From Little Bill and Jell-O to the Cosby Show, funny man Bill Cosby will be performing at the Stranahan Theater in Toledo Sunday. With a history spanning more than five decades, Cosby has been making fans laugh without the use of profanity or lewd jokes.
His career began in the 1960s when he began doing stand-up at different venues across the country, according to his website. This led to a string of best-selling comedy albums and a role on TV’s “I Spy” making him the first black man to co-star in a dramatic series.
But his most successful project, “The Cosby Show,” launched the comedian to stardom and made Bill Cosby a household name. Show attendees will be able to sit back and enjoy a wholesome performance without having to worry about adult humor or inappropriate language.
“His performances stress on the importance of family and life lessons,” said Kim Harjo, Cosby’s assistant publicist. “Bill likes to talk to families and connect to people of all ages. He makes you feel like you’re sitting in a living room having conversation with a friend.”
Performances Sunday will be at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets will be between $39.50 and $59.50 depending on seat location.
Though Cosby may appeal to an older generation, student fans like Ricky Maynard said having a big figure come to Ohio is a great honor.
“Cosby is a prestigious celebrity who has been around for a long time,” Maynard said. “It’s awesome he’s coming to Toledo and the community should be excited.”
Cosby’s stop in Toledo is part of his Midwest tour, and he will be making more stops at several locations across the country. John Nittolo has been Cosby’s promoting adviser for 10 years and said every show has a different routine but produces a lot of laughs.
“He [Cosby] cares about every single show and every audience,” Nittolo said. “Cosby is great because he tries to make a bond with the city and the crowd. Everything he does is all improv so you can tell he’s a real genuine person with a good heart.”