The net worth of Bill Cosby is estimated to be $400 million as of 2024.
William Henry Cosby Jr. is a prominent American comedian, actor, and media personality who has had a significant impact on American and African-American culture. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of the beloved character Cliff Huxtable on the popular television show "The Cosby Show" (1984–1992), earning him the nickname "America's Dad."
Cosby's career began as a stand-up comic in San Francisco during the 1960s, where he performed at the "Hungry I" nightclub. He went on to release several stand-up comedy albums, earning consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album from 1965 to 1970. He continued his acting career with the sitcom "The Bill Cosby Show," which aired for two seasons from 1969 to 1971.
However, Cosby has faced numerous allegations of sexual assault, which gained widespread attention in 2014 after comedian Hannibal Buress made them a topic in his stand-up routine. This prompted more women to come forward with accusations against Cosby. Though Cosby has been recognized for his contributions with numerous awards and honorary degrees, the majority of them were revoked after allegations of sexual assault.
In 2018, he was convicted of aggravated indecent assault against Andrea Constand, leading to his imprisonment. However, his conviction was vacated in June 2021 by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania due to violations of Cosby's 5th and 14th Amendment due process rights. Cosby has faced continued legal issues following his release from prison.
Who is Bill Cosby?
William Henry Cosby Jr. is a former American comedian, actor, spokesman, and media personality. Cosby was known as America's Dad because of his role as Cliff Huxtable on The Cosby Show from 1984 to 1992. Many awards and honorary degrees were taken away after sexual assault allegations were made in 2014.
| Real Name | William Henry Cosby Jr. |
| Alias | Bill Cosby |
| Net worth | Estimated $400 million |
| DOB(Age) | July 12, 1937 (85 years old) |
| Height | 6 feet |
| Weight | 88 kg |
| Gender | Man |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Partner/Spouse | Camille Hanks (m.1964) |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Profession | Actor, Comedian |
What is Bill Cosby’s Net Worth in 2024?
The estimated net worth of Bill Cosby is $400 million as of April 2023. During the height of his success on "The Cosby Show," Bill Cosby was the highest-paid television actor in America.
Cosby brought in a base salary of $1 million per episode, but with his producing, creator, syndication, and other income streams combined, he earned a staggering $4 million per episode, equivalent to $8 million in today's dollars. He also owned a 20% equity stake in the show, which brought in hundreds of millions of dollars in syndication royalties over the years.
Using his earnings, Cosby made shrewd investments in real estate and built up an extensive art collection worth over $150 million. Combined with his real estate holdings, which fluctuate in value, his total wealth could be upwards of $250 million. However, his legal troubles in recent years have taken a significant toll on his finances. Cosby has reportedly spent millions on his legal defense, and he could face millions more in future damages.
How did Bill Cosby make his money?
Bill Cosby made his money primarily through his career as a comedian, actor, and media personality. He became rich and well-known for playing Cliff Huxtable on the popular TV show “The Cosby Show” from 1984 to 1992. Cosby also had a successful stand-up comedy career, appeared in various films and TV shows, and worked as a spokesperson.
Sources of Income
Television
Bill Cosby's main sources of income have been the royalties and syndications from "The Cosby Show," among others. He had previously made money from endorsements and advertisements, but it is unknown how much. After the allegations of sexual assault against Cosby surfaced in 2014, his sources of income were undoubtedly reduced.
Before creating his iconic show, "The Cosby Show," Cosby was already a huge earner. In fact, he turned down a $3.5 million contract to launch his own production company, which would eventually lead to his own comedy albums and TV shows such as "Fat Albert" and "The Bill Cosby Show."
However, it was his time on "The Cosby Show" that made him one of the wealthiest people in the entertainment industry. The show aired from 1984 to 1992, during which he was earning an impressive $4 million per episode (equivalent to $8 million today). Syndication deals for the show have generated over $1.5 billion in the last two decades alone, with Cosby earning at least $300 million from his 20% ownership of the profits.
In addition to his earnings from "The Cosby Show," Cosby has made millions from endorsements, movie appearances, live comedy shows, and other TV series, although not all of his ventures were as successful. His 2014 comedy tour alone grossed $11 million over 100 shows.
Expenditure
Philanthropy
Bill Cosby has been actively involved with numerous organizations and charities throughout his career. Some of the organizations he has worked with include the Airlift Research Foundation, the Bob Woodruff Foundation, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
He has also been associated with the Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation, the Jackie Robinson Foundation, Jumpstart, Keep A Child Alive, and the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. However, the amount Cosby donated to these charities is unknown.
Car Collection
Bill Cosby owns a 1972 BMW 02 Series and a Shelby Cobra CSX 3303, though little is known about his car collection.
Art Collection
Bill Cosby, along with his wife Camille, is also known for having one of the most valuable private art collections in the country.
The collection features a wide range of pieces from well-known artists like Renoir, Rembrandt, Picasso, and Matisse, as well as works by American artists like Thomas Hart Benton. Cosby began collecting art in the 1960s, and over the years, the collection has grown significantly in value. Estimates suggest that the collection could be worth upwards of $150 million.
Real Estate Assets
Bill has built up an impressive real estate portfolio worth more than $100 million, with substantial holdings in Pennsylvania and Beverly Hills. His Beverly Hills estate alone could be worth as much as $60 million based on recent comparable sales, with some estimates suggesting a value closer to $80 million.
