One of the most popular and endearing comic personalities around, Bill Cosby has led a legendary career with efforts in the realms of stand-up comedy, books, film and television. After performing for years as a stand-up comedian, he first began getting television and film roles in the 1960s and eventually landed his own sitcom. The Cosby Show, a 1980s show revolving around an affluent African-American family living in New York, would put him on the map a one of the world's most renowned entertainers. The sitcom ran for eight years and was groundbreaking in the effects it had on African-American portrayals in the mass media. Now into his 70s, Cosby continues to tour the country promoting his books and gathering support for socio-political causes.