Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Bill Cosby Scheduled To Appear At Harding

Comedian Bill Cosby, perhaps one of the most influential stars in America today, will be bringing his stand-up comedy act to Harding University next month on February 13.

Cosby will perform two shows in the university's Benson Auditorium. The school has brought him to Searcy as one of many of Harding's special events during its year-long celebration of the university's 75th anniversary. Tickets to both the 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. shows are $18.

The Emmy-winning actor, author, Jell-O pitchman and stately storyteller currently stars in two television shows for CBS Cosby and Kids Say the Darndest Things . His Cosby show regularly wins its time slot in the ratings race and is a hit for CBS.

But prior to his latest sitcom, Cosby practically ruled NBC with his number one hit The Cosby Show , which ran on the peacock network from 1984-92. The show resulted in a spin-off titled A Different World , which Cosby helped produce for seven years.

In addition to his television sitcoms, Cosby has recorded 21 comedy albums, written two best-selling books Fatherhood and Time Flies , written a series of children's books called the Little Bill Books , and continues to tour the country with his comedy routines.

The humor in his routines centers on the basic cornerstones of human existence and seeks to provide insight into the roles of parents, men, women and children. The Philadelphia native has always opted for clean humor and still does. He's known to call young comics and ask them why they sell out for cheap laughs with offensive humor.

The 61-year-old Cosby thrives on his television work and comedy routines and has no plans to retire. "Besides," he says, "your public will retire you." He said his work helped him through a very difficult 1997, the year his son was murdered. And his work perhaps brought him his greatest achievement this past December when he was honored at the Kennedy Center for his successful career.

Tickets are still available for his Harding appearance. Call 501-279-4255 for further ticket information.