Bill Cosby's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Bill Cosby.

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

1966: Primetime Emmy Award for I Spy

In 1966, Bill Cosby won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role in I Spy, becoming the first African American to earn an Emmy for acting.

1977: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 1977, Bill Cosby received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1985: The Cosby Show Rated Number One

In 1985, The Cosby Show was rated as the number-one show in America, a position it held until 1989.

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1998: Kennedy Center Honor

In 1998, Bill Cosby received a Kennedy Center Honor, which was later rescinded in 2018 due to sexual assault allegations.

July 2002: Cosby Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

In July 2002, Bill Cosby received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush.

2002: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2002, Bill Cosby received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from George W. Bush.

2003: Bob Hope Humanitarian Award

In 2003, Bill Cosby received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.

2009: Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

In 2009, Bill Cosby received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, which was later rescinded in 2018 due to sexual assault allegations.

July 2015: Petition to Revoke Medal of Freedom

In July 2015, PAVE launched a WhiteHouse.gov petition calling for President Barack Obama to revoke Bill Cosby's Presidential Medal of Freedom.

May 3, 2018: Expulsion from Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

On May 3, 2018, Bill Cosby, along with Roman Polanski and Harvey Weinstein, was expelled from the Actors Branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for breaching the academy's standards of conduct.