Bill Cosby, an actor, comedian, musician and author for nearly 50 years, landed his first starring role in the television show ‘I Spy.’ Then, Cosby starred in and produced the hit ‘The Cosby Show’ for eight seasons. Cosby has garnered much praise throughout his career, receiving a multitude of Emmy and Grammy awards and honorary degrees. Cosby took some time to chat with The Daily Orange before his Syracuse visit this weekend.

The Daily Orange: What’s your favorite joke you’ve ever told?

Bill Cosby: If I told you that, I’d probably have to kill you. It’s something current that I’m bringing with me on this tour, and since I’m too afraid to test new material on people, I’ll be testing it on this tour. I’m self-conscious and not as brave as other comedians. It’s a favorite because it’s clever, but not too clever.

Have you ever regretted a joke?

When I was 5 years old in the business, I ad-libbed 20 minutes about something I thought was hilarious but just didn’t work. It took me a while to realize that you have to back off ad-libbing if it’s not gelling with your audience. It has to work. I’m not afraid of an audience being quiet during a setup, though. I’m a storyteller, and I’m not big on one-liners, so I operate differently than most performers.

Have you ever been to Syracuse?

I have played two shows there and it was marvelous. It’s great when you feel like you’re friends with the audience, and this time I’m going to sit down and make people laugh. I’ll be on the same level as the youthful college students. It’ll be swinging.

What is it like being on tour?

I always, obviously, have to get from one place to another, and I’m glad I’ve owned planes for 35 years. They’ve probably added an extra 10 years to my life with how easy they make things. I get up and board my own plane instead of waiting for hours at an airport, which is such a hassle. I hate airports because they take away my nail clippers when I just want to clip my fingernails, and there’s so much waiting and checking in and back to waiting again. It eases the travel pains. When I can’t fly, it’s hard. I remember being in Upstate New York, and my next gig was in Pennsylvania. I had to get in a car for six hours to get there. Flying isn’t about looking like a fat cat smoking a cigar. It’s convenient for me.

Which of your catchphrases is your favorite?

It’s probably one from an old routine I did about changes from being single to getting used to the married life. I’d always start the joke, and people would wait for me to say it and say it along with me when I did, which is the best feeling in the world. It was: ‘I didn’t know if it was the seventh year or the 15th.’

ervanrhe@syr.edu

Published on November 16, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Contact Erik: ervanrhe@syr.edu | @therealvandyman