for families.
Cosby first made his mark on a televison series in 1965 when he was the first African American cast in starring role on a dramatic series. "I Spy" was the story of secret agents who double as "tennis bums", in which Cosby starred opposite Robert Culp. Cosby was the first African American to win an emmy and received the award in 1966-1968 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Dramatic Series.
The role that really made Cosby a household name made it on to the air in 1984. "The Cosby Show" ran until 1992, and during its time on TV it became known for the down to earth characters, comedy for the whole family, breaking racial stereotypes and was the family that people around the nation wished they were in.
After his extremely sucessful show ended, Cosby continued to work on TV and on the big screen. As well as contsantly releasing his award-winning comedy albums to this day. Also known for his strong opinions on politics, Cosby has made numerous speeches as attempts to urge African Americans to lower rates of illiteracy, violence and fatherless homes. He has been acknowledged for his benevolent acts by receiving the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award in 2003.
Cosby is still alive today and continues to encorage equality and tearing down racial stereotypes.•
Cosby first made his mark on a televison series in 1965 when he was the first African American cast in starring role on a dramatic series. "I Spy" was the story of secret agents who double as "tennis bums", in which Cosby starred opposite Robert Culp. Cosby was the first African American to win an emmy and received the award in 1966-1968 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Dramatic Series.
The role that really made Cosby a household name made it on to the air in 1984. "The Cosby Show" ran until 1992, and during its time on TV it became known for the down to earth characters, comedy for the whole family, breaking racial stereotypes and was the family that people around the nation wished they were in.
After his extremely sucessful show ended, Cosby continued to work on TV and on the big screen. As well as contsantly releasing his award-winning comedy albums to this day. Also known for his strong opinions on politics, Cosby has made numerous speeches as attempts to urge African Americans to lower rates of illiteracy, violence and fatherless homes. He has been acknowledged for his benevolent acts by receiving the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award in 2003.
Cosby is still alive today and continues to encorage equality and tearing down racial stereotypes.•
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