Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby (William Henry Cosby Jr.) was born on July 12th, 1937 and is currently 88 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

• The Meanest Thing To Say was an Oprah's Book Club December 1997 Pick.
• The Treasure Hunt was an Oprah's Book Club December 1997 Pick.
• The Best Way to Play was an Oprah's Book Club December 1997 Pick.
• 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.

Related Authors

Fans of Bill Cosby also enjoy these authors:

1. Alice Hoffman, author of the Practical Magic Series.
2. Stephen King, author of The Dark Tower Series.
3. Harlan Coben, author of the Myron Bolitar Series.
4. Michael Connelly, author of the Harry Bosch Series.
5. James Rollins, author of the Sigma Force Series.

Bill Cosby: F.A.Q