Bill Cosby

Two Shows! - 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Bill Cosby (www.billcosby.com) is, by any standards, one of the most influential stars in America today. Whether it be through concert appearances or recordings, television or films, commercials or education, Bill Cosby has the ability to touch people's lives. His humor often centers on the basic cornerstones of our existence, seeking to provide an insight into our roles as parents, children, family members, and men and women. Without resorting to gimmickry or lowbrow humor, Bill Cosby's comedy has a point of reference and respect for the trappings and traditions of the great American humorists such as Mark Twain, Buster Keaton and Jonathan Winters.

The 1984-92 run of The Cosby Show and his books Fatherhood and Time Flies established new benchmarks on how success is measured. His status at the top of the TVQ survey year after year continues to confirm his appeal as one of the most popular personalities in America. His lifelong contributions to American culture were recognized with a Kennedy Center Honor in 1998 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in July 2002, America's highest civilian honor.

On October 26, 2009, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will present Mr. Cosby with the 12th Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The Mark Twain Prize recognizes people who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th century novelist and essayist best known as Mark Twain. In June 2009, Major League Baseball honored him with the Beacon of Hope Award for his civil rights work.

The Cosby Show - The 25th Anniversary Commemorative Edition, released by First Look Studios and Carsey-Werner, available in stores or online at www.billcosby.com. The DVD box set of the NBC television hit series is the complete collection of one of the most popular programs in the history of television, garnering 29 Emmy® nominationswith six wins, six Golden Globe® nominations with three wins and ten People's Choice Awards.

"The Cosby Show is a message for all time: the family and raising your children matters most," said Bill Cosby. "Many people approach me and say that the show made them aware that there could be a better life out there for them. At the same time they say that the show still makes them laugh."

Bill Cosby represents the voice of a vast, ordinary world. Everyone seems to easily identify with his characters and the situations they find themselves in. He gives the twist of the ridiculous to everyday faults, foibles and successes and makes them a recognizable slice of life. Bill Cosby points out the humor in our lives, and in doing so, he touches our hearts. Because of this, his appeal is not restricted to any specific group. His qualities have endeared him to people from all walks of life.

It is a complete joy to welcome Bill Cosby back to the Fox once again.