At 81, the veteran actor once affectionately dubbed “America’s Dad” has been sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for sexually assaulting multiple women. In addition to the prison term, he was fined $25,000 and officially designated a “sexually violent predator” under Pennsylvania law—a label he will carry for the rest of his life.
“America’s Spiritual Treasure”
Born in 1937 into a poor family in Philadelphia, Bill Cosby worked part-time at a local supermarket from a young age to help support his parents. Like many children growing up in impoverished neighborhoods across mid-20th-century America, Cosby was mischievous yet well-liked for his sense of humor. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and later attended college, working as a bartender to pay for his education.
Working at the bar proved to be a turning point in Cosby’s life. One day, when the regular comedian couldn’t perform, Cosby stepped in with his natural flair for humor. The performance was a success, paving the way for his future in entertainment.
In 1963, Cosby officially entered the entertainment industry with an appearance on NBC’s “The Tonight Show.” His performance led to a contract with Warner Brothers, and his talent quickly shone through. He released several successful comedy albums and began performing at Greenwich Village nightclubs by 1973.
Unlike many comedians of the time, Cosby didn’t rely on slapstick or musical antics. He simply talked—but his charm made his shows highly engaging.
A Fall from Grace
In 2005, Andrea Constand, a former employee at a university Cosby had attended, accused him of drugging and sexually assaulting her at his home in 2004. Due to insufficient evidence, prosecutors initially declined to press charges.
Undeterred, Constand filed a civil lawsuit against Cosby. Although 13 other women had similar accusations, only Constand’s case proceeded due to the statute of limitations. Twelve of the other women agreed to testify against Cosby. Their accounts of his assaults were strikingly similar. Despite Cosby’s denials, he settled with Constand in 2006.
As Cosby attempted a comeback, a resurgence of accusations emerged, with over 50 women alleging sexual assault or rape. His lawyers questioned why these women hadn’t come forward earlier. Cosby himself dismissed the allegations as false.
However, court documents from a 2005 deposition revealed Cosby admitted to giving Quaaludes—a sedative—to women he wanted to have sex with.
In response, TV Land canceled plans to revive “The Cosby Show,” his statue was removed from MGM Hollywood’s theme park, and several universities rescinded honorary degrees. Cosby also resigned from Temple University’s board of trustees.
Due to the statute of limitations, only Constand’s case led to criminal charges. The 2017 trial ended without a verdict. A retrial began on September 4, 2018, and on September 25, Judge Steven T. O’Neill convicted Cosby of sexual assault. He was sentenced to at least three years in prison, with a maximum of ten years.
Beyond prison time, Cosby was fined $25,000 and ordered to pay court costs. Under Pennsylvania law, he was officially labeled a “sexually violent predator,” requiring monthly counseling and lifelong registration as a sex offender. Neighbors and schools will be notified of his status.
Cosby is the first celebrity convicted and sentenced in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
