KNOXVILLE – Bill Cosby is, by any standards, one of the most influential stars in America today.  He will be returning to the historic Tennessee Theatre for two shows on December 6, 2009.

Whether it be through concert appearances or recordings,
television or films, commercials or education, Bill Cosby has the ability to
touch people’s lives.  His humor often centers on the basic cornerstones of
our existence, seeking to provide an insight into our roles as parents,
children, family members, and men and women.  Without resorting to gimmickry
or lowbrow humor, Bill Cosby’s comedy has a point of reference and respect
for the trappings and traditions of the great American humorists such as
Charlie Chaplin, Will Rogers, W.C. Fields and Groucho Marx.

The 1984-92 run of The Cosby Show and his books Fatherhood and Time Flies
established new benchmarks on how success is measured.  His status at the
top of the TVQ survey year after year continues to confirm his appeal as one
of the most popular personalities in America.  His lifelong contributions to
American culture were recognized with a Kennedy Center Honor in 1998 and the
Presidential Medal of Freedom in July 2002, America¹s highest civilian
honor.

Cosby has touched the hearts of a new generation of young children with his
Emmy Award winning Little Bill animated series, which aired daily on
Nickelodeon and Saturday mornings on CBS.  The show was based on Cosby’s
popular children’s books. His interest in young people also spawned his
best-selling book, Congratulations! Now What?, published by Hyperion. The
book contains his amusing yet wise take on college life and what lies ahead
for the new graduate in the real world.

Friends of a Feather: One of Life¹s Little Fables, a HarperEntertainment
book released in 2003, is a collaboration with his daughter, Erika, who did
the Illustrations.  It is a beautiful story that explores the theme of being
true to yourself.

I Am What I Ate … and I’m frightened!!!, published by HarperCollins was
released on September 21, 2004, was also on the New York Times Best Seller
List.  It offers a hip, humorous, hard-earned wisdom on the healthy
lifestyle and the behavior behind it.

Fatherhood was launched appropriately enough on Father’s Day as an animated
series on Nick at Nite.

Bill and Camille Cosby produced a live action/animated Fat Albert motion
picture in 2004.  A box office success, the movie introduced a new
generation to the loveable character and his friends initially famous
through the unforgettable Cosby comedy routines about them.  The Fat Albert
television show and feature now available on DVD.

He often neglected his studies for athletics and, after repeating the tenth
grade; he left school to join the Navy.  He finished high school via a
correspondence course while still in the service.  When he was discharged,
he enrolled at Temple University with an athletic scholarship and earned
academic honors.  His goal was to become a physical education teacher.  He
probably could have made it as a professional football player, but the world
is richer in laughter because he decided on show business.

As busy as he is with his many ventures, Cosby has been a crusader
throughout his career for a better world and for better understanding
between people.  Besides his involvement with a host of charity
organizations, Cosby is also an active trustee of his alma mater, Temple
University of Philadelphia.  As philanthropists, Bill and Camille Cosby have
made substantial gifts in support of education (most notably to
predominantly African American colleges) and to various social service and
civil rights organizations.

In addition, Cosby earned a Masters Degree in Education (M. Ed.) in 1972 and
his Doctorate in Education (Ed. D.) in 1977 from the University of
Massachusetts.  His doctoral thesis was titled “The Integration of Visual
Media Via Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids Into the Elementary Schools
Culminating as a Teacher Aid to Achieve Increased Learning.”

For more than five decades Bill Cosby has graced us through virtually every
entertainment outlet. Join us in celebrating his entrance into the World
Wide Web by visiting www.BillCosby.com.

What: Bill Cosby
When: Sunday, December 6, 3 and 7 p.m.
Where: Tennessee Theatre
How: Tickets are $125, $89, $69 and $49, plus applicable service fees,
available beginning Friday, September 11, at 10 a.m. at Tickets Unlimited
outlets, the Tennessee Theatre box office, by phone at 865-656-4444, or
online at http://www.tennesseetheatre.com.