Bill Cosby, Himself

Bill Cosby

BY Vish KhannaPublished Aug 1, 2004

A year before he became America's dad on the smash series The Cosby Show, the master comedian released this hilarious document of a stand-up concert he performed at the Hamilton Place Performing Arts Center. Though he is often acclaimed for his inventive stories and colourful cast of characters, here Cosby relies almost exclusively upon the observational humour that so inspired followers like Jerry Seinfeld in their approach. Just shy of 50 at the time, Cosby treats the crowd to a mostly G-rated show, whose recurring familial themes foreshadow the successful format and groundbreaking work of his impending NBC series. The show begins with Cosby going on an incredulous straight-edge rant about people who get drunk and high. "I'll never understand these people who work all week just to destroy themselves on the weekend," Cosby snaps before doing a hilarious "talking to the toilet" bit. It's a bit square, even for teetotallers, but Cosby's singular expressions make it an entertaining routine. Few things can top Cosby's classic dentist bit, which finds him mimicking the sound and contorted gestures of the temporarily needle numbed. The family stuff follows in droves, as Cosby recreates his experiences as a father of four (three girls, one boy) right from the trials of learning about natural childbirth (Cosby's breathing exercises are too much) to dealing with "brain dead" children who in turn stifle the intellect of their parents. As Bill Cosby, Himself demonstrates, it would take more than batty children to knock the Cos off of his comedy throne. Plus: Trailer. (Fox)

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