The Artists Series Presents Bill Cosby, 4/29

Bill Cosby's humor centers on the human condition, family relationships, and the evolving roles of men and women.  Without resorting to gimmickry or low-brow humor, Cosby has touched generations of Americans with his unique brand of comic brilliance.  Don't miss the chance to experience this one performance of iconic comedy!

Bill Cosby comes to Jacksonville's Times-Union Center – Moran Theater on Sunday, April 29^th at 2:00PM. Tickets start at $42.00.  Discounts are available for groups of 10+ by calling (904) 632-3228 orgroupsales@fscj.edu.

One of America's most prolific comedians of all time, Cosby has dazzled generations of fans with his comedy routines, also captured on his iconic albums and best-selling books such as Fatherhood and the groundbreaking The Cosby Show.  His comedy transcends age, gender, and cultural barriers.

Cosby broke television's racial barrier with a role in I Spy, becoming the first African American to costar on a television series and win three consecutive Emmys for "Outstanding Lead Actor" in the dramatic series.  The veteran comic hosted the Emmy-winning cartoon Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, which began airing in the 1970s and was made into a film in 2004.  The show, based on Cosby's childhood in Philadelphia, was designed to educate and entertain.

The former Navy serviceman's illustrious list of accomplishments includes roles on the children's educational showElectric Company, and creating and producing the Emmy award winning Little Bill, which is based on his bestselling book series.

Perhaps Cosby's greatest contribution to American entertainment and culture is The Cosby Show, about a close-knit, upper class black family.  Cosby said his intent was to portray an American family. Time magazine called the show "an encouraging sign of maturity in matters of race."  The Cosby Show dominated the #1 spot for years, earning nearly unanimous critical praise. 

In June 2010, Bill Cosby and JELL-O reunited to bring about smiles.  JELL-O and Cosby launched the brand's most ambitious campaign in years – Hello JELL-O – to once again bring moments of happy to people, every day, everywhere.  Cosby served behind-the-scenes as an executive producer on the integrated effort and helped produce a spot within the new trademark focused campaign by selecting the best giggle in America.

Additionally, Cosby hosted The Bill Cosby Show, "OBKB," a series of 10-minute webisodes presented by JELL-O.  "OBKB" is the language of the Mush Mouth character from "Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids" and it is his expression for "OK."  "Bill-B Cosby-B" interviewed kids between the ages of 6 and 11, mining spontaneous and unexpected comedy from their responses. 

For his philanthropic efforts and positive influence as a performer and author, Cosby was honored with a 1998 Kennedy Center Honors Award.  In 2002, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor and the 2009 recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.  On April 6, 2010, he was honored by his own hometown with the Marian Anderson Award.  He is the first lifelong Philadelphian to receive this award given to individuals who have helped change society through their art and the courage of their convictions.

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