Bill Cosby’s net worth is estimated at $200 million as of 2025–2026, significantly reduced from a peak of $300–400 million before a series of legal battles, settlements, and asset liquidations tied to sexual assault allegations. Cosby built his fortune through stand-up comedy, The Cosby Show syndication, decades of corporate endorsements, and a substantial art collection valued at more than $150 million.
Updated March 2026: According to RadarOnline, Cosby sold a Manhattan townhouse for $28 million in November 2025 to avoid foreclosure. In February 2026, a New York court ordered Cosby to disclose his financial records in connection with an ongoing civil lawsuit by Donna Motsinger, reported by TMZ. A second NYC townhouse was relisted at $6.75 million in February 2026.
William Henry Cosby Jr. was born on July 12, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Anna Pearl, a domestic worker, and William Henry Cosby Sr., a U.S. Navy steward. One of four brothers, Cosby grew up in a North Philadelphia housing project. He attended Philadelphia’s Central High School and later Germantown High School. After struggling academically, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1960 and earned his high school equivalency diploma during service.
After his discharge, Cosby enrolled at Temple University on a track and field scholarship. He left Temple to pursue comedy but returned later to complete his education, earning a B.A. in 1971, an M.A. in 1972, and a Doctor of Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1976, where his dissertation examined the educational value of the cartoon Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, according to Britannica.
Cosby began performing stand-up comedy in Philadelphia coffee houses in 1961 and moved to New York’s Greenwich Village circuit. His observational comedy style, focused on everyday childhood experiences and family life rather than racial politics, set him apart and led to a recording contract. He eventually won seven Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album.
His television career began with I Spy (NBC, 1965–1968), where he co-starred with Robert Culp as secret agent Alexander Scott — the first Black actor to star in a leading dramatic role on American network television. The role earned him three consecutive Emmy Awards. He created the animated series Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids (1972–1985) and hosted several game shows.
The Cosby Show (NBC, 1984–1992) became the defining achievement of his career. Playing obstetrician Cliff Huxtable, Cosby’s sitcom ranked No. 1 in Nielsen ratings for five consecutive seasons and is credited with reviving NBC’s Thursday night lineup. According to Wikipedia, Cosby negotiated a 20% ownership stake in the show’s syndication rights — a deal that generated more than $300 million in syndication revenue during his peak wealth years.
Cosby married Camille Hanks on January 25, 1964. They have five children: Erika (b. 1965), Erinn (b. 1966), Ennis (1969–1997), Ensa (1973–2018), and Evin (b. 1976). The couple suffered two significant family tragedies: son Ennis was murdered in a roadside robbery in 1997, and daughter Ensa died of renal disease in 2018.
Beginning in 2014, more than 60 women came forward with allegations that Cosby had drugged and sexually assaulted them over several decades. Cosby was convicted on three counts of aggravated indecent assault in 2018 but was released in 2021 after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned the conviction on procedural grounds. Civil lawsuits have continued through 2026, including a case by Donna Motsinger alleging a 1972 assault, in which deposition testimony acknowledged supplying Quaaludes to women. A New York court ordered Cosby to disclose financial records in February 2026 to determine whether assets had been transferred to his wife to shield them from civil judgments.
Bill Cosby’s net worth is estimated at approximately $200 million as of 2025–2026, per RadarOnline. This figure represents a substantial reduction from a peak of $300–400 million before legal costs, settlements, asset liquidations, and the loss of endorsement income following sexual assault allegations. His art collection, valued at over $150 million, represents a large share of remaining assets.
Bill Cosby married Camille Hanks on January 25, 1964. The couple has been together for over 60 years. Camille Cosby has served as a producer and close business partner throughout his career, and courts have raised questions about financial transfers made to her in connection with ongoing civil litigation. She has stood by Cosby through his criminal trial and subsequent civil suits.
Bill Cosby was born on July 12, 1937, making him 88 years old as of July 2026. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and grew up in the city’s North Philadelphia neighborhood before his Navy service and Temple University education. He is one of the oldest living major American entertainers of his generation.
Bill Cosby stands 6 feet tall (1.83 m), according to his long-documented biographical records on IMDb. His physical presence contributed to his commanding stage presence during stand-up performances and his television roles.
Bill Cosby and Camille Cosby have five children: Erika (b. 1965), Erinn (b. 1966), Ennis (1969–1997), Ensa (1973–2018), and Evin (b. 1976). Son Ennis was killed in a 1997 Los Angeles roadside robbery, and daughter Ensa died in 2018 from kidney disease. Two of his children predeceased him in high-profile tragedies that received national media coverage.
Cosby has been liquidating real estate assets amid ongoing civil litigation and legal costs. In November 2025, he sold a Manhattan townhouse for $28 million to prevent foreclosure, according to Realtor.com. A second NYC townhouse was relisted for $6.75 million in February 2026 following renovations. Courts have ordered him to disclose complete financial records in connection with Donna Motsinger’s civil lawsuit.