Crazy Bill Cosby

Most people remember Bill Cosby as Cliff Huxtable from the hit sitcom, "The Cosby Show" (1984-92).  But before and after that, he's been best-known for his stand-up.  Hit, Grammy-winning comedy albums in the 1960s cemented his status as one of the finest comedians ever.  But since the "Cosby Show" ended, he's spent 20+ years as an odd caricature of himself, making political statements, fending off a nasty lawsuit, piloting several blase series and films ("The Cosby Mysteries," "Kids Say the Darndest Things," "Cosby," "Fat Albert") and generally seeming (to some people) like a crazy old man.  It's been hard to watch, especially because he's only 75.  Part of it could be the murder of his only son, Ennis, in 1997.  I saw him perform stand-up in 1995 and he was spot-on.

Now, through the magic of YouTube, I can confuse things even further.  Here's Bill guest-hosting "The Tonight Show" in 1974...



He seems charmingly goofy as always.  Same goes for this guest-hosting stint in 1986 in an interview with Andy Griffith about the then-new series, "Matlock"...


And it's no longer online, but someone used to have Bill's final appearance as a guest (with host Johnny Carson) in 1992, which was equally nutty.  So I guess this proves that he should stick with stand-up.  And if this clip is any indication, he has still got it...


That's Cosby with David Letterman on March 19 of this year.  I totally expected this to be more weirdness, but he NAILS it.  Even when you think he's going smug, it's all part of a routine and he KILLS.  Thanks, Bill Cosby. :)  For a fascinating look at the demands Cosby puts on his writers, visit Earl Pomerantz's blog. (Pomerantz wrote the famous goldfish funeral episode, and guided the show early on... he has some great insight into Cosby's grueling creative process).