Cosby Family Genealogy & History

William Henry Cosby Jr., born on July 12, 1937, is a retired American comedian, actor, and media personality recognized for his groundbreaking work in the entertainment industry. Famous for his role as Cliff Huxtable in "The Cosby Show," Cosby also holds the record for the most Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album. His career highlights include winning three Primetime Emmy Awards for his role in "I Spy," making him the first Black actor to achieve this. Despite his success, his reputation was marred by numerous allegations of sexual misconduct, leading to legal issues and the revocation of several honors.

Bill Cosby was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Anna Pearl (née Hite), a maid, and William Henry Cosby Sr., a mess steward in the U.S. Navy. He is one of four sons and was known for his humor from a young age, often joking around instead of studying. His early life was marked by a strong involvement in sports, and he later served in the Navy before pursuing higher education at Temple University.

Camille Olivia Cosby is a distinguished American television producer and philanthropist, renowned for her management role in her husband Bill Cosby's ventures. As a shrewd businesswoman, she contributed to the development of The Cosby Show, influencing the portrayal of the Huxtable family. Camille earned a master's degree and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, reflecting her dedication to academia. She co-founded the National Visionary Leadership Project and supported African-American literature through book forewords and her published works.

Camille was born on March 20, 1944, in Washington D.C., to Guy A. Hanks Sr., a chemist, and Catherine C. Hanks, who worked at a nursery. Both parents were college-educated, with her father attending Fisk University and her mother graduating from Howard University.

Ennis William Cosby, born on April 15, 1969, was the only son of renowned American comedian Bill Cosby and Camille Cosby. Despite battling undiagnosed dyslexia during his early education, Ennis excelled academically after being diagnosed, eventually earning a bachelor's degree from Morehouse College and a master's from Columbia University. He was pursuing a doctorate in special education at Columbia's Teachers College and aspired to establish a school for children with learning disabilities. Tragically, Ennis's promising life was cut short at age 27 when he was murdered during a failed robbery attempt in Los Angeles on January 16, 1997.

Ennis Cosby was the third child and only son of Bill and Camille Cosby, with four sisters: Erika, Erinn, Ensa, and Evin. He grew up in Southern California, Pennsylvania, and New York City. Ennis's struggles with dyslexia inspired the character Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, reflecting Bill Cosby's real-life experiences with his son's academic challenges. Bill Cosby affectionately honored Ennis's legacy through the children's television show Little Bill and the jazz collection "Hello, Friend: To Ennis With Love."

Mary Martha Cosby, an American television personality, gained fame as a cast member on Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City." She became known for her role in the show, which was inspired by her unique presence, and returned as a full-time cast member in its fifth season. Cosby also appeared on "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen." Her career in reality TV has been marked by significant moments, including her absence from the show's third season and her return in subsequent seasons.

Mary Cosby's family background is notable, with her grandmother, Rosemary "Mama" Cosby, founding the Faith Temple Pentecostal Church in 1968. Following Rosemary's passing in 1997, family disputes arose over her assets, involving Mary's mother, Rosalind Cazares. Mary later married her step-grandfather, Bishop Robert C. Cosby, which led to her estrangement from her mother. She has one son, Robert Jr., and resides in Salt Lake City.