Bill Cosby: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
For almost 50 years as a consummate showman, Bill Cosby has been entertaining audiences, and serving his fans with a resounding voice in education and social activism – achieving legendary status for the Philadelphia child who was born and raised in the projects, and today is synonymous with the city he still loves. Launching a stellar comedic career, catapulted by his first “Tonight Show” appearance in 1963, Mr. Cosby quickly garnered national attention and was signed by Warner Bros. to a prolific recording contract, beginning with his debut LP Bill Cosby Is a Very Funny Fellow...Right! Next, he then went on to break the color barrier, starring in “I Spy” (1965-68) with Robert Culp, a role that earned Cosby three consecutive Emmy Awards. However, his signature role was television dad Cliff Huxtable on the most popular sitcom of the 80s, “The Cosby Show,” which awarded the star two Golden Globes. This iconic satirist, who has been the recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, certainly hasn’t slowed down after a half-century of entertaining. The comedian is currently touring the country in concert, and, Bill Cosby’s new book, I Didn't Ask to Be Born (But I'm Glad I Was) (Hachette Book Group), was recently released - filled with astute, humorous essays, and covering such topics as the Bible (“there’s pages missing”), being a grandfather and his very first love.
Please visit BillCosby.com for Mr. Cosby’s concert dates, videos and more, and be sure to join more than 3 million fans and follow him on Twitter too!
The Concierge Questionnaire: Bill Cosby, Entertainer and Educator
What is your favorite word to describe Philadelphia? Hometown.
What word best reflects the people of Philadelphia? Mischaracterized.
What is the most creative, spiritual or emotional place in Philadelphia?
The outside wall of Girard College.
Opened on January 1, 1848, historic Girard College was endowed by Stephen Girard (1750 - 1831) upon his death, as a school for poor, orphan or fatherless, Caucasian boys who would live on campus. Desegregation occurred at Girard when male students of color were enrolled beginning in 1968 and women were enrolled in the 1980s. Moreover, Stephen Girard’s will specified that "his walled campus could have no more than two entrances."
Founder’s Hall at Girard College is a National Historic Landmark and can be visited as a walk-in or call to schedule a group tour!
Girard College: 2101 South College Avenue
Hours: Thursdays 9am-3pm, walk-in tour
What is your favorite outdoor activity in Philadelphia?
The Penn Relays. Last weekend in April.
Hosted annually since April 21, 1895 by the University of Pennsylvania, the Penn Relays is the longest uninterrupted collegiate and high school track meet in the US. In addition, the Relays were featured on “The Cosby Show” in 1986 and the Ennis Cosby Memorial Prep School Boy's 4x400 honors Mr. Cosby’s son.
Please visit The Penn Relays for event schedule, tickets and much more!
What is your favorite indoor activity in Philadelphia?
Temple versus any in the Big 5 basketball.
The Big 5, an unofficial local college basketball league, is comprised of the University of Pennsylvania, La Salle University, Saint Joseph's University, Temple University, and Villanova University.
Please visit PhiladelphiaBig5.org for game schedule, ticket information and more!
What is your favorite sound or noise in Philadelphia?
The crowd noise in the third turn on the University of Pennsylvania’s track, when a runner from waaaay back begins to overtake the number one runner.
What is your favorite smell or taste in Philadelphia?
Soft pretzel with mustard. Orange soda after a couple bites of any protein, of course.
What drink best reflects Philadelphia?
Is it Frank’s? Frank’s.
Invented in 1807 by Philadelphia's own Dr. Philip Syng Physick, Frank’s still cans its famous Black Cherry Wishniak Soda and Vanilla Cream Soda - sold in specialty stores and markets around the city and beyond.
What song or type of music best reflects Philadelphia?
Anything those three guys in the painting, The Spirit of ‘76, are playing.
Painted by Archibald MacNeal Willard (1836–1918), The Spirit of ’76 depicts three patriots, two playing drums and one playing a fife, while marching across a battlefield during the American Revolution.
If Heaven were Philadelphia, what would God say to a visitor when they arrive at the Pearly Gates?
God would say, THIS IS HEAVEN NOT NORRISTOWN. NOT PAOLI. NOT BRYN MAWR AND NOT ...
God would also say, you WILL eat scrapple.
Bill Cosby: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Phone: ***
