Bill Cosby in Rochester This Week | Arts & Culture

One of America's most prolific comedians of all time, Bill Cosby has dazzled generations of fans with his comedy routines, also captured on his iconic albums, best-selling books such as Fatherhood and the groundbreaking The Cosby Show. His comedy transcends age, gender, and cultural barriers. <?xml:namespace prefix = o />

Cosby broke television's racial barrier with a role in I Spy, becoming the first African American to costar on a television series and win three consecutive Emmys for "Outstanding Lead Actor" in the dramatic series. The veteran comic hosted the Emmy-winning cartoon Fat Albert and Cosby Kids, which began airing in the 1970s and was made into a film in 2004.

Perhaps Cosby's greatest contribution to American entertainment and culture is The Cosby Show, which featured a close-knit, upper class black family. Cosby said his intent was to portray an American family, and Time magazine called the show "an encouraging sign of maturity in matters of race." The Cosby Show dominated the No. One spot for years, earning nearly unanimous critical praise.

Don't miss an evening with Bill Cosby Friday, September 30th in the Mayo Civic Center's Auditorium in Rochester. Tickets are $50.50 and $68.50. For more information go to http://www.mayociviccenter.com/upcoming_events/eventdetails.aspx?eventid=17001.