Childhood and Education Journey of Bill Cosby in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 23, 2026

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

Bill Cosby was a highly successful American comedian, actor, and television star, particularly known for 'The Cosby Show' and his stand-up comedy. He cultivated a fatherly image and was once celebrated as 'America's Dad'. Beginning in 2014, numerous allegations of sexual assault surfaced against him, leading to his conviction and imprisonment in 2018. These allegations and subsequent conviction effectively ended his career and drastically altered his public perception.

Sections (6)

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

January 25, 1964: Marriage to Camille Hanks

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

1965: Birth of Erika Cosby

In 1965, Erika Cosby, Bill Cosby's daughter, was born.

1966: Birth of Erinn Cosby

In 1966, Erinn Cosby, Bill Cosby's daughter, 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, Bill Cosby's daughter, was born.

1976: Birth of Evin Cosby

In 1976, Evin Cosby, Bill Cosby's daughter, was born.

1984: Endorsement of Jesse Jackson

In 1984, Bill Cosby endorsed Reverend Jesse Jackson in his presidential bid.

1988: Second Endorsement of Jesse Jackson

In 1988, Bill Cosby endorsed Reverend Jesse Jackson in his presidential bid for the second time.

1988: Initiation into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

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

January 16, 1997: Ennis Cosby's Murder

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

May 2004: Critical Remarks on African American Priorities

In May 2004, Bill Cosby made public remarks critical of African Americans who prioritized sports, fashion, and "acting hard" over education, self-respect, and self-improvement. He urged African American families to educate their children on American culture and morals.

November 2007: Public Impression Towards Barack Obama

In November 2007, Bill Cosby gave the public the impression that he was miffed towards Barack Obama. Despite this, he later expressed strong approval after Obama was elected president.

2008: Comments on Crime and Moral Behavior

In a 2008 interview, Bill Cosby addressed the issue of high crime rates and the disproportionate number of young African American men being murdered and jailed in cities like Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Oakland, California, and Springfield, Massachusetts. He maintained that African American parents were failing to instill proper moral standards.

2013: Criticism of Republican Politicians and Unsealing of Documents

In a 2013 CNN interview, Bill Cosby criticized conservative Republican politicians' views on socioeconomic and racial issues. His social commentary led to the unsealing of documents in a previous civil suit alleging sexual assault, sparking renewed interest in older allegations.

2014: "Conversations" Art Exhibit

In 2014, the Cosbys' African-American art collection went on display in "Conversations" at the National Museum of African Art. The show was controversial because of sexual assault allegations made against Cosby.

2015: Loss of Eyesight

In 2015, Bill Cosby reportedly lost his eyesight, which was later confirmed in an April 2017 interview.

2016: Cosby Reported to be Legally Blind

In 2016, Bill Cosby's attorneys reported that he is 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, due to their perceived focus on 'facts over sensationalism'.

February 23, 2018: Ensa Cosby's Death

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

January 28, 2019: Cosby Moved to General Population

On January 28, 2019, Bill Cosby was moved from administrative segregation into the general population at SCI Phoenix.

2021: Reported Comeback Plans After Prison Release

Following his release from prison in 2021, it was reported that Bill Cosby was planning a comeback, including a comedy tour, a docuseries, and a book. However, these plans were later put on hold due to ongoing legal problems.