There are but a few comedians that have had the ability to entertain the masses for more than just a moment. They are people whose names can be remembered by gerations, across the globe. To these few, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is given.
Bill Cosby recieved this honor yesterday, at an event filled with stars and fans. Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Sinbad, Malcolm Jamal-Warner, Phylicia Rashad, Rita Moreno, and many others were on hand to celebrate the gift of humor that Cosby has shared with us all for decades.
Without a single curse, without a need to be ghettofabulous, Cosby has acheived greatness and opened doors for all that have come after him. There would be no Martin, no Lining Single, no In Living Color, and on without Cosby and I Spy. There would be arguably be no Tyler Perry without The Cosby Show. His footprints cover movies, television, and stand-up comedy.
Many may not realize it, but back in the 80's as the Cosby Show was shocking Hollywood that an African American family could be successful and funny, and America would flock to it in droves, Dr. Bill Cosby had the chance to buy NBC - and turned the deal down. Just having such an option is remarkable. In fact I only can recall one other star that was capable of such a feat, Dezi Arnaz (who oddly enough was also a person of color).
These days Dr. Cosby may be covered by the media mostly for his comments about our society, and Black culture. It's an insight that is both piercing and accurate. No statement ever causes more discussion and complaint than the absolute truth. But I believe he has earned the right to chide the very same people that he joked with through out their formative years.
For all these reasons, I am glad to know that Dr. Bill Cosby has received the Mark Twain Prize. Because it is his ability to communicate with us, in humor and abject gravity, that defines what he was and is today. Like Mark Twain he has used the American language and culture to inform, educate, and unify us. As I said, few can ever hope to acheive such great levels, and when they do we should take note.
Keep an eye out. The tribute will air on PBS on November 4th. It will surely be worthy of watching.
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