bill cosby funny face

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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22-02-2025

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Bill Cosby's "Funny Face": A Look Back at the Classic Comedy Album

Bill Cosby's comedic genius is undeniable. One of his most celebrated works, and a cornerstone of his early career, is the comedy album Bill Cosby Is a Very Funny Fellow...Right!, often referred to simply as Funny Face. Released in 1963, this album cemented Cosby's status as a comedic force, paving the way for his later television success and influencing generations of comedians. This exploration delves into why Funny Face remains relevant and hilarious decades later.

The Genius of Cosby's Observational Humor in "Funny Face"

Funny Face showcases Cosby's mastery of observational humor. He didn't rely on shock value or edgy material. Instead, he found humor in the everyday experiences of ordinary people. His sharp eye for detail and his ability to find the funny in the mundane is what set him apart. Cosby's comedic timing was impeccable, allowing him to build tension and then deliver the punchline with perfect precision.

Cosby’s routines often involved detailed anecdotes and character studies. He wasn't just telling jokes; he was creating miniature narratives filled with relatable characters and situations. This created a level of intimacy and connection with the audience, making his comedy feel personal and engaging.

Notable Sketches and Bits from "Funny Face"

Several standout routines within Funny Face solidified his comedic style:

• The Noah's Ark routine: A hilarious take on the biblical story, highlighting Cosby's ability to weave together absurdity and sharp observation. He masterfully uses physical comedy and character work to bring the animals to life.

• The chitlins routine: A bit that tackled cultural perceptions and racial dynamics with humor and nuance, a hallmark of Cosby's ability to use comedy to address complex social issues.

• The "I'm not a dentist" routine: A perfectly structured piece of observational comedy that plays with miscommunication and misunderstanding. The absurdity of the situation, coupled with Cosby's delivery, creates a truly memorable and side-splitting performance.

These routines, and many others on the album, highlighted Cosby's gift for storytelling. He could paint vivid pictures with words, bringing his characters and situations to life for the listener. His ability to inhabit these different personas added another layer to his comedic brilliance.

The Lasting Legacy of "Funny Face"

While Cosby's later career and personal life have cast a shadow over his legacy, the comedic brilliance displayed on Funny Face remains undeniable. The album stands as a testament to his talent, showcasing his unique ability to find humor in the everyday and connect with audiences on a profound level. Many comedians cite Cosby as a major influence, and the impact of Funny Face on the landscape of stand-up comedy is undeniable.

Funny Face represents a pivotal moment in comedy history. It's a reminder of Cosby's early comedic genius and the enduring power of observational humor. Even with the controversies surrounding his later life, the album itself continues to be a significant piece of comedic history, showcasing a unique talent before the scandals that later engulfed his career. It's a complex legacy, but the album's impact on comedy is undeniable.

Further Exploration:

• Listen to the album yourself – it's readily available online and offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in comedic history.
• Research other early works by Bill Cosby to see the evolution of his comedic style.
• Compare Funny Face to later works by Cosby to see how his comedic approach changed over time.

This exploration has hopefully offered a more nuanced look at Funny Face and its place in comedy history. While the artist's personal life is separate from the art, understanding the context of this influential album is crucial to appreciating its impact on comedy.