Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby (William Henry Cosby Jr.) was born on July 12th, 1937 and is currently 87 years old. Bill Cosby was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Cosby attended Temple University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree and the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he received a MA degree and an EdD degree.
Bill Cosby is a retired American comedian, media personality, and actor. He is often considered a pioneer for African Americans in the entertainment industry. His fame rose through TV shows, movies, and stand-up comedy, most notably in
The Cosby Show. In the United States, Cosby was famously known for his fatherly image and was often regarded as “America’s Dad.”
In 2011, Cosby published
I Didn’t Ask to Be Born. Many grew up admiring him, whether as a beloved TV father or a comedian. At the height of his career, he was as famous as anyone in American culture.
This book offers more insight into his personal history and inspirations than most of his other works. A blend of memoir and stand-up comedy, Cosby holds up his end of the bargain, entertaining readers with his signature storytelling. The book presents a collection of anecdotes in a loosely chronological order, making it both nostalgic and humorous, especially for readers who lived through the same era.
The title comes from a story about his daughter refusing to clean her room. You can almost hear Cosby’s familiar delivery as he recounts the exchange. After his daughter protests, “I didn’t ask to be born,” Cosby’s wife quips, “We didn’t ask for you either.”
One of the book’s standout sections is a humorous take on the Book of Genesis, titled “The Missing Pages.” Cosby jokes that Genesis is confusing because some details seem to be missing. For instance, after Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit, they suddenly cover themselves—but the Bible never explains where Eve found a needle and thread to sew the leaves together. He imagines witty conversations between God, Adam, and Eve, highlighting the gaps in the biblical story with comedic flair.
The book also includes stories from Cosby’s childhood, his experiences growing up, and amusing anecdotes about his grandchildren. Readers get to see a younger Cosby who was funny even in his youth.
Of course, Cosby employs his signature exaggeration, meaning some details may not have happened exactly as he describes. The book is further enhanced with small illustrations throughout, making for a light and enjoyable read. Overall,
I Didn’t Ask to Be Born is recommended for anyone—teens, young adults, and adults alike—interested in Bill Cosby’s storytelling and humor.
Bill Cosby: Lists & Other Mentions
- Fatherhood was a New York Times: #1 Nonfiction Best Seller in 1986.
- Time Flies was a New York Times: #1 Nonfiction Best Seller in 1987 and 1988.
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- Michael Connelly, author of the Harry Bosch Series.
- Brad Thor, author of the Scot Harvath Series.
- John Sandford, author of the Prey/Lucas Davenport Series.
Bill Cosby: F.A.Q
When was Bill Cosby Born? How old is Bill Cosby?
Bill Cosby was born on July 12th, 1937. Bill Cosby is currently 87 years old.
Where was Bill Cosby Born?
Bill Cosby was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA and is American.
What was the first book Bill Cosby wrote?
The first book written by Bill Cosby was Fat Albert's Survival Kit, published in 1975.
What was the most recent book Bill Cosby wrote?
His most recently released work was Bill Cosby Quotes (a short story) on July 4th, 2016.
Will there be any more books by Bill Cosby?
Bill Cosby does not have any upcoming books with a set publication date within the next few months at this time.
How many books has Bill Cosby written?
Bill Cosby has written 26 books excluding contributions to anthologies. 12 books in the Non-Fiction Books, 12 books in the Little Bill Series, 2 books in the Children's Books.