Bill Cosby's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

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

1966: Emmy Award for I Spy

In 1966, Bill Cosby became the first African American to win an Emmy Award for acting, winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for I Spy.

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1977: 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, marking Cosby's greatest television success. Cosby co-produced the series, held creative control, and was involved in every aspect of production, incorporating family-oriented humor. The show drew parallels to Cosby's own life, with characters similar to him and his wife.

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1985: The Cosby Show as Number One

From 1985, The Cosby Show was rated as the number-one show in America.

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1989: The Cosby Show as Number One

Until 1989, The Cosby Show was rated as the number-one show in America.

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1998: Receiving Kennedy Center Honors

In 1998, Bill Cosby received Kennedy Center Honors, which were later rescinded in 2018.

July 2002: Cosby receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

In July 2002, Bill Cosby was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by 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: Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

2003: Receiving the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award

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

2009: Receiving Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

In 2009, Bill Cosby received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, which was later rescinded in 2018.

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.

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

In July 2015, PAVE launched a WhiteHouse.gov petition to President Barack Obama to revoke the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to Bill Cosby in July 2002.

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

On May 3, 2018, Bill Cosby was expelled from the Actors Branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences due to breaches of the academy's standards of conduct.