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Ronald L. Smith
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Cosby: The Life of a Comedy Legend Hardcover – March 1, 1997

by Ronald L. Smith (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 3 ratings
See all formats and editions
Comedian, actor, and writer Bill Cosby is one of the most successful and respected entertainers in America. Yet the Cosby we know today came from a much different place and time than the ideal featured in his 1980s hit series "The Cosby Show," where the main character was a loveable, responsible doctor and family man.Cosby: The Life of a Comedy Legend by Ronald L. Smith, a recognized writer on comedy and comedians, tracks the humble upbringing of the Cos in the Philadelphia projects; explores the inspiration he drew from his family, his teachers, the strong female figures in his life, and the books he read; discusses the hardships he experienced while working several jobs to help support his sisters and brothers after his father deserted the family; and reveals his lean years as a budding comic, his early successes, and the big break that brought him to television.As the only biography of Bill Cosby for the adult market, this book explores his feelings and thoughts in great detail, while masterfully documenting Cosby's trailblazing work as a pioneering black performer who was one of the first to co-star in a drama series, "I Spy." Also discussed is Cosby's dedication to education and his efforts on behalf of children.Included are exclusive interviews with family, friends, Cosby's college coach, his first manager, technical advisors from "The Cosby Show" and other big stars. Smith also includes a complete and up-to-date checklist of Cosby's writings, records, films, and television credits.
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  1. Print length
    258 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Prometheus
  4. Publication date
    March 1, 1997
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.5 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1573921262
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1573921268
  8. Lexile measure
    1050L
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA. Smith's updated version of Cosby (1986) is not a tell-all celebrity biography but rather a factual account of Cosby's life from his early childhood to the present. Sporting a new jacket cover, the book has some new black-and-white photographs; an additional five chapters; and a revised list of Cosby's books, recordings, etc. This narrative concludes with the tragic death of Ennis Cosby. The author chronicles the comedian's career and life experiences with entertaining reminiscences from family, friends, actors, and the man himself. Readers may already be familiar with the Cosby wit, humor, and style but may not be aware of the struggle and dedication of a person who is comfortable with who he is. In reading these pages, one will find Cosby's human frailties and emotions that contribute to his huge success. Cosby's humanitarian and educational values will motivate readers to become positive contributors to society.?Connie Freeman, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, IN
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Smith traces the life and career of megastar Cosby, now in his sixth network series, from his Philadelphia childhood to a football and track career at Temple University to the showbiz limelight. At various times Cosby has been stand-up comedian, rock singer (his hits included "Little Old Man" [a collaboration with Stevie Wonder] and "Hooray for the Salvation Army Band"), movie actor, action-adventure TV costar (I Spy), star of a moderately successful sitcom (The Bill Cosby Show, in which he played a high-school PE teacher), and finally, the savior of NBC with his prosperous-doctor-and-family Bill Cosby Show. Smith tells the story of this greatest of black TV stars largely uncritically, showing how Cosby changed series TV by portraying an upper-middle-class African American existence free of the leering, vaunting type of black male characterizations previously in vogue on network TV--and to whose level the portrayal of blacks on sitcoms currently threatens to redescend. Mike Tribby

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Prometheus; Subsequent edition (March 1, 1997)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 258 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1573921262
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1573921268
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1050L
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.2 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 3 ratings

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Ronald L. Smith

Ronald L. Smith

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
3 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

joe blow
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2017
Verified Purchase
YUMMMY !!!
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Will Pulgarin
4.0 out of 5 stars A man for all things
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2008
**** I wrote this a few years ago and want to update it. It is now clear that Bill Cosby is a serial rapist who took advantage of a myriad of women. He hasn't been found guilty in a court of law - thanks to the clever maneuvering of well-paid legal team and deep pockets.

The book depicts the life of Bill Cosby, and his rise to superstardom. The book gives the reader insight into a myriad of situations, like the attempted rape of Cosby's daughter by Mike Tyson, the sucker punch that Bill Cosby landed on the face of Tommy Smothers, the day Cosby stopped mid-show, and the failures of his movies and various other projects. The book is an honest portrayal of the total life of Bill Cosby - both his failures and successes.

The book offers a glimpse into Cos' breakthrough performances on television and movies. Everything to the I-Spy television series in the 1960s to the movie Ghost Dad in the 1990s. Always under the public microscope, Cosby has been overtly criticized for never being black enough and for not dealing directly with black issues. When the Cosby show first appeared, people criticized the show for being a false representation of a black middle-class family. But Cosby always had a vision for creating a show that would depict human issues and behavior and not black issues nor white issues - just human issues. It is somewhat ironic that the same media that chastises actors and comedians for speaking out on issues, also chastises actors and comedians when they gives us their opinions on issues. For example, the same media that tore down Cosby for not standing up for black issues, also criticized him when he began to lecture and give speeches about the issues he felt strongly about - namely, education and television programming. For Cosby, it has always been a lose-lose situation.
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