LOS ANGELES (October 26, 2006) — Legendary comedian, television and film actor, producer and writer, Bill Cosby will be inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, Access Hollywood has learned.
The Hall of Fame Award will be presented during ?The 38TH NAACP Image Awards? in Los Angeles. The awards ceremony will air live on Friday, March 2 on FOX.
“Bill Cosby is a visionary performer whose extraordinary work has been embraced by people of all races and cultures. One of the most successful and well respected entertainers in the world; he is a brilliant social commentator and ardent political activist. He and his wife, Camille, are major philanthropists who continue to invest their personal time and resources for the advancement of our community. We are delighted that he will be present to accept this honor, which he richly deserves,” said Bruce S. Gordon, president and CEO of the NAACP.
Image Awards Chairperson Clayola Brown noted, ?Cosby is a true humanitarian and role model in the entertainment world. His use of raceless humor became his trademark and attracted wide audience appeal. Through his outreach efforts, real life storytelling, emphasis on family values and encouragement for peace and love, he has influenced generations and we are proud to bestow this honor on him.”
The Hall of Fame Award is given to an individual who “is a pioneer in his or her respective field and whose influence will shape the profession for generations to come. This individual is recognized for his or her impact nationally and internationally and for a career which exemplifies high artistic achievement, professionalism and public service.”
Best known for his comedy and the wildly successful NBC series that was named after him, Cosby has been reinventing and reshaping the landscape of television culture for over four decades. His work is recognized by his peers and acclaimed by audiences worldwide.
Bill Cosby is the recipient of two NAACP Image Awards, one for Outstanding Performance in a Youth or Children’s Series/Special for ?Little Bill? and the other for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for ?The Cosby Show.? Bill Cosby has also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Kennedy Center Honors, and The Spingarn Medal; he has won nine Grammys, three Golden Globe Awards, five Emmy Awards and in 2003, he received the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences? prestigious “Bob Hope Humanitarian Award” honor.
In addition to his television and comedy credits, Bill Cosby has a long history of social activism and contributes his time and funds to a variety of humanitarian causes. He has hosted countless charity events, making donations and sending gifts to support education in various colleges (Spellman, Howard, and Fisk University) and other social and civil rights organizations.
He has also written books including “Childhood,” “Cosbyology,” “Time Flies, Love and Marriage” and “Fatherhood”.
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