Bill Cosby's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Bill Cosby is a retired American comedian, actor, and media personality, notable for his success in stand-up, television (particularly 'The Cosby Show'), and advertising. Initially celebrated as a pioneer for African Americans in entertainment and admired for his 'America's Dad' image, Cosby's career and reputation were destroyed by dozens of sexual assault allegations beginning in 2014. These allegations led to his conviction, imprisonment, and subsequent release after his conviction was vacated, drastically altering his legacy.

Sections (6)

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

1966: 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: Received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

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

September 1984: Debut of The Cosby Show

In September 1984, The Cosby Show debuted. Cosby co-produced the series, held creative control, and was involved in every aspect of production. The show was an immediate success, remaining near the top of the ratings for most of its eight-season run.

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1985: The Cosby Show becomes #1 in America

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

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1989: The Cosby Show remains #1 in America

In 1989, The Cosby Show was rated as the number-one show in America, concluding its run at the top.

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1998: Received Kennedy Center Honors

In 1998, Bill Cosby received Kennedy Center Honors. This award was later rescinded in 2018 due to sexual assault allegations.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: Longest-Serving Celebrity Spokesperson

As of 2002, Cosby held the record for being the longest-serving celebrity spokesperson for a product, through his work with Jell-O.

2002: Longest-standing celebrity endorsement

As of 2002, Cosby's time with Jell-O was considered the longest-standing celebrity endorsement in American advertising history.

2002: Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

2003: Received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award

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

2009: Received the 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 the sexual assault allegations against him.

2011: President's Award for Contributions to Advertising

In 2011, Cosby won the President's Award for Contributions to Advertising from the Advertising Hall of Fame.

2014: Younger comics credit Cosby as an innovator

Before the 2014 allegations surfaced, well-established comics like Jerry Seinfeld had credited Bill Cosby as an innovator in stand-up comedy and for paving the way for comics in sitcom television.

July 2015: Petition launched to revoke Cosby's Medal of Freedom

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

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

On May 3, 2018, Bill Cosby was expelled as a member of the Actors Branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences due to breaches of conduct.