Childhood and Education Journey of Bill Cosby in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Bill Cosby. From birth to education, explore key events.

William Henry Cosby Jr. is a former American comedian, actor, and media personality. He achieved fame in film, television, and stand-up comedy, most notably as Cliff Huxtable in The Cosby Show. Cosby's fatherly image and long career made him a pop culture icon. However, starting in 2014, numerous allegations of sexual assault surfaced, leading to the end of his career and a tarnished reputation.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1902: Targeting Parents rather than Children

In previous campaigns since the brand's launch in 1902, it was targeted towards parents rather than to children, a practice from which the company departed in 2001.

1963: 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing

In 1963, the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama was bombed injuring 22 people, killing four girls. This event was part of the documentary "4 Little Girls" in which Bill Cosby was interviewed.

January 25, 1964: Marriage to Camille Hanks

On January 25, 1964, Bill Cosby married Camille Hanks. They went on to have five children together.

1965: Birth of Erika Cosby

In 1965, Erika Cosby, one of Bill Cosby's daughters, was born.

1966: Birth of Erinn Cosby

In 1966, Erinn Cosby, one of Bill Cosby's daughters, was born.

1967: Start of African-American Art Collection

In 1967, Bill Cosby and his wife began collecting African-American art.

1969: Birth of Ennis Cosby

In 1969, Ennis Cosby, Bill Cosby's son, was born.

1973: Birth of Ensa Cosby

In 1973, Ensa Cosby, one of Bill Cosby's daughters, was born.

1976: Birth of Evin Cosby

In 1976, Evin Cosby, one of Bill Cosby's daughters, was born.

1988: Initiation into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

In 1988, Bill Cosby was initiated into the Beta Alpha Alpha graduate chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity in White Plains, New York.

January 16, 1997: Ennis Cosby's Murder

On January 16, 1997, Ennis Cosby, Bill Cosby's son, was murdered while changing a flat tire on Interstate 405 in Los Angeles.

2001: Publication of New Book and Commencement Addresses

In 2001, Bill Cosby published a new book and delivered commencement addresses at Morris Brown College, Ohio State University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

2001: Depart from targeting parents rather than children

In previous campaigns since the brand's launch in 1902, it was targeted towards parents rather than to children, a practice from which the company departed in 2001.

May 2007: Cosby Speaks at High Point University Commencement

In May 2007, Bill Cosby spoke at the commencement of High Point University.

November 2007: Apparent Miffed Attitude Towards Obama

In November 2007, Bill Cosby publicly gave the impression that he was more miffed towards Barack Obama.

2014: "Conversations" Exhibit at the National Museum of African Art

In 2014, the Cosbys' collection of African-American art was displayed in "Conversations", an exhibit at the National Museum of African Art, which became controversial due to sexual assault allegations against Cosby.

2015: Loss of Eyesight

In 2015, Bill Cosby began losing his eyesight. This was confirmed in an interview in 2017.

2016: Report of Legal Blindness

In 2016, Bill Cosby's attorneys reported that he was now legally blind.

April 2017: Interview with National Newspaper Publishers Association

In April 2017, Bill Cosby agreed to be interviewed by the National Newspaper Publishers Association, where he and a former publicist confirmed that he had lost his eyesight.

February 23, 2018: Death of Ensa Cosby

On February 23, 2018, Cosby's daughter Ensa died of renal disease while awaiting a kidney transplant.

2021: Post-Prison Comeback Plans

Following his release from prison in 2021, Bill Cosby planned a comeback, including a comedy tour and a five-part docuseries covering his legacy and prison experience, as well as plans for a book. However, these plans were later put on hold.