Cosby coming to Genesee Theatre
It's 1 p.m. sharp, and I'm calling entertainer Bill Cosby for a scheduled telephone interview.
"Is Mr. Cosby there, please?" I politely ask the gentleman who picks up on the other end of the line.
"No! And don't call here anymore!" a voice barks back at me. "Now what do you want?"
My heart does a flip-flop. I've obviously reached a wrong number.
Or have I?
I hear a familiar chuckle. And I realize it's him -- the legendary Bill Cosby, doing what he does best - having fun and being funny.
At age 72, Cosby is one of America's best-loved entertainers. We've listened to his Grammy Award-winning comedy albums from the 1960s, laughed along with his "Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids" cartoon characters of the 1970s and saw him break down racial barriers and change the face of television in the '80s with his hit family sitcom "The Cosby Show."
In October, Cosby received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
Cosby will bring his own comical view of life to Waukegan's Genesee Theatre for two shows on Saturday, Nov. 14.
He took some time to chat about how he creates his comedy routines, his newly released hip-hop CD, and how he has now ventured (with some help from wife Camille) into the world of cyberspace.
Q. Your comedy routines have always been known for their humor about everyday life. What is funny in the world today?
A. I have no idea what is funny in the world today. I have never really jumped into the foray of politics (in comedy). I talk about how to cook a turkey, how to make great stuffing, how to react to and "attack" a grandchild. I try to connect people, so that when people leave my show, first of all, their grin and laugh muscles have had a wonderful workout. And then I try to connect them about things we all experience -- like when they go home, look at their child and say, "How did he get in my house?"
Q. With the lack of profanity in your comedy routines, are audience members of all ages welcome at your shows -- from young children to seniors?
A. All ages -- you can even bring a child you are breast-feeding to my show - and the baby can go "Waaaa!" right in the middle of it. I've heard it all - I've raised five children, and I have three grandchildren. I am quite adept at talking over any child trying to get the attention of a mother and father.
Q. How do you create your comedy routines - do you write them out first, or do you create some of them right there on stage?
A. I am a number two pencil and legal pad kind of guy. If I sat in front of something that types, I would be waiting for someone to come and take my seat. I've acquired my own system of symbols when I write - there are arrows and hooks and things - I know exactly what it all means on the paper.
Q. Is there anything special that you have planned for your two Waukegan shows?
A. Yes. I'm going to pay tribute to (comedian, radio star and Waukegan native) Jack Benny. I used to hear Jack talk about Waukegan so much.
Q. With your fatherly roles such as Heathcliff Huxtable on TV's "The Cosby Show," and your best-selling books including "Fatherhood," you have at times been referred to as "America's Dad." Do you like that title?
A. No - I've always rejected that. I just want to be your friend.
Q. You have always promoted positive values for youth -- getting a good education and having positive self-esteem. Tell me about the new hip-hop CD, "Bill Cosby Presents the Cosnarati: State of Emergency," that contains upbeat messages for youth. You don't perform on it yourself, but three rappers do.
A. It happened because I met some fellows years ago and they were doing rap, and their selections and choice of words had to do with the same kind of philosophy I have - making sure that youth realize the importance of valuing yourself - valuing your intelligence and your self esteem, speaking out when you are hurt. I brought these fellows some themes, and they began to write some songs - and the way they place the words and the sounds (on the CD) - I just think it's absolutely wonderful.
Q. What would you tell a youngster who has a specific dream of becoming something -- an author, a doctor, a teacher?
A. Study. Learn how to learn. Then you will have a love for learning. And then my tweet or my "tootie" or my "tweetie" for everyone is this -- and I mean this -- people, use that public library. You take your child to the library, and I guarantee you that you can go anywhere in the world. You can study physics, geometry -- you can learn how to grow vegetables. The whole world is there - and outer space too.
Q. You mentioned a "tweet" a moment ago. I know you have your own Web site at billcosby.com. Are you very involved in this whole new world of social networking?
A. It's Mrs. Cosby. I think this is important for you and your readers to know this. I'm 72 years old. You can't teach an old dog new tricks. But if he's got a wife, she will MAKE him do some new tricks. So my wife put me into this tweeting, Twitter, twootie thing - and she's got my face on some book (Facebook). I've got my own Web site and iSpace, and I'm on YouTube - and I have no idea what it is, and I don't touch it. But I'm out there somewhere in cyberspace. But I do know when people are multi-faceting and tweeting and tubing and tooting -- I just don't want them doing it at my show!
Bill Cosby
When: 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
Where: The Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.
Tickets: $39.50-$75. Call (800) 982-2787