Bill Cosby, Making Change Through Comedy

For me, Bill Cosby is one of the funniest men alive. I spent my teen years growing up with his TV kids, Theo and Denise Huxtable (who I most closely related with), and even before and after that have always been mesmerized whenever he took the stage. However, Bill Cosby is so much more than a funny man. Through his humor, he has touched the hearts of millions, and he has caused countless others to think.

William Henry Cosby Jr, was born July 12, 1937 in Philadelphia PA where he was raised. He dropped out of high school in the 10^th grade due to the pressures of rigorous academics, sports, and work schedule. He eventually joined the Navy where he served as a Hospital Corpsman for four years where he saw many wounded Korean War soldiers and casualties. He decided at this point to finish his education, which he did through correspondence school. After winning a track and field scholarship to Philadelphia's Temple University, he studied physical education. While in college, he took a job as a bartender and use is ability to make people laugh to gain tips. He eventually left Temple University to pursue his comedy career, which took off quickly.

After doing well in Philadelphia, Bill Cosby went to New York City, where he caught the eye of Carl Reiner. He began touring and worked in clubs in Chicago, Las Vega, San Francisco, and Washington DC and in the summer of 1963, was invited to the Tonight Show and released a comedy album; Bill Cosby is a Funny Fellow... Right! Within the next 15 years, while working on his career,Bill Cosby finished his Temple Degree based on life experience and got a MA and Ed.D from the University of Massachusetts. His dissertation was based on his TV series Fat Albert.