William Henry Cosby, Sr is the father of American comedian, actor, and media personality Bill Cosby. Bill Cosby gained widespread popularity for I Spy, Fat Albert, and The Cosby Show among others. He produced and starred in The Cosby Show, which was rated as the number-one show in America from 1985 through 1989.
William Henry Cosby, Sr: Bio Summary
| Name | William Henry Cosby, Sr. |
| Gender | Male |
| Famous as | father of Bill Cosby |
| Date of birth | 9 March 1913 |
| Died | 25 November 1974 |
| Parents | Samuel Russell Cosby and Gertrude A Thornhill Cosby |
| Spouse | Anna Pearl Cosby |
| Children | James Cosby, Robert Cosby, Russell Cosby, and Bill Cosby |
| Nationality | American |
Who is Bill Cosby’s father?
William Henry Cosby, Sr is the father of Bill Cosby. William Sr was born on 9 March 1913, in Schuyler, Nelson County, Virginia, USA. His parents are Samuel Russell Cosby and Gertrude A Thornhill Cosby. He is the brother of Clara Virginia Cosby, Samuel Russell Cosby Jr., Thornhill Cosby, and Jessie Cosby, per a source.
William Henry Cosby, Sr was married to Anna Pearl (née Hite), a maid. They welcomed four sons: James Cosby, Robert Cosby, Russell Cosby, and William Henry Cosby Jr ( Bill Cosby). William did several jobs to support the family but later left to serve in the Navy.
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William Henry Cosby Sr. served as a mess steward in the U.S. Navy. His son James died at age 6 of rheumatic fever. William Sr and Anna Pearl Cosby’s marriage is said to have failed. There isn’t much information about William Sr on the internet because he lived his life away from publicity.
William Sr’s son Bill Cosby is a successful entertainer. He played a significant role in the development of a more positive portrayal of Blacks on screen. He gained a reputation as “America’s Dad” for his portrayal of Cliff Huxtable on The Cosby Show (1984–1992).
Also Read: Anna Pearl Cosby: Is Bill Cosby’s Mother Still Alive?
What Happened To Bill Cosby’s Father?
William Henry Cosby, Sr has passed away. He died on 25 November 1974, in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, USA, at age 61. What killed him is unknown. His son Bill Cosby is still alive but his reputation has been tarnished by sexual assault allegations made against him.
Bill Cosby has been accused by about 60 women of rape, drug-facilitated sexual assault, sexual battery, child sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment. Bill has repeatedly denied the allegations against him and maintained his innocence.
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The allegations gained publicity in 2014 after American comedian, actor, rapper, producer, and writer Hannibal Buress brought them back into the public spotlight during a stand-up routine. This paved the way and other accusations of alleged assaults by Bill Cosby came into the spotlight.
In 2018, Bill Cosby was convicted of aggravated indecent assault against Andrea Constand. He was imprisoned until the conviction was vacated in June 2021 by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, for violations of his 5th Amendment and 14th Amendment due process rights.
Also Read: James Cosby: What Happened To Bill Cosby’s Brother?
Bill Cosby was sentenced to three to ten years in jail after being convicted of sexual assault. He has been free from prison after serving nearly three years of the sentence.
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