Bill Cosby Live at the Hard Rock Live Seminole Casino, May 19, 2011 Hollywood, Fl

Bill Cosby has the distinction of being called an American Treasure. He landed a starring role in the 1960's television series, "I Spy." He later starred in his own comedy series, "The Bill Cosby Show." His cartoon series, "Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids," was a Saturday morning hit back in the 1970's and turned into a dismal live action film in 2004. In the 1980's he struck a chord with audiences all over the world with his groundbreaking situation comedy "The Cosby Show." It is still in major syndication markets across the globe.




Add actor, writer, director, author, television producer, educator, musician, Jell-O pudding spokesman (that's for us middle aged folks who remember the TV commercials), and activist to his incredible resume. One of his greatest accomplishments still remains as a comedian and stand-up performer. I had the pleasure of seeing Cosby live in concert way back in the 1980's. It was one of those nights that I laughed so hard I cried, literally. If you don't believe me rent his DVD "Bill Cosby Himself." Your sides will be splitting the entire viewing. What's remarkable about the show is even now it isn't outdated. It's all about family, it's universal and timeless. For a comedian who has never worked blue (profanity in his comedy) Cosby is truly an original in the best sense of the word.





Bill may have grown older over these years (haven't we all), yet his humor on this night was still on par with the best of his past. His insights on life, family and the world are still refreshing and incredibly funny and ironic all at the same time. Taking the stage at the Hard Rock, Cosby was understated leisurely dressed in a sweatshirt with the saying "Hello Friend," (a tribute to his late son Ennis) and casual pants. Seated on a fold up chair, occasionally leaning on a table next to him, the comedian began to weave his magic web over the audience. One of Cosby's great storytelling effects are not only his jokes but facial expressions. Thankfully there were big screens flanking both sides of the stage; no gesture or batting of an eye was missed. Though there was the occasional heckler, they weren't that intrusive or rude. Being the ultimate showman and pro, Cosby rolled with the comments turning them all into comedic gems and serving them back to rounds of applause. His take on family beginning with his upbringing to today's generation is priceless and true to form. Thanks to Mr. Cosby I now know the difference between a parental beating and a Southern mom and dad whooping. I'm sure the kids in the audience after hearing his ''¹..."horror' stories of growing up back in the days when there wasn't 911 to call if your parents hit you are extremely happy someone invented the 'time-out.'




Bill Cosby is just down right funny and the 5000 in attendance hung on every word laughing hysterically throughout the entire two hour show. Wine is not the only thing that gets better with age and time. Bill Cosby is right up there and still standing among all the great American classics of our generation. Thank you Bill. I haven't laughed this hard in along time.