As a performer, comedian, and philanthropist, Bill Cosby has had a widespread impact on the lives of countless people around the world. His live appearances have been selling out venues for 40 years. His landmark television shows broke racial barriers. He is the best-selling comedian of all time on recordings, and his books—including the popular Fatherhood—have sold millions of copies. His generous support of numerous charities, particularly in the field of education, has granted many Americans the gift of learning. He continues to touch lives with the many facets of his talents.

Bill Cosby Photo credit: Erinn

William H. Cosby Jr. was born to William and Anna Cosby on July 12, 1937, at Germantown Hospital in Philadelphia. He left high school in 10th grade to join the Navy and earned his diploma via a correspondence course while in service. After he was discharged, he enrolled at Temple University in Philadelphia in 1961, but left school again when his career as a comedian took off and began performing in clubs in Greenwich Village. Focusing on family stories rather than on the brash or vulgar topics that many other comedians were using in their routines, his clean-cut style helped him earn popularity with a huge audience. Long after he achieved success, Cosby returned to college, to receive a master's degree in 1972, and then an Ed.D. in 1977, from the University of Massachusetts. He strongly believes in the value of education and has said that he considers knowledge the key to a satisfying and rewarding life.

In the 1960s, Cosby was the first black lead of the weekly dramatic series I Spy, and won three Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Alexander Scott on that program. Numerous film roles followed, as well as other television work, including the popular children's programs The Electric Company and Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids. But his biggest success in television came in the 1980s with the creation of The Cosby Show. Coretta Scott King called the series "the most positive portrayal of black family life that has ever been broadcast." The program virtually resurrected the sitcom genre and became the most-watched show of the decade. In its eight years on the air, The Cosby Show brought in countless viewers and provided many opportunities for black professionals in entertainment. Although the change was not immediate, Cosby facilitated a shift for black actors to play professionals in other series by setting an example with his fictional family headed by two working parents who happened to be black. Additionally, The Cosby Show featured black artists' paintings on the walls of its set and frequently had black musicians and notables as guest stars.

Cosby's hit comedy recordings, including I Started Out as a Child (1964); Wonderfulness (1966); To Russell, My Brother, Whom I Slept With (1968); Bill Cosby (1969); and Those of You With or Without Children, You'll Understand (1986), were immensely popular and garnered seven Grammy Awards for the performer. His book Fatherhood (1986, Doubleday/Dolphin) became the fastest-selling hardcover book of all time and remained at the number one position on The New York Times best-seller list for 54 weeks. His next book with the same publisher, Time Flies, had the largest single first printing in publishing history: 1.75 million copies. It, too, resided at the top of The New York Times' list.

Bill Cosby is dedicated to many types of philanthropic endeavors, especially those relating to education. In 1988, he and his wife donated $20 million to Spelman College in Atlanta, the biggest single contribution ever made to a black college. This year the Cosbys established an endowed scholarship for voice students at The Juilliard School: The Samuel R. Cosby Jr. Scholarship, in honor of Cosby's uncle, a Juilliard alumnus who is a bass-baritone and an organist. Cosby himself phoned the School's Development Office with the idea for the scholarship in January, and made the news public that same month in Philadelphia with an announcement during his performance in the new Kimmel Center. His uncle was in the audience that night, and the new scholarship at his alma mater came as a surprise to him. Joan Warren, Juilliard's associate dean for financial aid, who was also present, commented that she was impressed by the warmth of both Cosby men.

In recognition of his ongoing public service and philanthropy, Juilliard will award Bill Cosby an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at its 97th commencement on May 24.

—LISA YELON